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Decibel

Last updated: October 28, 2019

What Does Decibel Mean?

A decibel (dB) is a unit that is used to measure the power or intensity of an electrical signal or audible sound. It is measured as a comparison to a given level on a logarithmic scale. The greater the number, the higher the energy of sound. In occupational health and safety, noise can be a concern in terms of hearing loss, so safe levels for workplace sound are often established in decibels.

Safeopedia Explains Decibel

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) has established safe levels of noise exposure for the workplace, while the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has determined safe decibel exposure levels for neighborhoods, classrooms and hospitals. Prolonged exposure to noise levels of 85 dB or more will result in hearing loss. The use of earplugs and earmuffs can help prevent this.

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