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10.2: The 2-3 Foot Rule and Noise Indicator

  • Page ID
    63359
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    When a sound level meter is not available, you should use the 2-to-3 foot rule: stand about an arm’s length away from your coworker: If you have to raise your voice to be heard 2-3 feet away, you should assume that the sound level is at or above 85 dBA. A personal noise indicator is a warning device. It indicates if your immediate exposure is less than or greater than 85 dBA. It flashes green if the sound level is under 85 dBA and red when above 85 dBA.


    This page titled 10.2: The 2-3 Foot Rule and Noise Indicator was last modified on Fri, 14 Aug 2026 17:00:15 GMT and is shared under a CC BY 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Jenny Huang.

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