Just how long can you spend in noise before risking damage to your hearing?Examples of Typical Noise Levels
| Loudness | Examples of Typical Noise Levels | Safe Listening Time | What Must Be Done |
|
Below 80 dB(A) |
Everyday conversation. |
Unlimited |
No action required. |
|
80 dB(A) |
Loud speech |
Unlimited |
Your employer must assess the risk to your health and provide you with information and training on noise and noise protection |
|
85 dB(A) |
Tractor Cab, Vacuum Cleaner |
8 hours |
Your employer must provide you with hearing protection and areas at work where there are low noise levels (hearing protection zones). |
|
88 dB(A) |
Power Drill |
4 hours |
Your hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
91 dB(A) |
Arc Welding |
2 hours |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
94 dB(A) |
|
1 hours |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
97 dB(A) |
|
30 minutes |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
100 dB(A) |
Noisy restaurant or party |
15 minutes |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
103 dB(A) |
Bar of a nightclub |
7 minutes, 30 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
106 dB(A) |
Chainsaw |
3 minutes, 45 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
109 dB(A) |
Punch presses |
1 minute, 52 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
112 dB(A) |
Sandblasting |
56 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
115 dB(A) |
Riveting Boiler Shop |
28 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
118 dB(A) |
Some gigs. Carhorn. |
14 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
|
140 dB(A) |
Jet aircraft taking off 25m away |
0 seconds |
Hearing protection must bring level down to at least 87 decibels |
These Loudness levels and Safe Listening Times are based on an average daily allowance. In other words, if most of your working time is spent in an office but occasionally you go into a noisy environment, your average noise exposure will be lower than someone who's permanently in that noisy environment.