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Firefighter noise exposure during training activities and general equipment use
Kyle S Root1, Catherine Schwennker, Daniel Autenrieth
1Department of Environmental and Radiological Health Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA. kroot27@gmail.com
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
|January 24, 2013
Summary
Firefighter noise exposure from equipment and vehicles often exceeds 85 dBA. However, average noise levels during training activities remained below generally accepted occupational guidelines, indicating lower overall risk.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health
- Acoustics
- Firefighter Safety
Background:
- Firefighters are exposed to noise from various equipment and emergency vehicles.
- Previous studies suggest potential for hazardous noise levels in firefighting environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure noise levels from fire station equipment and emergency response vehicles.
- To assess firefighter noise exposure during training activities.
Main Methods:
- Noise measurements were taken on 6 types of fire station equipment and 15 types of vehicle-related equipment.
- Personal noise dosimetry samples were collected from 93 firefighters during 10 training activities.
- Noise levels were measured at 1 meter and ear level, and during specific vehicle operations.
Main Results:
- Five of six fire station equipment types and 13 of 15 vehicle equipment types emitted noise ≥ 85 dBA.
- Fire engine sirens and water pumps exceeded 85 dBA, while idling was below.
- Average firefighter noise exposure during training was 78 dBA over a mean of 70 minutes.
Conclusions:
- While many individual equipment pieces exceed safe noise limits, average firefighter exposure during training is below guidelines.
- Further research may be needed to assess cumulative exposure and long-term effects.
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