NIOSHTIC-2 No. 20033000


Working Smart
NIOSH Develops Technology and Products that Address Exposure to Noise at the Work Site

December 2007

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Noise-induced hearing loss continues to be a problem in the well drilling industry. Research conducted by NIOSH found that air rotary drill rigs produce sound levels more than 90 dB(A) over the course of an eight-hour workday. Sounds levels above 90 dB(A), identified during hammer drilling and the hammering of casing, exposes workers to levels that can damage hearing. A typical air rotary drill rig provides no barrier, for noise and dust protection, between the drill’s control panel and the drill stem.

Author(s):Reinke-DC, Ingram-DK
Reference:Water Well J 2007 Dec; 61(12):16-17

   wsndt (PDF, 479 KB)


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Page last updated: September 17, 2008
Content Source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Mining Division