[labnetwork] Cleanroom dB levels

[Nathanael Sieb]

Hi Joe,

We also have a bay and chase design with almost 100% HEPA coverage in 
the ceiling.  Our EHS folks measured the acoustic levels a few years ago 
and got readings of ~73-75 dBA pretty consistently across all the bays.

The exposure limit in BC is 85 dBA for 8 hr exposure and a maximum peak 
exposure of 140 dBC.

Thanks,

Nathanael

On 2025-03-18 5:40 p.m., N Shane Patrick wrote:
> Our facility is bay and chase, no subfab, so all the pumps and 
> chillers and all are right next door to the equipment. After a recent 
> request by one of our staff members, I did an informal survey using 
> NIOSH’s Sound Level Monitor app (NIOSH SLM) and an uncalibrated 
> microphone. The only time I got above 80db was when people were 
> talking or dropped things, even in our loudest chases.
>
> Sustained levels at 85 or more are the levels of concern for hearing 
> loss according to US agencies. Our EHS team agreed with me that even 
> with an uncalibrated system we were very unlikely to reach sustained 
> levels of concern. People are still welcome to use hearing protection 
> for their own comfort, of course, and I’d likely provide it for my 
> staff if asked, but it takes a lot to get to that sustained 85db point.
>
> Now, 80db acoustics and the associated mechanical vibrations from all 
> of that is certainly enough to mess with sensitive instruments, and we 
> have had to relocate certain tools or just accept our environmental 
> noise translates to measurement noise. That’s more a matter of design 
> and space limitations for us than anything else.
>
> -N. Shane Patrick
> Manager, Lab Operations and Safety
> Washington Nanofabrication Facility
>
>
> Sent from my iPhone
>
>> On Mar 18, 2025, at 5:26 PM, Joseph Losby <joseph.losby at ucalgary.ca> 
>> wrote:
>>
>> 
>> Hi everyone,
>>
>> Have any of you taken acoustic noise measurements of your cleanroom 
>> facilities, or have a basis of design for acceptable levels?
>>
>> If you can share your facility ACH with noise level ( dB ) that would 
>> be great.  Any other input will be much appreciated as well.
>>
>> Cheers,
>> Joe
>>
>>
>> *Joseph Losby, PhD*
>>
>> *Manager, qLab Operations*
>>
>> *joseph.losby at ucalgary.ca*
>>
>>
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*Nathanael Sieb *
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