PREPRINT

NO.

905 (D-l)

A REVIEW OF DAMAGE RISK CONTOURS FOR OCCUPATIONAL

NOISE EXPOSURE

by Alex J. Szecsody Arizona State University Tempe, Arizona

PRESENTED 45th MAY

AT

THE

CONVENTION 15-18, 1973

' ,

....

'

AN

Convention

Price

.........

$ .35

ByMail to Members...... $ .75 ByMail to Non-Members...$1.00

AUDIO ENGINEERING SOCIETY PREPRINT This preprint has been reproduced from the author's advance manuscript, without editing, corrections or formal review by the Editorial Board. For this reason there may be changes should this paper be published in the Journal of the Audio Engineering Society. Preprints may not be reprinted without prior permission from the Society's Publication Office. Permission does not constitute an endorsement by the AES of the contents of this preprint. Additional preprints may be obtained by sending request and remittance to the Audio Engineering Society Room 929, 60 East 42nd Street, New York, N. Y. 10017.
_) Copyright 1973 by the Audio Engineering Society. All rights reserved.

REVIEW

OF

DAMAGE

RISK NOISE

CONTOURS EXPOSURE

FOR

OCCUPATIONAL by Alex J.

Szecsody,

Arizona Abstract

Graduate Student, State University, Tempe,

Arizona

The past 22 years has seen the development of a number of damage risk contours for occupational noise exposure. Historical reliance has been made on the dB X subscript method for establishing specifications. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art for damage risk contours and finds serious inadequacies in such a practiced methodology. Since some 57 million wage earners are now covered by the 0ecupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA), the need for a redefined damage risk contour is documented, especially, the need to verify complex pure tones as the basic industrial noise exposure for a number of contemporary industries. Terminoloqv Abbreviations: NAS-NRC Working CHABA Group National Academy of Science-National Council, Committee on Hearing and tics Working Group 46. Damage Temporary Permanent Noise Risk Contours for Shift shift Noise of Research Bioacous-

46

DRC TTS PTS NIPTS AAOO

Exposure. Hearing.

Threshold Threshold

of Hearing. Shift. and

Induced

Permanent of

Threshold

American Academy Otolaryngology.

Ophthalmology

Terms: NOISE HEALTH Unwanted sound.

"A state of complete physical, mental and social well being and not merely an absence of disease and infirmity."--World Health Organization. Exposures to noise as a statement environment in which an employee tionally employed. of the is occupa-

Occupational Noise Exposure Damage Contour Risk

A statistical term for noise exposure expressed as a function of time and spectra; usually associated with percentage of hearing loss as a function of years of occupational noise exposure.

-i-

PREFACE " . . . and a large part of the confusion we have today in hearing theories is a consequence of extrapolations. It is not a usual custdm to describe a law with its range of validity simultaneously, since it is often more difficult to establish the range of validity than the law itself. Therefore, extrapolation is a common and accepted practice." Georg Von Bekesy(1) REVIEW OF CONTOURS OF EQUAL INTENSITY

Studies by Fletcher-Munson concerning equal loudness contours are discussed in reference 2. The Fletcher-Munson equal loudness contours consists of lines of equal loudness with frequency tones varied and intensity held constant. The lines of equal loudness are referred to as phon lines each with a unit value. Figure 1 is a plot from the above reference of these equal loudness contours. A study of figure 1 shows that the equal loudness contours flatten out from i00 HZ to 1 KHZ as there is an increase from the 40 phons to the 100 phons contour. Kryter (3) introduces the term noisiness or from which equal contour noy lines are developed. noys are combined into a one number value termed dB--namely, PndB. Figure 2 shows the noy contour oped by Kryter. The table which available to derive tour lines developed in common use today vided in the use of noy as the value The values of Perceived Noise in lines as devel-

follows summarizes four current techniques a one-number value of a noise spectra using conby each of four authors. These techniques are and recognized computational standards are prothese contours.

Common

Name

Author

Scale Linear Log Phon

Computational Procedure

Equal loudness contour Loudness Mark VI Loudness Perceived Index

Fletcher-Munson

Sone

ISO

131,

226

Stevens

Sone

Phon

ISO

532,

Method

Density Noise

Zwicker Kryter

Sone/Bark PndB

Phon Noy

ISO

532,

Method

ARP-865A

Each author recognizes contour lines for subjective hearing response as a function of sound pressure level and frequency. Further, each author indicates a general flattening out of the contour lines from 20 HZ to 1 K_ as a function of an increase of sound pressure level (see figures 3, 4, 5, and 6.) Also apparent between authors. are differences in the shape of contour lines

-2-

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FAMILY

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Figure

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--A-

dB x -

SUBSCRIPT

METHOD equal intensity environment to were useful laboratory tools, some simple yet representative a definitive need weighting scale.

