Noise exposure and hearing levels of workers in the sheet metal construction trade

Am Ind Hyg Assoc J. 1975 Aug;36(8):626-32. doi: 10.1080/0002889758507302.

Abstract

Hearing and noise levels were measured at a jobsite involving sheet metal construction work and at a sheet metal fabrication shop. Noise levels up to 114 dBA (slow response) were measured when various powered hand tools were used. Noise levels exceeded 85 dBA between one-fourth and one-third of the time. Impact noise levels averaged about 120-125 dB peak SPL. Audiometric examinations showed that this group of construction workers had hearing losses, with the majority of the loss occurring in the 3KH(Z) to 6 KH(Z) range. In addition the loss became more severe with increasing age. Temporary threshold shifts were observed both on the jobsite and in the shop after a single eight-hour exposure.

MeSH terms

  • Audiometry
  • Auditory Threshold*
  • Deafness / etiology*
  • Environmental Exposure
  • Humans
  • Maximum Allowable Concentration
  • Metallurgy*
  • Noise*