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.

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


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).

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


* 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. Three indicators are:

  • 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.