arose

Although contours of to relate the noise

The the year survey. by noise

first such application was made in a noise survey for the city of New York in 1930. Fletcher used A-30 sensation line for weighting the noise data from this It should be noted that the survey dealt primarily with the intrusiveness caused and not DRC for hearing conservation. contour for a range of ordinate levels lines from the Fletcher-Munson curves dBx was hence assigned an alphabet

Recognizing the usefulness of a representative of sound pressure level, three modified phon contour were selected for sound level meters. The subscript value as follows: Subscript Inverse contour line in phons dB A 40

dB B 70

dB C I00

Figure 7 presents the 40 phon contour modified to become the current dB A contour. Note the extensive modeling from 2 KHZ to i0 KHZ which occurred to the 40 phon contour. Figure 8 presents the inverse dB A contour which is used in weighting networks of sound level meters and data processing equipment. Having established the dB A contour, it is now possible to calculate a one-number for this contour when placed into some ordinate setting. For the purposes of this a level of 90 dBA and its 1 KHZ crossing point has been chosen to illustrate conbetween other dB x contours since it represents a DRC for industrial workers. 9 is a replot of the Fletcher using 1 KHZ as the point for 30-sensation line and coincident crossing. is plotted against the

value paper, trasts

90

Figure dB A line

The simplicity of the dB x method has not ended with the A, B, C's. Kryter has selected from his equal noisiness contours the 40 noy line as a representative contour to arrive at a one-number value of preceived noise expressed as dBD. Figure i0 presents this 40 noy contour plotted against the 90 dB A contour together with the unmodified original 40 phon contour. A study of this graph reveals a sharp difference between the 90 dB A contour and the 40 noy contour at all frequency values from the 1 KHZ intercept point. Figure ii presents the four weighting contours dB A, dBB, dB C and dB D as they are used in determining the subjective value of a noise spectra. The noise spectra is attenuated per tables established by standards organizations resulting in a new spectra. The area under this new curve provides a one-number value which is expressed in dBA, dB B, dB C or dB D. This one-number value is considered to correspond to the subjective response to noise. It should be noted that the scale most prevalent in the industrially developed countries is dB A and has been for a number of decades. As a result, many noise survey hearing conservation specifications have evolved a numberical value of dB A.

and

To complete the picture on the dB x method, Stevens (4) proposed the use of the approximate 20-sone contour to be used for a one-number dB E calculation. Figure 12 presents the Stevens 20=sone contour (dBE) plotted against the 90 dBA contour and the dB D contours. Nevertheless, dB E contrasts sharply with dB A contour at frequency points away from the 1 KHZ intercept.

-5-

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12

-8-

HISTORY

OF

DAMAGE

RISK

CONTOURS

FROM

1950

TO

1964 to noise dates DRC's for octave One conclusion back in the U.S.A. a minimum band sound pressure level drawn from Figure 13 is the

The attempt to establish exposure limits of 20 years. Figure 13 presents graphically versus frequency exposure from 1950 to 1964. downward trend in permissible DRC's. The first is interesting 1962 Standards Figure recognition 14 of state that over to ISO the

adopt a noise exposure DRC was the State 1961 levels average i0 dB lower than the entire range of octave bands. DRC's for to narrow narrow band band noise. exposure to Here again

of California (5). State of California

It

presents exposure

noise. Significant the downward trend

is the is noted.

The reason for the downward trend creased knowledge and data concerning from public/labor/medical/audiological compromises.

may be a combination of three factors: (i) inDRC's, (2) increased legislative effectiveness groups, and (3) political/industrial legislative

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-9-

HISTORY

OF

FEDERAL

DAMAGE

RISK

CONTOURS of the Walsh-Healey employees of firms $i0,000. of noise for or eliminated

A public Act of 1934. under Federal

concern for industrial safety resulted in the passage This act extended provisions of industrial safety to contract for products in which the contract exceeded

In 1968, thirty-four years later, the first federal mention industry. Quoting section 50-204.293, "Noise shall be reasonable as a means of preventing fatigue or accidents." (6) In 1970, these standards commerce (8). Accordingly, throughout the United States Williams-Steiger Occupational

is made reduced

were extended to employees of firms engaged in interstate some 57 million wage earners in 4.1 million establishments are covered by this act. This act is referred to as the Safety & Health Act of 1970 or by the alphabet term OSHA. they 15. now apply to OSHA regarding occupa-

tional

The provisions of the Walsh-HealyAct as noise exposure are presented in Figure

An earlier service existed report presents bands of noise

Federal Standard on Occupational as early as 1957. This report DRC's for octave bands of noise (8).

