Raising the criterion requires authorization from the Center’s Buy-Quiet Program Manager (typically an industrial hygienist) using the Criterion Adjustment Authorization Form 
(127 KB). Use this option when research—including discussions with potential vendors, surveys of online databases and external specifications, and internet searches—indicate that a higher sound level limit is necessary in order to enable several acceptable proposals to be considered.
Note: Remember that achieving reduced noise exposure pays lasting dividends for the personnel and for the organization. Please don’t give up on the baseline emission criteria too easily. Take the time to engage vendors in discussions regarding which engineering controls and design concepts have already been considered. If any have been passed over, remind the vendor(s) of the tradeoff analysis that will be used during proposal review, which is intended to credit equipment for reduced noise emission.