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MAXIMUM NOISE LEVELS Maximum background noise levels are specified for buildings to allow for satisfactory speech communication, listening to music, sleep or for any other activity. For example, a maximum noise level of 35 dB(A) may be permitted for a private office. When a building is designed, the noise levels that will be acceptable within the building must be known. A suitable level depends primarily on the activity planned for a space. Recommended maximum noise levels permitted for various activities are: Broadcasting studios (music) Broadcasting studios (drama) Concert halls, theatres Bedrooms, large conference halls Living rooms, churches Hospital wards, hotel lounges, lecture rooms Drawing offices, reception areas, class rooms Cafeterias, canteens, supermarkets MINIMUM BACKGROUND NOISE LEVELS A minimum limit on background noise is specified for a room (i.e. to not have the room too quiet) to attain: speech privacy, i.e. to prevent persons in one room from overhearing conversation by other persons in the same room. minimum distraction caused by the ingress of interfering noise from adjacent areas. The background noise masks the incoming sounds. SPEECH PRIVACY Speech privacy is an important design criterion for noise control in buildings for the following reasons: 1. 2. Confidential conversations should not be overheard. Conversations heard by persons not involved in them can be
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Initial page for Info sheet_4 Frames Page

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distracting and disturbing. The above problems occur when: sound is transmitted from one room to another; or in the case of open plan offices.

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