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Common Noise Frequencies

Sounds are measured by frequency -- the rate of produced sound waves by a particular noise. Higher frequencies of noise are measured by a weighted system called decibels. Sounds that are related in decibels are considered weighted because they have been analyzed and produce different frequencies at different levels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has performed numerous studies on the frequencies of common noises.

  1. Low Level Frequencies

    • OSHA has determined several sounds are low frequency noises, falling in the range of 0 to 90 decibels. A normal person's whisper is measure as 20-40 decibels, while the average conversation measurement is between 50 and 60 decibels. A relatively quiet room, with people sitting about and some slight noise, such as a library, is considered 40-50 decibels. The standard safety level of frequencies, as dictated by OSHA, is 85 decibels. Freeway traffic and vacuum cleaners are about 70 decibels. Mere breathing is 10 decibels.

    Mid Level Frequencies

    • Sounds in this range, 90 to 120 decibels, seem comfortable when they are heard, but extended exposure to them can still cause significant damage to the ears. It is important to wear the proper safety equipment, such as earplugs, when working around the sources of these sounds. Both a motorcycle and a lawn mower come in at 90 decibels, only slightly louder than the recommended OSHA safety level. Other sounds at the 90 decibel level are busy streets and blenders, while outboard motors, farm tractors, jackhammers and garbage trucks come in at 100 decibels. Listening to music on a set of headphones, however, is considerably louder, measuring 110-120 decibels. Due to the closeness of the earphones to the ears, the sound emitted is as loud as a running diesel locomotive, rock concert or chain saw.

    High Level Frequencies

    • Sounds that are seriously damaging to the ears fall within this category. Employees who are subjected to the noises in this section should always wear ear protection, such as earplugs or insulated ear muffs, and should have their hearing checked on a regular basis. Sounds that fall within this category include jets taking off, the sounds of an aircraft carrier deck and gunshots.

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