Sound is all around. The May/June 1997 issue of Safe and Healthy Workplace (published
by ELB & Associates) contained an article from the most recent edition of Baseline,
a hearing conservation newsletter published by the
National Hearing
Conservation Association (http://www.globaldialog.com/~nhca/index.html) which provided a list
of some common workplace and recreational sounds. Keep in mind that noise-induced hearing
loss results from a combination of high sound levels and extended periods of exposure to sounds
above 80 to 85 dBA. Protect your hearing when involved with these types of activities.
Rock Drilling..............up to 115 dBA Chain saw operations.......up to 125 dBA Abrasive blasting..........105 - 110 dBA Heavy equipment operation..95 - 110 dBA Demolition.................up to 117 dBA Needle guns................up to 112 dBA Pneumatic chip hammer......103 - 113 dBA Jack hammer................102 - 111 dBA Concrete joint cutter......99 - 102 dBA Skilsaw....................88 - 102 dBA Stud welder................101 dBA Bulldozer..................93 - 96 dBA Earth tamper...............90 - 96 dBA Crane......................90 - 96 dBA Hammer.....................87 - 95 dBA Gradeall...................87 - 94 dBA Front-end loader...........86 - 94 dBA Backhoe....................84 - 93 dBAThe noise levels change with distance from the source and with operation mode. The noise from a gradeall earthmover is 94 decibels from 10 feet away. The noise is only 82 decibels if you are 70 feet away. A crane lifting a load can make 96 decibels of noise; at rest, it may make less than 80 decibels.
Locomotive Engineers.......1/3 w/TWA>87 dBA Horn.......................96 dBA minimum 100 feet
Clubs and discos...........91 - 96 dBA + Dance floor................85 - 100 dBA At the bar.................90 dBA or more Personal stereo systems....60 - 114 dBA Rock concerts..............100 dBA or more average Car stereos................up to 154 dBA in the car Home stereo................80 - 115 dBA
Punch press................110 dBA Textile Loom...............108 dBA Lathe......................81 dBA
.22 caliber rifle..........132 - 139 dB peak sound pressure level (PSPL) Mauser pistols.............163 - 170 dB PSPL 12-gauge shotguns..........150 - 165 dB PSPL Shotguns...................163 - 172 dB PSPL Rifles.....................143 - 170 dB PSPL Other Firearms.............100 - 175 dB PSPLAlways use hearing protectors when hunting or target shooting. Although most noise-induced hearing loss results from excess noise exposure over a period of time, a single exposure to a very loud noise (like gunfire) can cause permanent haring loss.
Tractor....................93 - 103 dBA Grain dryers...............88 - 110 dBA @ 20 feet Combines...................80 dBA idle inside to 105 dBA full throttle outside Chain saws.................(see House and Garden) Pig squeals................115 dBA (single squeal) Feeding breeders...........85 - 105 dBA Feeding growers............90 - 112 dBA Feeding weaners............90 - 107 dBA Corn grinding..............93 - 97 dBA Orchard sprayer............85 - 106 dBA
Leaf blower................103 dBA
Gasoline-powered blower....up to 110 - 112 dBA
Chain saw..................up to 116 dBA (during cutting)
91 - 98 dBA @ idle
Mower......................95 - 120 dBA
Power saw..................95 - 115 dBA
Router.....................85 - 110 dBA
Food blender...............88 dBA
Vacuum cleaner.............74 dBA
Average home interior......50 dBA
Hearing hazards also exist at home - saws, drills, power equipment, lawn mowers, leaf or snow
blowers and hedge trimmers can all expose you to excess noise. Use hearing protection at home
when operating noisy equipment.
Heavy traffic..............78 dBA Thunder clap...............120 dB Whisper at 5 feet..........30 dB Leaves rustling in breeze..20 dB
Toy pistols................150 - 160 dB PSPL Jazzercize class...........90 - 92 dBA Sporting events............95 - 100 dBA Referee whistles...........103 - 107 dBA Motorcycle.................80 - 115 dBA Ambulance siren............120 dBA Private aircraft...........80 - 110 dBA Fishing (powerboat)........60 - 115 dBA Apollo liftoff.............188 dBA
The best way to protect against hearing loss in the future is to protect your hearing today and
every day. Remember to follow your company's hearing conservation program and use hearing
protection for off-the job hearing hazards, too. When purchasing appliances, tools or equipment,
look for noise-reduced models. A little safety sense can help save one of your most valuable
senses - your hearing.
Last Updated July 15, 1997
webmaster: pburnett@garlic.com