[labnetwork] Cleanroom dB levels

[Kyle Keenan]

For what it's worth, we tell people no earbuds whatsoever, with the two
main arguments being that you might not hear a tool alarm or, worse,
someone yelling for help in another bay.

Our lab also has ambient noise levels of 70-75 dB.

Kyle

On Wed, Mar 19, 2025 at 2:43 PM Massey, Travis <massey21 at llnl.gov> wrote:

> We found the same thing in a very similar setup and identical ES&H
> guidance.  Typically, we see 70-75 dB in the absence of personnel.  The
> chase is closer to 75 dBa, and the bays are closer to 70 dBa.  There were a
> few addressable offenders, like a loud spot where disrupted airflow created
> significant turbulence, increasing sound levels to 75 dBa in the cleanroom,
> but this was easily resolved by removing the obstruction.  Because none of
> these exceed the 85 dBA for 8h limit, ES&H will not get involved.
>
>
>
> Users concerned about sound levels were tentative about hearing
> protection.  What they *actually* wanted in raising the concern was (a)
> to address the handful of loud spots, and (b) approval to use their noise
> cancelling earbuds in the cleanroom.  To the latter, we’re in a trial
> period – if it doesn’t impact our ability to get someone’s attention and
> talk with them when needed (e.g., can switch into transparency mode for a
> conversation), then neither I nor ES&H mind terribly if they wear their
> earbuds.  Quality of life counts for something.  We only cautioned that
> *if* they play music, they set volume limits to not damage their hearing.
>
>
>
> *From:* labnetwork <labnetwork-bounces at mtl.mit.edu> *On Behalf Of *N
> Shane Patrick
> *Sent:* Tuesday, March 18, 2025 5:41 PM
> *To:* Joseph Losby <joseph.losby at ucalgary.ca>
> *Cc:* labnetwork at mtl.mit.edu
> *Subject:* Re: [labnetwork] Cleanroom dB levels
>
>
>
> 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 <joseph.losby at ucalgary.ca>*
>
>
>
>
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-- 
Kyle Keenan

Senior Manager - Laboratory Operations
Quattrone Nanofabrication Facility
University of Pennsylvania
P: 215-898-7560
F: 215-573-4925
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