Guide to Light and Noise Levels
Many people are exposed to harmful levels of light and noise at the workplace everyday. Being able to identify negative effects may help prevent permanent damage. Check out PE Facts to find out what produces harmful levels of light and noise on the job!
Many daily activities involve being in situations with potentially dangerous levels of noise and light. The following information is useful in understanding the comparison of a variety of light and noise levels to numerous applications and locations.
| 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 |
Recordable and reportable hearing loss is referred to under OSHA in 29 CFR 1904. According to this OSHA regulation, hearing protectors must be made available to any workers who are exposed at the action level of 85 dB or higher. It is required by the OSHA that hearing protectors be provided and worn by employees whenever . . .
- Noise exposures exceed 90 dB; and
- 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).
| 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 |
* The illumination levels above 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 of too much noise exposure?
A.
- Experiencing difficulty understanding normal conversation with someone within two feet.
- Prolonged ringing in the ears—or other unusual noises—after leaving work.
- Trouble hearing things immediately after work, but can hear normally again after a few hours.
Q. When can a person begin experiencing hearing pain?
A. A person may begin to experience hearing pain between 125–160 dB, depending on an individuals hearing sensitivity.
Q. When does OSHA require employers to apply a hearing conservation program?
A. In the United States, a hearing conservation program must be implemented if employee noise exposures equal or exceed an eight-hour time-weighted average sound level of 85 dB.
Q. What are three forms of hearing protection?
A. Earplugs, earmuffs and hearing bands.
Please Note: The information contained in this publication is intended for general information purposes only. This publication is not a substitute for review of the applicable government regulations and standards, and should not be construed as legal advice or opinion. Readers with specific questions should refer to the cited regulation or consult with an attorney.
