Acoustical Design Goals for Hospitals

Abstract

To achieve NC30 levels in hospital bedrooms and NC35 levels at nurses stations (as recommended in our final report) requires considerable care in the planning and selection of hospital equipment in all areas of the hospital. (Wall TL is not a problem.) This paper presents a schedule of maximum sound levels for hospital equipment according to equipment location and room absorption. Two limits are provided, the first making use of sound pressure levels, the second stated in terms of maximum permissible sound power levels. The sound pressure level method is to be dropped at a future date. Specifications also have been drawn with regard to vibration isolation based on the NC30 and NC35 curves and, finally, damping specifications for all sheet metal units including sinks, cabinets, and carts. Doors are not included since they are seldom closed. (This paper is based on the report Noise in Hospitals. This work was supported by the U. S. Public Health Service.)