Noise Control

Text Reference 596-618

Noise Control

Defining noise oCommon definition: Unwanted sound oInformation theory context: Noise is that auditory stimulus or stimuli bearing no informational relationship to the presence of completion of the immediate task

Noise level standard

5% of individuals exposed to 80dBA noise levels develop a significant hearing loss. 5-15% for 85dBA exposure 15-25% for 90dBA exposure

Noise and Time (standards)

T (min)

480 2
( L 90 ) / 5

T (min)

480 2
( L 85 ) / 3

OSHA Regulations 5dB rule Allowable levels

90dBA for 8 hours 95dBA for 4 hours 100dBA for 2 hours 105dBA for 1 hour 110dBA for 30 minutes 115dBA for 15 minutes 125dBA for 3.75 minutes 135dBA for .94 minutes

ACGIH Regulations 3dB rule Allowable levels

85dBA for 8 hours 88dBA for 4 hours 92dBA for 2 hours 95dBA for 1 hour 98dBA for 30 minutes 101dBA for 15 minutes 115dBA for .5 minutes

Dosimeter

Dose %=(Time/8)100

A worker who is exposed to the following noise during a shift of work (8 hours): 95 dBA 3.5h 105 dBA 0.5h 85 dBA 4.0h 100[(3.5h/4)+(.5/1)+(4/16)]=163. 5

163.5

93.5

We can not add and subtract decibel quantities For example, two 60 dB sources:
60 dB+ 60 dB <> 120 dB

Instead: SPL = 10 log10 (2P2/Pref2) SPL = 10 log10 (P2/Pref2)+10 log10 (2) SPL = 10 log10 (P2/Pref2) +3 Therefore: New SPL=OLD SPL + 3dB

Every 3dB increase in sound intensity leads to a doubling of sound pressure.

Noise Contouring

Summary of possible clinical manifestations of stress concomitant with noise

Dilation of pupil

Subjective response irritability Perception of loudness

Increased sugar cholesterol And adrenaline

Galvanic skin response Increased activity related to ulcer formation Changes in intestinal motility Changes in heart rate Increased blood pressure Increased adrenal

Changes in skeletal muscle tension

Vasoconstriction

Movement of stomach and intestine

Noise Control Methods

Source
Isolation Vibration reduction or changing process
Best

Path
Blocking, active interference, absorbing

Receiver
Hearing protection
Worse

cont

cont

Less annoyance

Avoid resonance

Perforated
Panels

Path Controls
Enclosures and shields
Effective for high frequency noise Low frequency noise requires a full enclosure

Distance
Doubling distance = - 6 dB

Absorption
Passive and active (- 3 to 7 dB)

Receiver Controls
Required at levels above 85 dBA TWA Types Insert muff Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) Noise Exposure = dBA + 7 NRR Ideal conditions

Personal Hearing Protectors Attenuation

Earplugs

Earmuffs

Both

Noise Control Methods

Source
Isolation Vibration reduction or changing process
Best

Path
Blocking, active interference, absorbing

Receiver
Hearing protection
Worse