TYPICAL & RECOMMENDED COMMERCIAL NOISE LEVELS
Secondary glazing for commercial noise reduction
Typical Noise Levels
In order to specify effective secondary glazing for commercial noise reduction, we need to know:
- approximately what the current noise levels and types of noise are
and
- the use, or proposed use, of the building and the different areas within
We can then determine the required noise reduction and specify accordingly.
The following chart should give you a good guide to the current noise levels.
Typical Noise Levels Chart - Commercial Noise Pollution in London
| 0 dB | The threshold of hearing |
| 10 dB Normal breathing | |
| 20 dB Rustling leaves | |
| 30 dB Quiet office or library | |
| 40 dB Light rainfall | |
| 55 dB Average office noise | |
| 60 dB Normal conversation | |
| 60 dB Vacuum cleaner | |
| 70 dB Busy street - street level | Above 70 dB is considered hazardous & can result in hearing damage |
| 75 dB Main road traffic at 30 mph | |
| 77 dB 2nd floor office in town centre | |
| 80 dB Local construction activity | |
| 80 dB Average factory | |
| 80 dB Diesel train at 100 ft. | |
| 86 dB 3/4’s of a mile from a major airport | |
| 87 dB 3rd floor office next to major arterial road | |
| 90 dB Heavy goods vehicle passing | Prolonged exposure at 90 dB can permanently damage the auditory nerves |
| 97 dB Jet aircraft at 6000 ft. preparing for landing | |
| 100 dB Beside a mainline railway | |
| 110 dB Car horn | |
| 110 dB Live rock music | |
| 120 dB Aeroplane on the runway | |
| 120 dB Emergency services siren | 120 dB can cause pain & ringing in the ears |
| 130 dB Pneumatic drill | |
| 140 dB Fireworks | At 140 dB sharp pain & extensive destruction of the auditory nerves |
| 155 dB Rifle shot | |
| 160 dB Turbojet engine | Immediate persistent ringing in the ears & massive destruction of the auditory nerves occurs at 160 dB |
Recommended Commercial Noise Levels
In 1980 the World Health Organisation issued recommendations for noise levels - "Environmental Health Criteria 12: Noise" - subsequently updated in 1999, which also stated:
“.... a level of less than 35 dB is recommended to preserve the restorative process of sleep.”
In the UK, the recommended levels of internal noise for all types of premises are contained in British Standard 8233: 1999: 'Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings - Code of Practice'
The chart below summarises the recommendations - which in each situation gives a recommended level - “Good” - and an upper limit - “Reasonable.”
| Location/Use | Good | Reasonable |
|---|---|---|
| Recording Studio | 20 dB | 25 dB |
| Residential Bedrooms | 30 dB | 35 dB |
| Hotel Bedrooms | 30 dB | 35 dB |
| Church | 30 dB | 35 dB |
| Lecture Theatre | 30 dB | 35 dB |
| Hospital Ward | 30 Bd | 35 dB |
| Residential Living Areas | 30 dB | 40 dB |
| Classrooms | 30 dB | 40 dB |
| Libraries & Museums | 30 dB | 40 dB |
| Office Meeting Rooms | 35 dB | 40 dB |
| School Staff Room | 35 dB | 45 dB |
| Cellular Offices | 40 dB | 50 dB |
| Open Plan Offices | 45 dB | 50 dB |
| Workplace Corridors/Washrooms | 45 dB | 55 dB |
| Workplace Canteens/Kitchens | 50 dB | 55 dB |
Further information:
- Legislation & Policies for Sound Insulation, Noise Insulation & Acoustic Design
- Introduction to Noise & Soundproofing for Windows
- All About our Commercial Secondary Glazing Services
Download our Secondary Glazing Brochure