This International Standard specifies two methods for determining the emission sound pressure levels of machinery and equipment, at a work station and at other specified positions nearby, by calculation from the sound power level. The principal purpose of this determination is to permit comparision of the performance of different units of a given family of machinery or equipment, under defined environmental conditions and standardized mounting and operating conditions. The data obtained may also be used for the declaration and verification of emission sound pressure levels as specified in ISO 4871.

Emission sound pressure levels are determined with the same frequency weighting and time weighting, or in the same frequency bands, as those for which sound power levels have been determined.