DOI: 10.36347/sasjs

Pages: 47-49

It is a well known fact that noise is a potential occupational health hazard. In Operation Theater high noise levels are detrimental as it affects short term memory and cause distraction during critical periods. Due to serious health concern of patients and health care providers the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) USA; recommend that the noise intensity in hospital should not exceed 35 dB A (A-weighted setting) during the night & 40 dB A during the day. To get a baseline data of noise level in our operation theatre at Tata Motors Hospital, which is an industrial hospital, we conducted this study. This was an observation study. Sound level meter (Data logging KM929) with auto ranging between 30dB (A) to130 dB(A) was used for recording of noise levels. Noise levels were recorded in operation theaters (1to 4), post-anesthetic care unit (PACU) and in pre operative reception area (PORA). Data was recorded and mean values with (± SD) were calculated. The Mean noise level in the OT one to four was 61.81 ±12.524 dB (A), 74.46 ±13.123 dB (A), 72 ±12.197 dB (A), and 70 ±11.24dB (A) respectively. In PORA it was 76.28± 11.661dB (A), and in PACU noise level was 66.89± 9.3347dB (A).We conclude that, noise levels of 60 dB (A) to 75 dB (A) in our OT complex were higher than recommended. The levels are related to movements of man and machine and its under-rated pollution even in our OT complex of an industrial hospital.