Noise Levels
Noise levels are measured in decibels [dB(A)] the examples below give an indication of common noise levels.
  • Normal Conversation at 3 feet 50dB(A) At these levels noise can cause
  • General Office Work 60dB(A) disruption in the working
  • environment
  • Photocopying Machine 70dB(A) but is unlikely to cause hearing
  • Damage
  • Traffic Noise / Welding 80dB(A) At these levels damage to hearing is
  • Lathes, Typical Processing Plant 90dB(A) likely to occur
  • Pneumatic Road Drills, Chain Saws 100dB(A)
  • Jet Engines, Riveting Drop Forging 130dB(A)
It should be noted that:-
  • A 10 dB(A) increase in noise level means a 10 fold increase in intensity
  • A 3 dB(A) increase in noise level means the intensity is doubled.
  • A 10 dB(A) reduction in noise reduces the intensity by a 1/10th
  • A 3 dB(A) reduction in noise reduces the intensity by 1/2
Therefore it can be seen that if you can reduce your noise levels by only a little bit , the intensity can be reduced by quite a bit.
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