Measurement of noise levels: an observational study in engineering laboratories

The current study determines the sound levels observed in the engineering laboratories at the Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan. The objective of the study was to measure sound-levels of different engineering laboratories during specified time periods and compare them with OSHA standards. The sound-level parameters were investigated in five of the main laboratories. The time weighted average (TWA) and equivalent continuous sound level (Leq) values were observed at different times and compared with the OSHA standards. The TWA in all the laboratories was estimated to be 65.75 dBA which are within the international OSHA standards for noise however a considerable number of sound-levels in different laboratories were slightly higher than the accepted standards. More studies should be undertaken, as background noise and noise coming from the laboratory equipment can not only cause hearing problems but may also lead to miscommunication and difficulties in performing routine laboratory tasks. Keywords: Noise, Sound-level, Polymer, OSHA, Standards, Laboratory, TWA, Leq.