Noise Exposure for personnel in military is Air Force 160.1. Figure 8 of referenced and DRC's for pure tones and critical

Walsh-Healey PublicContractsAct " - "_

AS _ " (As from Safety. and 35, 7946-7954 by errata Ilealth (May Standards, Federal 20, 1969). July 15, IN) RotOr=c, _ _ revised sheet dated

.
! ! _"1"_

. " ' .-. . :-.=.;.... " . :

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_ , _ _ '

" exl_suee

Rules =ha ReguhtlonS administered.

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of noise exposure shall be provided "whensho_a O_upat_onal this see ose the in Table 1 of 50-204.10 sound levels exceed

(=) _ote_tio_ thee_ec_ Z_s._e P _a_t to i_pol_ive o,=_ ..

noise should not exceed 140 c_ peaksound pressure _=veL _g cor_ser_'atioaprogram shall be D_a_on _'_
day, hou_ 8 .................... slow res',pom_ :. 90

_ _ --- "
-_ _ !_o___ -= !0o7_ -i _

:_

/-- ! !
/_ -i

___'_ ,_,_"_

at ,_owresponse. When noise levels

are determined by oetxve baud aaatysis, the equi_Ient A-weighted

"--__.._

follows: (see graph) 4 : :_. sound level may be determined as 6 ............................................ 92 ('b) When employ_ ace sub- S ...:................. :........... :..:..___=._ / W _--tedo sound levelsxceeding"2. t e " 100 those l_ted in Table l of t1_i_see_ 11"/........................... ... ............................... 102 :...... _os
tion, feasible administrative or en,_ ............................... 110

_ ._.__,_' _m_v_o_._ __ _c_" _4 $ou_o: _VCL! L < "_ _:_ :_ .I '' _ fo_..... .4o""Go__

-L-_ '_'.-_''_= - "

gineeringcontrols utilzed- or'l_ss .............................. shall be Y, i15 If such coni_'ols to reduce fail sound Ievds _Sthin the levels of WChen the daily noL_ exposure k the table, personal protective equipment shall be provided and used to reduce sound levels within levels of the table, (c) If the variations noise in level involve maxima at int_rvah of 1 second or less, it is to be con'sidereal continuous,
,.D) levels exceed the values shown herein,a continuing,effecl_ve hearIn all ca._s where the sound Of twO or no_se exposure of more I:_rio_s O_ different levels, t2aexr ombm_ed_eet sho,Jd be c__ e sidereal, rather thra the individual effect of each. If the sumof the fob lowi_gfmc_on: C1/T1 + C2/I'2 ... Cn/Tn excee&ur_. then the mixed exposure should be consideredto exceed thelimit value.Cn inddcates the t_tal time of e_-aosure a ._>ec_ed at composed no_e _eve[. aud Tn _ndicat_s the total thane of exposure permitt_--d at that

_ _AND C_N_R FREqUEnCY 1,_Cye.'_'S =.__-C_D _ ........... "r .............. -_:_:,-_ ........ __'____,,_..._-a_=-,__._,_.;
_ -Eq.tit'aJcnt SoNnd [Ct'C[ conto_.irs. Octave band sound l_rcs_urc lct'cL_" m_Cf be co,n_c_cCt to the ccuicah'_t A-wciTJdcJ .so,_nd lct'cl by p_oHine them on ' _/_:.,_Zrel,,_/_ and nr;tir/_ the A-wcd_htcd sound [et-__'l c_rrc,1)onc[it;" to the poin_ of hichc,J pencfrution into 'J_e ;otelld Z,_,ce! c'otttours. This cqmcc:Zent A-_cei_'hted * sound _ /C_'C/, which may di_cr from the a_ual A-tcci_h:,-_ 4 ,_tqnld b'vel o] the noise, is used to determine erposure F_ure

level

limits

from

Table

l.

Figure

15

-I0-

REVIEW

OF

CHABA

DOCUMENT

PRESENTING

DAMAGE

RISK

CONTOURS

In March 1966, The Journal of the Acoustical Society of America published an article by the NAS-NRC CHABA Working Group 46 entitled, "Hazardous Exposure to Intermittent and Steady State Noise." (9) This article sets the basis for the derivation of the DRC which was used in the Walsh-Healy Act on noise exposure as Reqister, (7) and as subsequently used in the Williams-Steiger Health Act (OSHA) of 1970 (8). Damage shown in Risk Criteria the following is presented table (9) : in this report in the published in Occupational the Federal Safety and

form

of

statisti.cal

lines

as

Estimated percentage of people having of presumed NIPTS following ten years a given industrial environment.

