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Airborne Contaminants & Noise

Noise Hazards

Comparative Noise and Light Levels

5/1/14
Quick Tips #267

The potential for dangerous noise levels and harmful light levels exists in many day-to-day personal and workplace activities. The following information provides a better understanding of the comparative noise and light levels to a number of locations and applications.

Noise Levels

Home Products, Etc. Approx. Levels in dB
Mowing the lawn 86
Alarm clock 80
Leaf blower 105
Power tools 90
Outboard motor 110
Snowmobile 90
Car at 60 mph 72
Chain saw 118
Toy cap gun 163
Automobile horn 119
Hunting/shotgun 158
Normal conversation 65
Portable sander 95
Vacuum cleaner 81
Washing machine 75
 
Industrial/Work Activities Approx. Levels in dB
Pneumatic riveter 130
Air hammer 100
Spray painting 105
Diesel engine 83
Drop hammer 110
Compressor 94
Punch press 108
Busy big-city traffic 95
Office 40
Jet engine at 1000 feet away 102
Jack hammer 130
Sand blasting 110
Oxygen torch 121


Hearing loss (recordable or reportable) is addressed under OSHA in 29 CFR 1904. According to the OSHA regulation, hearing protectors must be made available to workers exposed at or above the action level of 85 dB. OSHA requires that hearing protectors be provided and worn by employees when:

  • Noise exposures exceed 90 dB
  • Employees are exposed to greater than 85 dB and have not yet had a baseline audiogram or have experienced a standard threshold shift (loss of hearing)

Light Levels

Industrial Tasks and Locations Suggested Foot-Candle*
 
Factory
Printing industries 100-200
Packing work 100
Exit/entrance 50
Warehouse 20
Assembly line inspection 200
Assembly line 100
 
Office
Typing 200
Drafting 200
Clerical work 150
Warehouse 20
Corridor 20
Entrance 10
 
Hospital
Eye inspection 50
Operating room 150
Emergency room 20
Exam room 100
Waiting room 30
Stairs 10
 
School
Library 150
Lab 150
Auditorium 20
Class room 50
Gymnasium 30
Wash room 20
Stairs 5


* Illumination levels are suggested and intended to be a minimum on the task referenced. To assure these values at all times, higher initial levels should be provided as required per task.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What are three indicators that I might be exposed to too much noise?

A: Three indicators of exessive noise exposure:

  1. Difficulty understanding normal conversation at work with someone two feet away. 
  2. Prolonged ringing in the ears or other unusual noises after leaving work. 
  3. Trouble hearing TV or speech, but can hear normally again after a few hours once off the job.

Q: When can a person begin experiencing hearing pain?

A: Depending on an individual's hearing sensitivity, a person can begin experiencing hearing pain between 125 and 160 dB.

Q: When does OSHA require employers to implement a hearing conservation program?

A: In the United States, whenever employee noise exposures equal or exceed an eight-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dB. For more information, see Quick Tips #260: Effective Hearing Conservation Program Elements.

Q: What are three forms of hearing protection?

A: Earplugs, earmuffs and hearing bands.

Sources

Pattys Industrial Hygiene & Toxicology, Third Revised Edition, 1978.

Safety Technicians Handbook, Webber Publishing, 1996.

Lab Safety Supply Insights, May 1992 Volume 1, Issue 1.

Plant Engineering, July 18, 1991.

The information contained in this article is intended for general information purposes only and is based on information available as of the initial date of publication. No representation is made that the information or references are complete or remain current. This article is not a substitute for review of current applicable government regulations, industry standards, or other standards specific to your business and/or activities and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the applicable standards or consult with an attorney.

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