Common Noise Levels
85
Too Loud
Gunshot
Firecrackers
Grain dryer
Chain saw
Rock band
Circular saw
Squealing pigs
Tractor, in shop (idling - 6’ away)
Hand drill
Combine (full throttle - 10’ away)
Table saw
Tractor, without cab
Combine (full throttle - in cab)
Tractor, enclosed cab
Normal conversation
0
25
50
75 85 100
dB
125
150
A “decibel” is the unit to measure the loudness of sound. Decibel levels for each item shown in the graph may vary.
If you need to raise your voice to be heard an arm’s length away, the
noise is probably loud enough to damage your hearing.
How Long Is Too Long?
The red bar below shows how long it takes for a particular sound level
to become dangerous to the human ear. For example, a chain saw has
a sound intensity of about 109dB. Without proper hearing protection,
running a chain saw for only 2 minutes can cause hearing loss!
112 dB
109 dB
106 dB
103 dB
100 dB
97 dB
94 dB
91 dB
88 dB
85 dB
<1 min
<2 min
<4 min
7.5 min
15 min
30 min
1 hour
2 hours
4 hours
8 hours
Task/Tool
Noise Levels for Common Tools
Mortising
Orb. Sand.
Table Saw
Planer
Belt Sander
Router
Metal Shear
Hand Drill
Circular Saw
Tile Saw
Impact Wrench
Miter Saw
Chop Saw
Chain Saw
Hammer Drill
75 80 85 90 95 100 105 110 115
dB
A “decibel” is the unit to measure the loudness of sound. Decibel levels for each item shown in the graph may vary.
If you need to raise your voice to be heard an arm’s length away, the
noise is probably loud enough to damage your hearing.