The amount of on-the-job noise exposure can be determined through various testing devices.

Excessive noise is defined as 85-90 decibels or more over an 8 hour period.

Examples of noise levels considered dangerous by experts are a lawnmower, a rock concert, firearms, firecrackers,

headset listening systems, motorcycles, tractors, power tools and industrial machinery.

All can deliver sounds in excess of 90 decibels and some up to 140 decibels.

Painful:

150 dB = Rock Concerts at Peak

140 dB = Firearms, Air-Raid Siren, Jet Engine

130 dB = Jackhammer

120 dB = Jet Plane Take-off, Amplified Music at 4-6 ft., Car Stereo, Band Practice

Extremely loud:

110 dB = Machinery, Model Airplanes

100 dB = Snowmobile, Chain saw, Pneumatic Drill

90 dB = Lawnmower, Shop Tools, Truck Traffic, Subway

Very loud:

80 dB = Alarm Clock, Busy Street

70 dB = Vacuum Cleaner

60 dB = Conversation, Dishwasher

Moderate:

50 dB = Moderate Rainfall

40 dB = Quiet room

Faint:

30 dB = Whisper, Quiet Library