Noise

Noise is the variation of air pressure comprising compressions and rarefactions of longitudinal waves. It is the magnitude of the compressions and rarefactions that determine the noise levels. As the exposure to the magnitude of noise level increases, the risk of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) increases.

A person can generally perceive a 1 – 3 dB change in noise levels. However the perceptions of noise levels are different to the actual energy that the ear is subjected. The perception of noise levels double every 10 dB, however the increase in energy experienced by the ear is doubled every 3dB.  When it comes to the potential for noise induced hearing loss, it is the noise energy level that is critical. The noise energy levels considered to be excessive when noise levels exceeds an LAeq, 8hr of 85 dB(A) or LC,peak exceeds 140 dB(C).

A general rule of thumb for detecting excessive noise levels is if you have to raise your voice when talking to someone 1 meter away. Some common noise levels include:

140 dB	Threshold of pain Jet Engine at take off
110 dB	Angle Grinder
100 dB	Nightclub Motorcycle
90 dB	Lawnmower
85 dB	Compliance A weighted noise levels for NSW WHS Regulations
80 dB	Alarm clock
75 dB	Vacuum cleaner
70 dB	Taking a shower
60 dB	Normal conversation
40 dB	Running water of a creek
30 dB	Library
20 dB	Leaves from the wind
10 dB	Pin dropping
0 dB	Threshold of hearing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Noise levels can be steady state or impact. Steady refers to the continuous noise levels not varying by more than 6 dBa. Impact or impulse noise occur from a sudden peak in noise followed by an exponential decay which may cause acoustic shock.

For more information on noise testing or management please contact one of Safe Environments Occupational Hygienists or Noise Consultants located in the following Australian cities:

 

Sydney, Newcastle & Wollongong Safe Environments - Phone 02 9624 2600 Unit 6 The Hub, 128 Station Road Seven Hills NSW 2147 Sydney@NoiseTesting.info	Melbourne & Victoria Safe Environments - Phone 0420 227 990 Level 7, 552 Lonsdale Street Melbourne Victoria 3000 Melbourne@NoiseTesting.info
Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Gold Coast Haztek - Phone 1300 553 001 PO Box 1398 North Lakes Qld 4509 Brisbane@NoiseTesting.info	Perth & Western Australia GCG - Phone 08 9456 3045 Unit 4/10 Vulcan Road Canning Vale WA 6155 Perth@NoiseTesting.info

 

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