Decibels in the operating theatre: a study of noise levels during surgical procedures.
exposure monitoring
noise exposure
noise induced hearing loss
operating theatre
other categories
plastic & reconstructive surgery
surgical safety
Journal
ANZ journal of surgery
ISSN: 1445-2197
Titre abrégé: ANZ J Surg
Pays: Australia
ID NLM: 101086634
Informations de publication
Date de publication:
30 Mar 2024
30 Mar 2024
Historique:
revised:
21
03
2024
received:
22
12
2023
accepted:
23
03
2024
medline:
30
3
2024
pubmed:
30
3
2024
entrez:
30
3
2024
Statut:
aheadofprint
Résumé
Exposure to excessive noise volumes is an occupational health and safety risk. Australian guidelines recommend a time weighted exposure maximum of 85 dB (dB) or a maximum peak noise level of up to 140 dB, as chronic and repeated high dB exposure can result in significant hearing impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the volume of noise generated by common surgical instruments while utilizing the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) app. Sound levels were measured using the NIOSH app. The NIOSH app was used to take equivalent continuous A-weighted sound levels (L L The cumulative effect of loud surgical instruments across prolonged or combined operations may result in theatre staff being exposed to hazardous noise levels, impacting the health and wellbeing of staff, staff performance and patient care. Utilization of a phone app can improve the awareness of noise pollution in theatres, thereby empowering staff to be proactive about their health and improvement of their work environment.
Sections du résumé
BACKGROUND
BACKGROUND
Exposure to excessive noise volumes is an occupational health and safety risk. Australian guidelines recommend a time weighted exposure maximum of 85 dB (dB) or a maximum peak noise level of up to 140 dB, as chronic and repeated high dB exposure can result in significant hearing impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the volume of noise generated by common surgical instruments while utilizing the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) app.
METHODS
METHODS
Sound levels were measured using the NIOSH app. The NIOSH app was used to take equivalent continuous A-weighted sound levels (L
RESULTS
RESULTS
L
CONCLUSION
CONCLUSIONS
The cumulative effect of loud surgical instruments across prolonged or combined operations may result in theatre staff being exposed to hazardous noise levels, impacting the health and wellbeing of staff, staff performance and patient care. Utilization of a phone app can improve the awareness of noise pollution in theatres, thereby empowering staff to be proactive about their health and improvement of their work environment.
Types de publication
Journal Article
Langues
eng
Sous-ensembles de citation
IM
Informations de copyright
© 2024 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.
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