Evaluation of Potential Noise Exposures in Hospital Operating Rooms

Abstract

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health received a health hazard evaluation request from West Virginia University Hospital, Morgantown, to evaluate noise exposures from surgical instruments in the OR. Four surgical technologists, four RNs, and one surgeon wore noise dosimeters to measure full-shift personal noise exposures during two days while they performed typical daily activities. Measurements did not exceed Occupational Safety and Health Administration or National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health noise exposure limits; however, area sound level measurements indicated that some intermittent activities can generate sound levels above 90 A-weighted decibels. Examples include surgery preparation, drilling or noise from other powered surgical instruments during surgeries, and clean up. Preventive maintenance of powered surgical instruments can reduce noise exposures, and noise output should be considered when selecting replacement instruments. Keeping music at a low level and using hearing protection are other interventions to consider to improve noise levels in an OR.

Noise levels in veterinary operating rooms and factors that contribute to their variations

“…The mean noise levels measured in this study were 71.7 dB(A), exceeding the WHO recommendations for noise levels in a hospital workplace [55 dB(A)] . The logarithmic nature of decibels means that 3‐dB and 10‐dB elevations correspond to a 2‐fold and a 10‐fold increase in perceived noise, respectively . Therefore, even small changes in decibel levels can lead not only to statistically significant differences but also to noise levels that are perceivably different to the human ear.…”

Speaking Up to Reduce Noise in the OR

“…22 Controlling the OR design and equipment can be more of a challenge; however, when purchasing instrumentation and equipment, quiet operation should be a consideration. 6 In addition, optimum preventative maintenance of instruments helps to ensure that they are functioning as quietly as possible. 6 Restricting OR traffic flow to reduce the opening and closing of doors and the careful opening and closing of metal cabinet doors are both ways to minimize extraneous noise.…”

“…1 doors all contribute to increased decibel levels. 6 The same properties that are needed to facilitate proper cleaning also contribute to increased noise because smooth durable surfaces are not able to absorb sound easily, which contributes to increased environmental noise. 7 In addition, patient monitoring equipment with audible alarms and equipment for the surgical procedure, including suctions, drills, and electrosurgical devices, also add to the noise in the OR.…”

“…7 In addition, patient monitoring equipment with audible alarms and equipment for the surgical procedure, including suctions, drills, and electrosurgical devices, also add to the noise in the OR. 6 Conversations between health care providers also contribute to noise. While patient and case-related conversation is essential, nonessential conversation also occurs.…”

The unity of music and surgery: Music application in the perioperative period

“…Postoji mnogo publikacija o nivoima buke u operacionim salama [78][79][80][81][82] . Svetska zdravstvena organizacija je preporučila da nivo buke u operacionoj sali ne bi trebalo da bude viši od 30 dB 83 .…”