AF Form 1622: Engineering Noise Survey – Download PDF – If you work in Bioenvironmental Engineering (BEE), occupational safety, or industrial hygiene within the U.S. Air Force (USAF), you’re likely familiar with AF Form 1622, officially titled “ENGINEERING NOISE SURVEY.” This form is a critical tool for documenting detailed noise measurements in workplaces, helping protect Airmen, Guardians, and civilian employees from noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) while ensuring compliance with Department of the Air Force (DAF) and federal standards.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover what AF Form 1622 is, its purpose, how it fits into the broader Air Force Hearing Conservation Program, key fields on the form, when to use it, and where to download the latest version.
What Is AF Form 1622?
AF Form 1622 is the official U.S. Air Force form used to record engineering noise surveys. It captures precise acoustic data from work environments using instruments such as an octave band analyzer, microphone, and calibrator.
The form documents:
- Environmental conditions during the survey (temperature, wind, humidity)
- Noise sources (primary and secondary)
- Detailed sound pressure level measurements across octave bands
- Equipment calibration and specifications
- A diagram or illustration of the survey area
- Additional remarks, including potentially exposed job codes or AFSCs
Originally dated as AF IMT 1622 (March 1973 version), the form remains in use for detailed frequency-specific noise analysis, which goes beyond basic A-weighted sound level meter readings.
Why Is the Engineering Noise Survey Important?
Hazardous noise exposure is one of the most common occupational hazards in the military. Prolonged exposure above certain thresholds can cause permanent hearing damage, tinnitus, and reduced operational readiness.
The Air Force Hearing Conservation Program (HCP), governed primarily by AFI 48-127 (Occupational Noise and Hearing Conservation) and aligned with DoDI 6055.12, requires identification and control of noise hazards. Engineering noise surveys like those recorded on AF Form 1622 provide the detailed data needed to:
- Determine if areas or operations exceed the 85 dBA 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA) action level or 90 dBA permissible exposure limit (per OSHA 1910.95, which the Air Force follows where applicable).
- Evaluate the effectiveness of engineering controls (e.g., mufflers, enclosures, vibration dampening).
- Support decisions on hearing protection requirements, administrative controls, and posting of noise-hazard areas.
- Contribute to the Defense Occupational and Environmental Health Readiness System – Industrial Hygiene (DOEHRS-IH) for long-term tracking.
Bioenvironmental Engineering teams use these surveys to map noise levels, calculate combined exposures from multiple sources, and recommend risk mitigation strategies.
When Should You Complete AF Form 1622?
Use the form during:
- Initial baseline surveys of potentially noisy work areas (e.g., aircraft maintenance hangars, power plants, firing ranges, shops with heavy machinery).
- Follow-up surveys after changes in equipment, processes, or operations.
- Detailed octave-band analysis when A-weighted measurements indicate high noise or when specific frequency data is needed for engineering controls or communication assessments.
- Investigations following noise-related complaints or standard threshold shifts (STS) in audiometric testing.
Note: For routine personal dosimetry, other tools like noise dosimeters or DD Form 2214 may be used, but AF Form 1622 excels at in-depth engineering evaluations with frequency-specific data (octave bands from 31.5 Hz to 8000 Hz).
Key Sections and Fields on AF Form 1622
The one-page form (with possible continuation on the reverse) includes these main areas:
- Header Information — Date of survey, location, and surveyor details.
- Environmental Conditions:
- Temperature (°F)
- Wind (direction and velocity in mph)
- Relative Humidity (RH %)
- Instrumentation:
- Octave Band Analyzer (Manufacturer, Model, Serial Number)
- Microphone (MFG, Model, SN)
- Calibrator (MFG, Model, SN, and calibration reference in dB)
- Noise Environment Description:
- Description of the overall noise setting
- Primary and secondary noise sources
- Measurements:
- Octave band sound pressure levels (dB) at standard center frequencies: 31.5, 63, 125, 250, 500, 1000, 2000, 4000, and 8000 Hz
- Overall dBA (A-weighted) and other relevant dB readings
- Illustration — Space for a sketch or diagram showing measurement locations relative to noise sources and worker positions.
- Remarks — Additional notes, exposed AFSCs/job codes, recommendations, or continuation of descriptions.
Always perform calibration checks before and after measurements, and record environmental factors that could affect readings. Continue detailed notes on the back if needed.
How AF Form 1622 Supports Compliance?
The Air Force integrates noise surveys into its broader occupational safety framework under DAFMAN 91-203 (Air Force Occupational Safety, Fire Prevention, and Health Standards) and related instructions. Surveys help:
- Identify hazardous noise areas for proper signage and entry controls.
- Prioritize engineering controls as the first line of defense (before relying on hearing protection).
- Feed data into annual HCP evaluations and readiness reporting.
Failure to properly document and mitigate noise can lead to increased hearing loss rates, higher medical costs, and reduced mission effectiveness.
Download the Official AF Form 1622
The most current and official version of AF Form 1622 is available directly from the Department of the Air Force e-Publishing site:
→ Download AF Form 1622 PDF: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_sg/form/af1622/af1622.pdf
Always use the official PDF from e-Publishing for accuracy and compliance. Fillable versions or local templates should match the government form exactly.
For related forms and guidance:
- Check the Air Force e-Publishing Forms page.
- Consult your local Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight or Occupational Safety office for training on proper survey techniques and data entry into DOEHRS-IH.
Best Practices for Conducting and Documenting Noise Surveys
- Use calibrated, ANSI-compliant equipment (Type 2 sound level meter or better).
- Measure under representative operating conditions.
- Include both area and, when appropriate, personal monitoring.
- Analyze data to recommend controls: engineering first, then administrative, then PPE.
- Retain records for the required period (typically duration of employment + 30 years for noise exposure data).
Trained personnel—usually Bioenvironmental Engineering specialists—should conduct these surveys in accordance with DoD and Air Force standards.
Conclusion
AF Form 1622 Engineering Noise Survey plays a vital role in the U.S. Air Force’s commitment to preventing occupational hearing loss. By providing detailed, frequency-specific noise data, it enables effective hazard identification, control implementation, and protection of personnel readiness.
Whether you’re a BEE technician, safety professional, or commander responsible for workplace safety, proper use of this form helps maintain a strong Hearing Conservation Program and supports overall force health.
For the latest guidance, refer to official DAF publications on e-Publishing and coordinate with your installation’s occupational health experts. Protecting hearing today ensures mission capability tomorrow.
Keywords: AF Form 1622, Engineering Noise Survey, Air Force hearing conservation, occupational noise survey, Bioenvironmental Engineering, AFI 48-127, DoDI 6055.12, noise exposure assessment, USAF safety forms.
This article is for informational purposes and is based on publicly available official sources. Always consult current Air Force instructions and your local authorities for procedural requirements.