Ototoxic Occupational Exposures for a Stock Car Racing Team: I. Noise Surveys

Abstract

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) surveyed noise exposure for a professional stock car team at their race shop and during two races at one racetrack. At the team's shop, area sound pressure levels (SPLs) were measured for various work tasks. Equivalent levels (Leqs) ranged from 58 to 104 decibels, A-weighted (dBA). Personal noise dosimetry was conducted for at least one employee for each job description in race car assembly (n = 9). The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 90 dBA for an 8-hour, 5-dB exchange rate time-weighted average (TWA) was never exceeded, but in two instances values exceeded OSHA's action level of 85 dBA for hearing conservation implementation. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) of 85 dBA for a 3-dB exchange rate Leq was exceeded for five of the measured jobs. During the races, SPLs averaged above 100 dBA in the pit area where cars undergo adjustments/refueling, both before and during the race. Peak levels reached 140 dB SPL. NIOSH REL was exceeded for every personal noise dosimetry measurement. Recommendations for hearing protection and communication are presented.

Keywords:

• automobile racing
• noise
• professional stock car racing
• race shop
• racetrack
• track operation

Notes

^A Equivalent level (Leq) measurements were recorded with a sound level meter for 1–3 min per task using a 3-dB exchange rate.

^A Equivalent level (Leq) = average sound level for total exposure duration using a 3-dB exchange rate.

^B Time-weighted average based on the OSHA 5-dB exchange rate and 80-dB threshold level.

^C 8-hour dose (%) = percentage of OSHA maximum allowable daily noise dose based on a projected 8-hour exposure.