various degrees of exposure to

Percent

ile

50

20

I0

KHZ 1 2 3 I0 15 20

Median NIPTS in dB 20 30 40 30 45 60

Figure 16 is a plot of Figure 2, reference 9 and shows the permissible octave band sound pressure level DRC's for one exposure/day. The permissible hours of exposure, together with the calculated value of each DRC in units of dBA, are presented. Attention should be noted to this figure as the modifications applied to this graph form the basis of the "Equivalent Sound Pressure Contours" graphically used for OSHA noise criteria (8). Figure 17 is a plot of Figure 3, reference 9, and shows the permissible pure tone exposure damage risk contours for one exposure/day. The duration in hours,together with the calculated value of each DRC in units of dBA,are presented. The most striking difference between Figure 16 (octave band) and Figure 17 (pure tone) is the flattening of the slope from 125 HZ to 500 HZ and the lower noise exposure levels permissible for pure tone exposure. Reference (9) details the basis on which are based. Three postulates are derived Shift (TTS) and Permanent Threshold Shift specifications of tolerable exposure to specifically concerning Temporary Thres(PTS) and their relationship to each

sound hold other

-II-

Fibre 16

of America,,

Volume

39?

NO_

3,

_i_ze I?

-12-

RELATING

THE

dB A

CONTOUR

TO

THE

CHABA

DAMAGE

RISK

CONTOURS Ii, 12 and scale. 13) relating the findings

of

In March 1967 Botsford published a study (i0, DRC from the CHABA report (9) to a dB x weighting

Although four reports authored by Botsford subject in a slightly formated form. The most to be found in reference i0. As was shown is followed earlier in this paper, the by the historical selection

are referenced, each presents the complete discussion of the subject

same appears

lines

historical development of a set of contour of a dB x contour to represent these lines. available to In an effort developed."

To quote Botsford, "They need simpler methods than those presently facilitate the effective preventative action of which they are capable. to meet this need, a simple method of appraising noise hazard has been In 1953 a noise survey of 40 industries (14) was published. A sented. Botsford chose to relate as the selected dB x subscript measurements in dB A were then of 9). manufacutirng total of 580

plants representing 12 manufacturing full octave band measurements were pre-

these octave band measurements to the dB C and dBA scale method. Further, the distribution of these noise related to the nine CHABA full octave band DRC's (Figure

The study showed "that grouping noises with dB A selected as equivalents to the contours proposed by CHABA would place most manufacturing noises in the same or higher group than would a simple full octave band contour plot and would rarely fail to identify potentially harmful noises," (i0) Botsford (i0) presents his results as eight contour lines. Further, this equivalent A weighting sound level which may differ from the actual sound level of the noise is used to determine exposure limits from Table COMPARISON OF FEDERAL DAMAGE RISK CONTOURS TO HB A CONTOURS he states that A weighting I (Figure 15).

The Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) presently uses the standards for Occupational Noise Exposure as presented in the Walsh-HealeyAct (7). Details of the rules and regulations are provided on Figure 15 of this paper. As the provisions read, two options are provided for DRC's; namely, the use of dBA contour at nine numerical levels of exposure/day o_!ra graph of equivalent sound pressure contours if noise levels are determined by full octave band analysis. The numerical dB A values an--dthe graph of equivalent sound pressure contours appear to be the same as found in Botsford (12). Figure 18 is a plot of the graph of equivalent sound pressure contours and Figure 19 is a plot graphically of six of nine of the numerical values of dBA/hOurs of exposure/day. Figures 20 and 21 are comparison plots of 90 dB A versus 95 dB (equivalent sound pressure contour) and the 95 dB A versus 95 dB (equivalent sound pressure contour) respectively. A study of these graphs shows a spread of 5 dB for the 90 dB comparison and i0 dB to 5 dB for the 95 dB comparison. Figure 22 presents a comparison of the levels in dB A from the table compared to the calculated value in dB A from the graph of equivalent sound pressure level. The differences in _ dB A range from 6 dB A to 18 dB A (Table I versus the graphical equivalent sound pressure contours). A study of the four graphs and the table indicates that the equivalent contour graph is highly sloped below 1 KHZ and beyond 4 KHZ as compared to the dBA contour. difference in contour shape contributes significantly to the large Zi dBA calculations as shown in the table of Figure 22.

This

Reference 15 noted similar differences as early as April 1970. Private correspondence with Jone (16), U.S Department of Health, Education & Welfare, concerning the differences noted especially for contour comparisons below 1 KHZ indicated acute awareness of this situation. In the case of a noise which would follow the graphical equivalent sound pressure contours, an excessive level of dB A would be permitted by comparison. The letter stated that as a result, the Department of Labor is not currently using the nomogragh (graphical equivalent sound pressure contours) in their enforcement of OSHA noise DRC's. Table I values of dB A are used only for determining DRC's. In summary, the scale of dB A has current occupational noise standards been chosen to establish DRC's. -13are based on the dB x method.

