Aircraft engine db level?
 

Hi all,

I work as a dispatcher at a large airport and while a lot of time is spent in the office / terminal, I also spend a fair bit of time on the ramp for certain flights. We're all issued with Peltor ear defenders (as pictured below), however, they aren't practical for the type of work I do and subsequently neither myself or any of my colleagues carry them around with us (as stupid as that may sound :ugh:)

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...500_AA300_.jpg

I've been looking around the net for some smaller 'ear plug' type ear defenders that are more practical for the job I do. However, I have had trouble finding out whether these would actually offer any protection or not.

Does anyone know roughly how many db I would be subjected to standing roughly 20meters from a modern aircraft (sat 737) arriving on stand?

Thanks

If you don't use the ones your employer issues and then have problems with Noise Induced Hearing Loss, I would not imagine they would have much sympathy...

If you don't believe those to be suitable/adequate for the job you do, then you should be asking your H&S department for their support in finding something that is.

Other than that, try using a foam earplug inside your Peltors.

I use Alpine Worksafe industrial earplugs. They are easy to carry around in your pocket, and I can stand right next to the APU or Packs without any issue. I would recommend them.

Alpine WorkSafe earplugs - connevans.co.uk

They have attenuation data there.

tom775257, thanks for that, they look like the type of thing I need.

I was just wondering if anyone knew the actual db level an engine would produce at idle, or near idle thrust?

Underread_east is right, to protect you hearing you should be asking your company to provide suitable PPE. If you don't wear it you will substantially weaken your chances of making a claim should that become necessary.

Having said that, look up the attenuation data for the supplied Peltors, find some in ear plugs that equal or exceed that attenuation, and present the data to your H&S department.

Ear defenders ( like all PPE ) need to be worn to be effective.

OnSite Supplies

pg 98 on safety catalog. P/N: 2111 210 , re-usable costs £1 each.

Assuming modern jet aircraft with APUs running, it will probably be in the 90-100 dB(A) region. It's difficult to be specific as there are a lot of variables.
At the top end of that scale, daily exposures would probably be limited to 5-10 minutes for H&S reasons without hearing protection.

It will likely be dominated by higher frequency noise which ear defenders and ear-plugs are most effective in attenuating.

My preference would be for foam ear plugs. Cheap and very effective.

Thank you for the replies :ok:

Ordered a pair of those 'corded ear plug' ones which hopefully do the job, as I can leave them around my neck / in hi-viz pocket. While I'm sure the Peltor type ones I linked above offer better protection, they simply aren't viable when you're running around the airport all day with no where to keep them.

JET ENGINE DECIBELS
 

As for your question which was not answered correctly: Jet engine decibels. At 200 feet, a jet engine "winding up" will register 140 plus DECIBELS.

As for not wearing your ear protection. With 1 hour of 90 decibels you can damage your hearing.

I worked on both Piston and Jets and and right underneath them. At the time the Air Force supplied no type of ear protection - not even ear plugs. Am now
the proud owner of two hearing aids, courtesy of the U.S. GOVERNMENT.

Nappy Bag Straps
 

Sorry for resurecting an old thread, but I just arrived here via a Google search and wanted to add one point.


When you find the ear muffs inpractical, go to a baby shop and buy the straps they have for attaching a nappy bag to a stroller. It is basically a strip of strong nylon with two loops at either end (big loop and small loop/clip) with a quick release buckle. It is strong and ideal for threading the small loop/clip onto your belt, and the big loop for attaching your ear muffs. It should solve your problem for a couple of bucks.


To not wear hearing protection is not an option.