Exposure to Ultrasonic Cleaner Noise in the Canadian Forces

Abstract

The high-frequency noise produced by ultrasonic cleaning devices at CFB North Bay and CFB Trenton is sufficiently intense to produce effects such as nausea, headaches, tinnitus and fatigue among exposed personnel. Although the 20-kHz one-third octave-band sound pressure levels observed close to these units are well under 140 dB (the level below which damage to the human ear is thought not to occur), they nevertheless exceed the levels recommended for hearing conversation (105 dB at an operator's position, 95 dB within 15 feet of an operator). The most effective means of reducing the noise radiated from these cleaners is to contain each unit in an appropriately ventilated enclosure or room. Personnel operating or working close to units not enclosed should wear hearing protection.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jul 01, 1977
Accession Number
ADA048115

Entities

People

  • R. B. Crabtree
  • S. E. Forshaw

Organizations

  • DRDC Toronto

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Biomedical
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acoustic Waves
  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Aircrafts
  • Frequency
  • Generators
  • Hearing Protection
  • Jet Aircraft
  • Maintenance
  • Medical Personnel
  • National Security
  • Noise
  • Pain
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Sound Pressure
  • Tinnitus
  • Ultrasonic Cleaning
  • Ultrasounds

Readers

  • Acoustics.
  • Auditory Neuroscience/Auditory Physiology.