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Hearing, Sound, Noise, and Vibration
Published in R. S. Bridger, Introduction to Human Factors and Ergonomics, 2017
In practice, designers have to consider both the ambient and the transient noise levels in a facility. These levels vary according to the activities carried out and the usage patterns of different areas. It is not normally sufficient to specify a single ambient noise level because, in real work situations, unexpected or intermittent noise of short duration also occurs. Table 11.5 gives examples of the size of the differences between ambient and transient noise limits (the latter are the Leg values for 5 s durations). Such values might be used in the design of a complex facility such as an offshore oil production platform or a large ship.
Immediate Cause Analysis – High-risk Conditions (Unsafe Conditions)
Published in Ron C. McKinnon, A Practical Guide to Effective Workplace Accident Investigation, 2022
Experts agree that noise levels exposure to 85-dB (A) or more over a 40-hour working week could result in permanent noise-induced hearing loss. Where the ambient noise level is 85-dB (A) or more, a noise zone is created that could irreparably harm workers’ hearing should they be exposed for a prolonged period. Certain impact noise levels could also cause damage to hearing acuity.
Office Ergonomics
Published in Stephan Konz, Steven Johnson, Work Design, 2018
Use an ambient noise level of < 43 dbA for conference rooms for 20 people (15-ft table), < 45 dbA for rooms with sound amplification, and < 48 dbA for conferences at a 7-ft table. For general activities, have background noise criteria maximums of ≤ NC35; for conference rooms where audio recording is a regular feature, have ≤ NC20.
Detectability of auditory warning signals in the ambient noise of Dutch train cabins
Published in Ergonomics, 2021
Hanneke E.M. van der Hoek-Snieders, Rolph Houben, Wouter A. Dreschler
To evaluate the detectability of warning signals in a specific work-setting, the signal level should be taken into account (Edworthy 1994; Giguère et al., 2008). If the signal level is too low, the warning signal cannot attract proper attention. According to ISO 7731, a warning signal level is advised to be at least 65 dBA to ensure audibility (ISO 2003). If the level is too high, the sound can be distracting, can hinder speech communication, or even can cause startle reactions (Edworthy 1994; Giguère et al., 2008). ISO 7731 therefore states that the maximum sound level of a warning signal should not exceed 118 dBA (ISO 2003). Additionally, the background noise at each workplace should be taken into account, including the level, spectrum, and type of the noise (Edworthy 1994; Giguère et al., 2008). A train cabin is a noisy working environment with A-weighted estimated noise levels between 70 and 93 dBA (Lie et al. 2013; Peng et al. 2019). Driving speed can influence the ambient noise level, since the overall exterior sound emission increases with driving speed and several of the internal noise sources depend on driving speed, such as the motor and cooling ventilator (Kurze, Diehl, and Weißenberger 2000; Pronello 2003). Noise levels have been shown to differ between Italian train types (Pronello 2003), but this has not yet been investigated for Dutch trains. Furthermore, it is unknown if the effect of driving speed on the noise level is similar in different train types.