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.
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:
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.
Q: What are three indicators that I might be exposed to too much noise?
A: Three indicators of exessive noise exposure:
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?
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.
SIGN UP FOR EMAIL
Get more great content like this sent to your inbox.