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UNIT 4: ENVIRONMENT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Environment Status Review on Reducing Noise
NOISE FACTSHEET
• Noise pollution can be defined as undesirable sound that is disturbing, annoying and
which may be detrimental to human health.
• Undesirable noise can include music, traffic, crowds, and workplace-related noise
from machines and appliances.
• Noise is measured in decibels (dB), which follow a logarithmic scale. Therefore even a
small increase in decibels means a large increase in the magnitude of the sound. For
example, a sound of 30dB is ten times greater in intensity than 20dB, and a hundred
times greater than 10dB.
• The frequency of noise is measured in Hertz (Hz).
• Vibration is a major source of noise transmission.
Sound intensity
A home environment in an
urban area
40dB
Office
City centre
A moving road transport container
at a distance of 15 metres
50-60dB
70dB
90dB
• Continuous exposure to intensities of noise can have adverse health effects:
- Noise levels between 70dB-12dB can induce migraines, circulatory disturbances,
high blood pressure and ulcers;
- Noise levels between 10dB and 120dB can cause loss of hearing;
- Noise levels above 130dB can cause direct damage to the ear;
• High levels of noise in hospitality businesses can reduce the value of the property and
lead to the loss of business. It also affects employee productivity and causes conflicts
with neighbouring businesses and homes.
• Areas that generate the most noise in hospitality businesses are mechanical rooms
with fans, compressors, boilers and generators, kitchens, laundries, delivery and
waste output areas including compactors, garages, discotheques and function rooms,
lobby areas and bars.
• The most noise-sensitive areas in hospitality properties are guestrooms, meeting and
conference rooms, and offices.
• The US Occupational Safety and Health Act specifies the following:
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Maximum permissible industrial
workday noise levels
SOUND LEVEL (dB)
DURATION (HOURS)
90 8
92 6
95 4
100 2
105 1
110 1/2
115 1/4