Abstract
Explosive-actuated tools are used extensively in the construction industry. Recent hearing loss claims prompted this preliminary study of noise conditions associated with the use of these tools. Flush-mounting piezoelectric blast pressure gauges coupled to an FM tape recorder and a General Radio impact analyzer were used to obtain measurements of the impulses. Peak sound pressure levels for high-velocity tools were in the range 150 to 160 dB with rise times in the order of 200 microseconds. Differences in the impulse characteristics, dependent on the physical and acoustical features of the environment, may be expected.