The

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_.

.....
2 _FERENCE: .

-- "
"Occupation Table I,

.... :.............
Noise Exposure', Register,

_D_-_I_
Para. Vol. 36, 50-204.10,_ Ho. 160

. . '-'.-I,-. _____." l _

Federal

._ t _t

____, 20,1969 ......

Figure

21

- -

"_-_4 .......

--

:-', ................

'-_

'_U-i

: -_" --_ -F:

...............

___--- .-_r ..... ;-:--__ ....____ _ _,_-_. -, .._ ._,._

.... __.______________ .....

,_

,- _

_ _ ______, _ ._

-....

COMPARIS_ "_C_ATION _DE_L

OF G_ICAL NOISE _GISTER,

A_

TABULAR PA_. NO. 96,

DATA

FROM

EXP_U_", VOL. 26,

50-204.10, mY 20, 1969

_e following table comp .... _e gra_ical data and the _alues above noted reference.

the stated

vain, ind_Abet ....

in Table I of the

Fi6ure

22

d_ 1
TableI 90 95 100 105 ii0 115 120 125

ValueFrom
Cu_e 96.0 105.0 113.5 122.5 128.0 132_5 135.0 136.0

/_I
_er or (Under) 6.0 10.0 13.5 17.5 18.0 17.5 15.0 11.0

-lS-

QUESTION

ON THE

RELATIONSHIP

OF

TTS

TO

PTS

FOR

CHABA

CONTOURS

Since publication of the CHABA DRC's an investigation has been underway to establish firmly the relationship of TTS to PTS. The CHABA DRC's were used to derive the initial Federal Occupational Noise Exposure Criteria. The CHABA DRC's are not in use; instead the more conservative historically related dB A contour to the CHABA has been DRC's as (17) is PTS for selected. Nevertheless, an alternate dB x method. in of the dB A contour is

A master's thesis by Martin to show that TTS is not equal to exposure.

one study exposures

this field. The impulsive versus

thesis white

reports noise

A study of the cochleogram by Lipscomb (18) from guinea pig showed extensive damage from 1 KHZ to 3KHZ to 8 KI_Z. Spectra of noise exposure for the total of sented in the table which follows:

exposure to rock music by a and moderate damage from 4 KHZ 88 hours over 57 days is pre-

HZ Full Octave SPL

125 120

250 120

500 120

1K 108

2K 105

4K i00

8K 90

One observation drawn is that higher levels of low frequency noise (120 dB versus I00 dB) cause more cochlear tissue damage at the mid-frequencies (1 KHZ to 3 KHZ). Also, that this exposure caused cochlear tissue damage throughout the entire cochlea. This spectra is similar to the CHABA and to the OSHA graph of equivalent sound pressure DRC's.

QUESTION

OF

USAGE

OF

20-YEAR

OLD

NOISE

SPECTRA

FOR

DAMAGE

RISK

CONTOURS

Botsford (I0) references a 1953 data bank of full octave band noise spectra (14) to derive a set of numerical distributions for the dBA contour. This data bank made use of 580 full octave spectra from 40 manufacturing plants representing 12 manufacturing industries. Additional spectra (I0) were used by Botsford from 123 noises from diesel-powered trucks, tractors, etc., for the dB c - dB A analysis portion of reference paper (14). OSHA noise exposure DRC's were extended April 30, 1971, to some 57 million wage earners in 4.1 million establishments. This represents a significant increase for defining representative noise exposure spectra from the original 1953 data bank. Assuming that the original data bank of noise spectra is accurate, it is nevertheless not representative of specialized types of industries which matured from 1953 to 1972. The aerospace industry, which today employs about one million workers, had developed during this period. The type of noise spectra encountered in this industry needs to be documented in order to relate them to DRC's. Another example is the computer industry which began in the mid-60's and has matured to encompass today's cybernated factories. To restate the General Electric advertisement; made up of products of manufacture that did is a question, for a meaningful namely, that comparison GE's major product not exist ten years lines ago. continue

to

be

There inadequate

the statistical data bank to a DRC for occupational

of noise spectra noise exposure.

is

-16-

STATEMENT

OF

NARROW

BAND

VERSUS

OCTAVE

BAND

SPECTRA since the late 1950's is electronic

data

One industry that has grown processing and analysis of

to sophistication spectra.

avoid narrow 20,

The industry/military complex pioneered in this endeavor since it was necessary to and enhance detection for land, sea and air weapons systems. As a consequency, band analyses of noise spectra was developed. Narrow band filters of i, 5, i0, and i00 HZ took a second look at full octave noise spectra from machinery.

