Proposals of Exposure Criteria to Prevent Annoyance Due to Low Frequency Noise at Workplaces

The aim of the study was to recommend methods for assessing low frequency noise (LFN) in the occupational environment to prevent annoyance and its effects on work performance. Three different evaluating methods and corresponding admissible values were proposed: (i) method I - frequency analysis in 1/3-octave bands 10250 Hz, (ii) method II - consisting in 1/3-octave band measurements and determination of low frequency equivalent-continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (SPL) in the frequency range of 10250 Hz, and (iii) method III - based on equivalent-continuous A-weighted SPL corrected due to the presence of low frequencies and tonal character of LFN. Separate noise limits were recommended for workplaces in control rooms and office-like areas. The proposed criteria were verified in laboratory and field studies on subjective noise annoyance rating.