3. • Sound is defined as a rapid
variation of atmospheric
pressure caused by some
disturbance of the air.
• Noise is defined as
unnecessary, harmful and
annoying sound.
Effects of Noise
Presentation title Date 3
4. • Long term and short term hearing damage
-Tinnitus
-Muffled hearing
• Reduces productivity
• Communication
• All damage is Permanente
Effects of Noise
Presentation title Date 4
5. • Occupational noise can be any sound in any work
environment
• Noise level of 90 dB(A) over a 8 hour time
weighted average require
hearing protection
• Noise level of 85 dB(A) over a 8 hour day require a
Hearing conservation program
OSHA Noise Standard
Presentation title Date 5
6. NN 126911 Noise At Workplaces
Establishes maximum limits for noise at workplaces. The limits are
grouped into three categories:
• Noise at workplaces
• Unnecessary noise
• Room acoustics
Novo Nordisk Noise Policy
7. Noise at workplaces
• The noise level must not exceed 80 dB(A)
• Impulse noise must not exceed 125 dB(C) peak.
Novo Nordisk Noise Policy
Presentation title Date 7
8. Unnecessary noise
• Avoid unnecessary noise - Noise exceeding any of these levels is
considered to be unnecessary noise.
Novo Nordisk Noise Policy
Presentation title Date 8
Single equipment in specific rooms or lines
Noise
level*
Filling lines, assembly lines, packaging lines 75 dB(A)
Inspection lines, storage facilities, kitchens: All types of equipment 70 dB(A)
Laboratories Safety benches 60 dB(A)
Fume cupboards 50 dB(A)
HPLC cupboards incl. equipment 45 dB(A)
Small vacuum pumps 50 dB(A)
Table centrifuges 50 dB(A)
Offices: Technical installations, including ventilation 35 dB(A)
9. Room acoustic- The result of the way in which the size, shape, and
materials of a room affect the sound in the room.
• All workrooms must be satisfactory.
• Requirements for offices, laboratories and other types of workrooms
are specified using criteria of reverberation time and absorption.
Novo Nordisk Noise Policy
Presentation title Date 9
10. Annoying Noise- Noise that is perceived as annoying.
• 60 dB(A) in areas where undisturbed communication is needed
• 45-50 dB(A) in areas where concentration demanding work is carried
out.
Novo Nordisk Noise Policy
Presentation title Date 10
11. • Map and assess the existing noise environment if it is suspected that
the limits for noise at workplaces are not in compliance with
requirements described in this procedure
• Assess the existing noise environment in order to ascertain the
existence of unnecessary and harmful noise if employees complain
about inconveniences associated with noise at the workplace.
Novo Nordisk Noise Policy
Presentation title Date 11
12. • Areas thought to exceed 80 dB(A)
-Chiller yard
-Building 1 Interstitial space 1.2.004
-Mechanical Mezzanine
-Boilers
-Clean utilities
• All Fume hoods and Biological cabinets
Areas of Focus
Presentation title Date 12
13. Equipment & Process
Presentation title Date 13
• Quest Model 2800 impulse integrating type 2 sound level meter.
• QC-10 Calibrator
14. • Calibrated 114 dB
• Mapped out locations for areas of concern.
• Walked around facility with Quest model 2800 taking samples from
areas of concern.
• Mark location on map with decibels recorded. (All numbers in red
show a noise level that is not compliant with novo policy)
• Create spread sheet with informational notes about possible reason
for high noise levels.
Equipment & Procedure
Presentation title Date 14
23. Summary of Results
Presentation title Date 23
Areas that Exceed 80 dB Fume Hoods/Biological Cabinets
that exceed 50 dB
Chiller Yard M.S.A.T. lab 174 cabinet- 69 dB
Mechanical Mezzanine M.S.A.T. lab 164 Fume hood- 68.9 dB
Clean Utilities QC lab 5.105 fume hood- 62 dB
Interstitial space 1.2.004 QC lab 5.105 fume hood- 63.7 dB
Mechanical Penthouse QC lab 5.110 cabinet- 67 dB
Process Waste QC lab 5.110 cabinet- 69.8 dB
Interstitial space 264 Room 1.1.025 fume hood- 72.7 dB
Room 1.1.025 cabinet- 69.8 dB
Room 1.1.032 cabinet- 55.5 dB
24. • Assess locations identified as > 80dBA to determine if employee
hearing protection required
• Assess need to post signs indicating loud noise at >80 dBA locations
• Conduct further assessment of unnecessary noise at fume hoods and
biosafety cabinets upon employee complaints of inconvenience
• Limit access to area
Corrective Action
Presentation title Date 24