50

A simple pump ripple when viewed viewed from are from an

piston pump for example which appears to have a pump shaft rate and a rate (number of pistons x shaft rate) of 3 harmonics of the ripple rate from 1/3 octave band analysis becomes 9 harmonics of the ripple rate when narrow band analysis (Figure 22 and 23, respectively). These pure tones accelerometer and appear some 20 dB above the background noise. tractor in production use today throughout in Figures 25 and 26. The 1/3 octave band when viewed from analysis of narro w band

The noise levels of a large industrial farms west of the Mississippi are enclosed data (Figure 25) is misleading especially spectra. The determine a narrow ring its band

frequency of a case hardened "swashplate" when subjected natural frequencies shows over i0 pure tones from 2 KHZ accelerometer data analysis (Figure 27). pure tones evidenced in Figure 28. and only postulate for in the secondary air duct of

to a test to to I0 KHZ from

The complex engine are shown The first

a JT3D

turbofan

this

paper

follows:

The characteristic noise spectra from machinery is that of a number of complex pure tones. The exception is an exhausting jet for which the characteristic spectra is contoured over a frequency range. This particular contour may be derived from emperical data relating to the strouhal value (fd/v).

For example, the far field turbofan noise spectra of a commercial turbofan is shown to consist of a hot gas low frequency spectra, combined with a number high level pure tones and lower level white noise spectra (Figure 29). For at a tractor, the the operator's noise spectra consists ear level (Figure 26). primarily of a series of complex

engine of

pure

tones

The exposure facility.

postulate places emphasis on relating the spectra encountered by industrial workers

selection of a DRC to the noise in each type of manufacturing

-17-

ACCELERATION LEVELS ON PUMP 1800 RPM. 1/3 OCTAVE.

CASING

._--._--E_--

.E_..-_Z-b---,'-_'--r--!-_

"_T_--_---q

_-'_- -

:-7

---: '_t_-i----l--_-t-dl-:t:__l--_-_t;t'_--:-_2:l

_-'_T:_-- .....

----_ ....

:L

..................

-_--='- -'_ ..... ;]t1_ -'-' ' _.,-{_,"El ...... _i -_

'

......... _t _- - -,-. _-_

...... _"'- '_---z "

_ _,,._, __9_

__,

7 , -;_K_-

i-_"1-'.h__tl '

Figure

23

-i8 -

_ASURED

AUDIO

OPERATOR

_EL

V$ t p_PQSED

SAE

SPECIFICATION

FOR

OPERATOR

_ 120

?.20

:.

....

-:

r:

--._:,:,-':,_

_::----'::_-:

-]l-ly-

'

Figure 25

8O

Figure 26

-19 -

Figure

2?

- . . ._. " " I0_ _ir_ SE_GI 6_ _ : , .... ._---,- -I ..... .---! i -

I----- ......

___,_:.

-.............

...........

_.... ,

_'._ -., ........_....i ....

i.... I

_---.-- ......

....

_ .....

: .... _-;--

:_---_--:_

,I

_;"

_I_--:

A ,--_.i-._:---_--T-',

__-_-4

I. __i ....

-_.......

_--i

._

.I--

" -I--_-

_-

-:4.

_-..... _-..... _4-_ _:_ ..... ::--- ___.;-_.J: : _;:---___:__-":-! _. i; _:::-.-.- .l_---h_,_-n_=-. :-*.:

' i L---_ ...._-7 :-_ _:_ _ :-* - ;-', _ -_:-::::--_7_-----:--_-2:-,_.a.

F_,ure

28

-20-

OPEN

HOUSE

ON

DAMAGE

RISK

CONTOURS by Bekesy (1) namely, of a phenomena often that the neglects

In the preface,reference is made to a statement difficulty in deriving a law to explain the functions the implied limits within which the law functions.

Such is the case with the dB x method in which a contour is selected as representative of "human hearing repsonse." The histology of dB subscript, A, B, C, D, E, each function adequately for "human hearing response" but only optimally for the dB ordinate range and type frequency exposure for which they have been postulated to operate. When the dB x method is extended to all conditions of noise exposure, the original intent of the dBx method may be invalid. The selection of dB A, dB B and dB C contours were intended to be consistent with a

range of dB appropriate the 1930's. While may not be subsequent Even

levels. Here dB c was to analyze noise from

selected as representative industrial and community

of the highest contour environments typical of

the dB A the dB x laws on the type

contour may represent "human hearing response" for contour to represent DRC's for statistical hearing occupational noise exposure. of spectra exposure is different today than from

annoyance, it loss and for

the

1950's.

