Noise
Sources of Exposure
Laboratory workers are exposed to noise from a variety of sources.
Operation of large analyzers (e.g., chemistry analyzer), fume hoods, biological safety cabinets, incubators, centrifuges (especially ultracentrifuges), cell washers, sonicators, and stirrer motors, all contribute to the noise level in laboratories.
Further sources of noise in laboratories include fans and compressors for cryostats, refrigerators, refrigerated centrifuges, and freezers. As an example, a high-speed refrigerated centrifuge alone can generate noise levels as high as 65 dBA. If noise levels exceed 80 dBA, people must speak very loudly to be heard, while at noise levels of 85 to 90 dBA, people have to shout. For more examples, be sure to visit the NIOSH Noise Meter web page.
In order to determine if the noise levels in the laboratory are above the threshold level that damages hearing, the employer must conduct a noise exposure assessment using an approved sound level monitoring device, such as a dosimeter, and measure an 8-hour TWA exposure. If the noise levels are found to exceed the threshold level, the employer must provide hearing protection at no cost to the workers and train them in the proper use of the protectors.
The potential dangers of miscommunicating instructions or laboratory results are obvious, and efforts should be made to improve the design of clinical laboratories and to evaluate new instrumentation with regard to the impact of these factors on worker noise exposure. The employer should evaluate the possibility of relocating equipment to another area or using engineering controls to reduce the noise level below an 8-hour TWA of 85 dBA in order to comply with OSHA’s Occupational Noise Exposure Standard.
Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.
8-5. Operating large analyzers, cell washers, sonicators, and stirrer motors, contribute to the _____ in laboratories.
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