| Peak noise levels dB(A) in Industry | |
| Noise Source | dB(A) value |
| Pneumatic Chisel Hammer | 115-120 |
| Rocking Sieve, Chain Saw, Compressed Air Riveter electric cutter | 105-115 |
| Milling /Weaving machine,Crosscut saw, Stamping Machine | 100-105 |
| Electric Motor, Rotary Press, Wire Drawing Machine, Sawmill, Bottle filling Machine | 90-95 |
| Toolmaking machine -lightly loaded | 80 |
| Human Noise Levels at 1 m dB(A) | |
| Noise Source | dB(A) value< |
| Quiet Conversation | 60-65 |
| Dictation | 65-70 |
| Speaker at Conferences | 65-75 |
| Delivery of a lecture | 70-80 |
| Loud Shouting | 80-85 |
| Sound Deadening Effects of building items | |
| Item | Damping in dB(A) value |
| Normal Single Doors | 21-29 |
| Normal double Doors | 30-39 |
| Heavy Special Doors | 40-46 |
| Window - Single Glazed | 20-24 |
| Window - Double Glazed | 24-28 |
| Double Glazing with Felt Backing | 30-34 |
| Dividing Wall 6-12cm brick | 37-42 |
| Dividing Wall 25-38cm brick | 50-55 |
| Double Wall 2 x 12 cm brick | 60-65 |
Noise Protection
Ear plugs properly used -conical plugs of synthetic material - can reduce noise levels by up to 30 dB.
Protective Ear Caps (ear muffs)- can reduce noise levels by 40-50dB.
It is suggested that ear plugs be used for noise levels of 85-100 dB(A) and ear muffs be used for noise levels above 100 dB(A)