A recognition which placed !0 KHZ.

of this emphasis

factor for aircraft noise on high intensity complex

saw the derivation tone noise exposure

of the dB D scale from 1 KHZ to

exists

This section reviews in the definition

DRC's from a number of sources of a statistically valid DRC.

to

illustrate

the

gap

which

The AAO0 uses three frequency points and a hearing loss in excess of 25 dB (average) as a zero point. Hearing loss beyond this 25 dB average is expressed in percent hearing loss using an AAOO procedure (19)&(23). An interesting derivative of an AAO0 data table is presented in Figure 30. The curve of non-noise and general population, together with the curve of the Mabaan Tribe of the Sudan, is included. Here Cohen (20) presents a term "sociocusis" to derive statistical hearing loss data from nonoccupational noise exposure. Figure 31 is a comparison of the dB D and the dB A contour using a 1 KHZ intercept point. Both these curves represent "human hearing response." Which is correct? Or are they both correct within the limits that the dB x method functions? It is one condition to contour a dBx method for annoyance and quite another to contour a dB x method for statistical hearing loss DRC's. Figure 32 presents a novel approach to DRC's It is the U.S.S.R. DRC. Note that increased levels of noise exposure are not reintroduced with the U.S.S.R. DRC. The acoustics of noise attenuation of marketed products make attenuation of frequencies beyond 2 KHZ comparatively easy as opposed to frequencies below the 500 HZ range. Figure 33 presents the NC-85 contour Further DRC as noted in reference of high 21. It is similar noise

in shape to the previous contour. are not reintroduced beyond 4 KHZ.

increased

levels

frequency

Figure 34 presents the 8-hour DRC for dBA and for the pure tone in the original 1966 CHABA report (9). Beyond 500 HZ the two curves incident; however, they spread apart some 6 dB, a pressure doubling, Figure 35 presents the 1-hour DRC for dBA and for the pure in CHABA (9) There is a dB A difference of 11.5 dB between the an average of a 6 dB spread is evidenced between the two curves. exposure (up to i0 dB) is premitted from 1 KHZ to 6 KHZ.

DRC as provided are almost coat 125 HZ.

tone DRC as provided two curves. Further, Also, less noise

-22-

A_e

of General

Po_ulltlo_

Figure 30

, i

, . '

. : '_

: "

+ +

. ...........

........

+-_ ....... Reference '3 of-aZmo_e.

_ L +_+. 4+._ , + +....

_I:+-1 :Y__::+ + i-:,_-_::++ ::I-C +P:::+: +-Y: ++_+:++::++-+--_+-+-::+_-i_-:+_+-_+-:_,_++_

+ ,?ol - + ' '++:_ .... : 't ................ "N. ..... + : ++-++---+ t'r'-;-_++-l++'+

+_ :-3

.+

+-

'

i+- :::: +-++ -+_._:-i--_::--.p-:-%

,+-+ + =+-+:-++-_+kL_'_ ..... ....

_+7' __-_+-----__+u , +-,+ ......

m

: .. :
' i

' " : _i + _ +_++_ ...... _- P .....

_ T [ +

" + +-----_-----

:--,.

, ....+---+ ..... _+_- _+_+--_.____ .__-+ +__+_ .4-_l_..+-t. +++:+ +i+. _ + _.+___+.. &.___.+____, + t ; , , I ,, t : _ - t , '+t [ F_e_Juemp E_+-_+_---++-+-+[-_+ ._-! +--+-el _,
' I_ r i i . , _ I " + ---_ [ i -I

L _ ++.++-,+L u ,+,'.LL_._L
Figure 32

L i L LLLLLL i L//LE[L.

Ftgure

33

Fibre

Fi_e 35

CONCLUSIONS

AND

RECOMMENDATIONS

i.

The choice method for

of the dB x method relating DRC's to

needs to be occupational

restudied as an noise exposure.

acceptable

simplified

2.

The dB A exposure. a)

contour

may

be

inappropriate

for

specifying

numerical

levels

of

DRC

The A-contour 70 dB (Figure

is appropriate 7).

for

intensity

levels

in

the

range

from

48

to

b)

The data bank of noise spectra is over 20 years old and does noise spectra exposures. The relationship of remains in question. TTS and

used to derive the selection of the A-contour not represent the current OSHA condition on

c)

PTS

per

the

three

postulates

of

the

CHABA

report

(9)

3.

A data bank statistically wage earners

of

narrow relate working

band and 1/3 octave band contours of noise exposure 4.1 million establishments

noise spectra to the DRC's now covered

is needed to for the 57 million by OSHA.

4.

The postulate presented in this paper, namely, that the dominant characteristic of noise spectra from machinery is that of complex pure tones needs to be investigated using the data bank information from Item 3 above. a) For the aerospace industry covering may require relating to spectra of cempiex pure tones. one noise million workers the exposure involving DRC specifications high levels of

5.

