Noise level higher than permissible limits in tertiary hospital: Study by Chandigarh PGIMER and Panjab University

A study conducted by the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research and Panjab University has found that in a tertiary hospital, the noise level was higher than the permissible limits.

The study was conducted in an 1800-bedded tertiary hospital (PGI), where 27 sites were used. According to the doctors, outdoor, indoor, road side and residential areas were monitored for exposure to noise using Sound Level Meter for 24 hours. A detailed noise survey was also conducted around the sampling sites using a structured questionnaire to understand the opinion of the public regarding the impact of noise on their daily lives. The study, conducted in 2013, also revealed that highest sound pressure level was recorded in ambulance vans that carry patients. The study revealed that the equivalent sound pressure level was found higher than the permissible limits at all the sites both during daytime and night.

The maximum equivalent sound pressure level during the day was observed higher at the emergency and around the main entrance of the hospital campus.
The highest noise was recorded inside the ambulance van carrying patients. “It was observed that small ambulance van have privately fitted siren and hence have highest sound pressure level,” the report said.