Excellent idea! Below is your full Noise Hazard List organized by source with noise levels in decibels (dB) , examples , and brief explanations . This is perfect for NEBOSH IG2 , toolbox talks, or safety reports.
1. Machinery and Equipment Noise Hazard Noise Level (dB) Explanation Grinders 90–110 dB High-speed grinding produces constant abrasive noise. Compressors 85–100 dB Air compression and motor vibration generate loud mechanical sound. CNC Machines 90–100 dB Cutting and shaping operations emit sharp, repetitive sound. Concrete Mixers 80–95 dB Rotating drums cause continuous low-frequency rumbling. Printing Presses 85–95 dB Fast movement of mechanical parts creates loud clicking sounds. Generators 95–105 dB Diesel/petrol engines produce strong engine noise during operation. Ventilation Fans 75–85 dB Large fans or blowers create background humming.
2. Impact or Sudden Noise Hazard Noise Level (dB) Explanation Hammering Metal 110–120 dB Sudden strikes cause percussive, high-impact noise. Nail Guns 100–120 dB Pneumatic release causes sharp impulse noise. Steel Fabrication 95–110 dB Cutting/punching steel generates burst-type mechanical noise. Dropped Tools/Materials 90–110 dB Impact with floors creates loud, sudden noise. Jackhammers 100–120 dB Percussive action produces intense, continuous vibration noise.
3. Traffic and Vehicle Noise Hazard Noise Level (dB) Explanation Forklifts 85–90 dB Movement and reversing beeps contribute to ambient noise. Heavy Trucks 85–100 dB Engine, exhaust, and loading activities produce loud, prolonged noise. Aircraft Engines 120–140+ dB One of the loudest occupational noises; requires double hearing protection. Tractors/Harvesters 90–100 dB Engine and gear noise from agricultural machinery. Reversing Alarms 85–95 dB High-pitched, repetitive tones to warn pedestrians.
4. Process-Generated Noise Hazard Noise Level (dB) Explanation Pneumatic Tools 95–105 dB Compressed air creates sharp bursts of noise. Steam Release 110–120 dB Sudden high-pressure venting produces hissing or jet-like noise. High-Pressure Washers 90–100 dB Jet stream hitting surfaces causes loud impact noise. Hydraulic Systems 85–95 dB Pump and fluid movement create humming and whining. Shot Blasting 110–120 dB Blasting grit or sand creates intense abrasive noise.
5. Alarm, Sirens, and Human Noise Hazard Noise Level (dB) Explanation Fire Alarms 100–120 dB Designed to alert through high-decibel sirens. Evacuation Sirens 105–125 dB Extremely loud for maximum range and attention. Public Address Systems 85–95 dB Overuse or loud music/announcements create background noise issues. Shouting (close range) 80–90 dB Repetitive human shouting increases noise in enclosed areas. Crowded Public Areas 85–95 dB Accumulated voices and activities produce persistent noise.
6. Miscellaneous Noise Hazards Hazard Noise Level (dB) Explanation Metal Sheet Handling 95–105 dB Moving or dropping sheets causes ringing/clanging noise. Roofing/Cladding Work 90–100 dB Material handling on rooftops causes echo and sharp impact noise. Echo in Enclosed Spaces +5–10 dB increase Sound reflects off hard surfaces, amplifying noise levels. Testing Engines/Turbines 100–130 dB High-decibel testing noise during maintenance or commissioning.
Note for NEBOSH IG2:
Exposure above 85 dB(A) for 8 hours can lead to permanent hearing loss .
Peak impulse noise should not exceed 140 dB(C) .
Use hearing protection , noise monitoring , and engineering controls .