The practice of 4 KHZ for DRC's a)

reintroducing is questioned.

higher

permissible

levels

of

noise

exposure

beyond

Several DRC specifications 4 KHZ (Figures 13, 14, 32

do and

not reintroduce 33).

higher

noise

levels

beyond

6.

Since a large is in private the utilization

number of sound level meters and electronic processing equipment and industrial ownership, any retrofit DRC selection will require of "equivalent" dB x tables that are statistically acceptable.

7.

The selection of range of validity

a DRC should within which

require a detailed the DRC applies.

statement

covering

the

8. A next generation DRC for occupational noise exposure recommentations made by the World Health Organization a)

should (22).

consider

One item from this reference states; "That it is unacceptable (and not agreement with data from other countries) that it should be considered normal for 50 percent of the workers reaching age 65 to have a hearing handicap."

in

-26-

REFERENCES

Reference Number

Bekesy,

G.

Yon,

"The

Missing in

Fundamental ASA,

and Vol. 51,

Periodicity Detection No. 2, February 1972

Bearing",

Stevens, Physiology

S. ,

S., John

Hearin_ Wiley

&

Its Psychology Sons, 1938

and

Kryter, Academic

K.D., Press

The 1970

Effects

of

Noise

on

Man

Stevens, Mark VII

S. and 1972

S.,

"Perceived (E)",

Levels ASA,

of Vol.

Noise 51,

by NO. 2,

Decibels

February

"Noise Values",

Control Safety Division of Article

Orders Industrial 55,

and

Threshold Safety, 1955

Limit State of

california,

November

"General Supply Act Para. of

Safety Contracts", 1934,

and

Health Walsh-Healey States

Standards Public Department D. C., General Supply Act May of 20,

for

Federal

Contract of 1967 Safety and Labor,

United

50-204.293, Noise

Washington Exposure", Federal Contract No. 96,

"Occupational Health Standards

for Public

Contracts, 1934, 1969 Federal

Walsh-Healey Register, Vol.

34,

"Williams-Steiger Act of 1970 ", December 29,

Occupational (0SHA), Public 1970

Safety and Law 91-596,

Health

Kryter, and Group

K.

D., State ASA, J.

"Hazardous Noise", Vol. 39,

Exposure I_AS-NRC NO. 3,

to

Intermittent

Steady 46,

CHABAWorking March for 1966 Identifying 42, NO. 4,

i0

Botsford, Acceptable March 1967

H.,

"Simple Exposures",

Method ASA,

Noise

Vol.

ii

Botsford, Noises, Chalupnik, washington A

J.

H.,

"Damage

Risk",

Transportation Criteria, of

Symposium J. A., Press,

on Acceptability Editor, University 1970

12

Botsford, Criteria", April 1970

H.,

"Current and

Trends

in

Damage No.

Risk 4,

Sound

Vibration,

Vol.4,

13

Botsford, Engineering",

J.

H., ASHA,

"Control NO. 4,

of

Noise

Through

1969

14

Karplus, Survey Industrial Pages

of

H. B. and Bonvalett, G. Manufacturing Industries", Hygiene to 263, Association, 1953

L.,

"A Noise American 14,

Quarterly

235

15

Hirschorn, National

M., Safety

"The walsh-Healey News, April 1970

and

90

dBA",

16

Jones,

H.

H.

Private Agents Welfare,

Correspondence,

Acting of Health,

Chief Physical Education and February 1972

Branch, Department Cincinnati, Ohio,

17

Martin, Induced State

R., "Recovery by Gunfire", Univeristy,

Slope M_ster's

of

Auditory Thesis, june

Fatigue Arizona 1972

Tempe,

Arizona,

iS

Lipscomp, Recreational Audiological

D.

M., and

"Noise in the EnviroD/nental VIII, 1970

Environment, Sounds",

MAIC0

Series for

19

"AA00

Method

Calculating H.

Percent A.,

Hearing Appleton-Century

Loss",

Page 102, Audiolog_)Newby, Crafts, 1964

20

Cohen,

A.

et

all,

"Sociocusis

Bearing Sound

Loss and

from

Non-occupational Noise Exposure", Vibration, November 1970

21

Rose, Table 1971

D.

E.,

"Bearing Bearing

Darm_ge Assessment,

Risk

Contour", Prentice Hall

Table Inc.,

13.6,

22

Cuadra, E., Consultation February 1972

"World Health Organization's First on Noise". Sound and Vibration,

23

ANSI 1969 Audiometry odB-H.L., _artford, ER et all "Interpretation of Audiograms and the Implications of Industrial Bearing Loss on Communication", National Safety News, April 1972

_27