Do you think your workplace is loud? Perhaps too loud? NIOSH offers these estimates of work-related noises:

• Loudest tone possible — 194 dB

• Rocket launch — 180 dB

• 12-gauge shotgun — 165 dB

• Jet engine takeoff — 140 dB

• Ambulance siren — 120 dB

• Pneumatic percussion drill — 119 dB

• Hammer drill — 114 dB

• Chain saw — 110 dB

• Continuous miner — 108 dB

• Bulldozer, Spray painter — 105 dB

• Impact wrench — 103 dB

• Hand drill — 98 dB

• Tractor — 96 dB

• Belt sander — 93 dB

• Hair dryer / Power lawn motor — 90 dB

• Ringing telephone — 80 dB

• Normal conversation — 60 dB

• Whisper — 30 dB

• Weakest sound heard by average ear — 0 dB

NIOSH reminds you that noise exposures greater than 85 dB may cause hearing loss.