Table B.1 provides typical background noise levels for various building types, acknowledging significant variations within the same occupancy type. Measurements were taken during busy periods, ignoring short-term noise extremes, and typically in large buildings. The table serves as a guide, recommending the use of the higher dB(A) figure in the given range for fire alarm system assessments. Ideally, actual noise measurements should be taken in the specific building where the system will be installed.

Table B.1 — Typical occupational noise levels (Lp)

Area

dB(A)

Airport terminals:

check in, arrivals and departures concourses

Gate rooms and pier walkways

59 to 72

54 to 64

Customs

– baggage reclaim

– channels

departure lounge

63 to 71

59 to 70

49 to 64

Arenas, auditorium: A)

concert halls, cinemas, theatres, etc.

60 to 75

Banks, building societies:

public areas

50 to 64

Bus stations:

quiet

noisy

58 to 68

63 to 73

Cafeterias:

quiet

noisy

55 to 65

68 to 78

Classrooms:

quiet

noisy

56 to 68

64 to 72

Conference/ meeting rooms:

40 to 45

Corridors:

uncarpeted:

– quiet

noisy

45 to 55

66 to 76

28 to 32

Courtrooms:

40 to 50

Dealing rooms:

computerized

“traditional”

60 to 70

80 to 90

Exhibition halls:

63 to 73

Factories:

control rooms

light assemblies

heavy engineering

70 to 75

80 to 85

95 to 105

Table B.1 — Typical occupational noise levels (Lp) (Continued)

Area

dB(A)

Hospitals

See note

Hotel bedrooms

TV off

TV on

28 to 35

60 to 70

Kitchens (commercial)

65 to 75

Leisure centers

squash courts

ice-rinks (public sessions)

swimming/diving pools fun pools bowling

65 to 80

69 to 80

72 to 79

81 to 87

78 to 85

Libraries

book/reading areas

receptions

– quiet

noisy (e.g. heavily air-conditioned

35 to 45

50 to 60

Museums, galleries:

quiet

noisy

48 to 60

60 to 73

Offices:

Cellular

Open-plan

noisy

40 to 50

50 to 70

70 to 85

Plant rooms:

boiler

air handling compressor

– quiet

noisy

66 to 72

76 to 86

84 to 87

89 to 93

Railway stations (surface):

waiting rooms

Concourses

platforms

– electric trains

diesel trains

54 to 65

60 to 66

60 to 72

75 to 85

Restaurants:

72 to 75

Shop stores:

quiet

noisy

50 to 60

65 to 75

Shopping malls:

70 to 75

Sports halls:

quiet noisy loud ball games

60 to 72

72 to 82

78 to 93

Warehouses:

quiet

noisy

47 to 63

63 to 80

A) In these occupancies, management procedures are normally that performances cease prior to a general “Evacuate” signal being given; the background noise is then significantly lower than that occurring during theperformance. It is the latter noise level, as given here, that is to be used for designing the system.

NOTE Special considerations apply in the case of hospitals because, for example, in many areas the fire signal is intended primarily for staff rather than patients. Detailed guidelines on sound levels that need to be produced by the fire detection and fire alarm systems are given in HTM 05-03 Part B [N1] (in England and Wales) or SHTM 82 [N2] (in Scotland).

Annex B (informative) Typical noise levels in buildings