Probable Noise Levels of Construction Equipment
Equipment and daily activities at construction jobsites can expose workers to high levels of noise. Sound levels in the chart below are listed in A-weighted decibels (dBA); the larger the number, the higher the sound level. Important factors that affect the severity of a noise hazard include:
- how loud the noise is (volume);
- how long the noise lasts (duration);
- how close you are to the noise (distance); and
- the health of the employee's hearing (auditory system).
The table below shows the sound levels of common equipment and tools on a construction site.
| Equipment or Tool | Noise Level May Exceed (decibels) |
|---|---|
| Backhoe | 85 |
| Bulldozer | 87 |
| Chop saw | 92 |
| Grader/Scraper | 107 |
| Front-end loader | 90 |
| Jackhammer | 85 |
| Nail Gun | 97 |
| Router | 90 |
| Welding Equipment | 92 |
Source: University of Washington Department of Environmental & Occupational Health Sciences, July 2005.
The onset of hearing loss can be sudden (within a few days), rapid (within a few months), or slowly progressive (over years rather than months). Sudden hearing loss is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical evaluation and treatment.
For more information on hearing conservation, see course 751 Hearing Conservation Program Management.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
2-2. The onset of sudden hearing loss is _____.
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