OSHA Noise Standards and FIRST Events

[Al Skierkiewicz]

You are going to have to add some additional specifications for this test to be meaningful. Taking measurements during a match with large teams (or near a cheering team) is going to be a lot different than between match music and announcements. Venue size, shape, and accoustics are also going to be a challenge.

[MegaSparks]

Enough words, we need action. I will work out a plan so that measurements can be taken at any event and in a way that measurements can be equated in some manner. I have an acoustic measurement expert where I work that can help me design the test criteria so that any team can fill out the forms. I will include my international counterparts in the development of the test criteria so that we do not miss anything and so that we use harmonized testing criteria suitable for data collection anywhere in the world.

We will need teams to take the lead on collecting the data during as many events as we can.

I know my team will be at the Wisconsin regional and one of the Minneapolis Regionals, but if we could have at least two teams taking readings at every event we might be able to address some of the loud team issues and get to the back ground noise concerns.

I will post my personal e-mail to this thread when the plan is worked out and anyone who wants to be a part of this data collection can send me requests for the plan and data collection spread sheet. After the events, everyone can send me the collected data to this account.

I can combine all the data into a spreadsheet and a summary presentation that will be presented to FIRST.

Lets take action to address this safety concern!

[David Brinza]

I posted a question to the official FIRST Q&A in "Section 3 -At the Events" tonight.

I cited this CD thread and asked whether FIRST will monitor and limit the levels from sound systems at this year's events.

[Matt H.]

I'd like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this glaring problem to light. During the AZ regional my family (who were supposed to be inspired) left because of the high noise level. I was the human player for two years in a row and wore ear plugs the entire time--despite this I still had ringing headaches all day and had ringing in my ears for days later.
This is Not exciting; it's nauseating. I would recommend a sound system which peaks at 80db--this sounds much more reasonable would still provide excitement.

Note: I don't attend sporting events or rock concerts so I have no basis for comparison. I am 19 years old so I am not just a "cranky old man".

[MegaSparks]

This is an update to my earlier thread. I am in the process of formulating the control document and a simple excel spreadsheet that can be used to record data for the 3 days of any event. I will have suggested times to record data at a time interval, once and hour, where the people recording data can still be a part of the event and watch their teams. Being flexible and getting the data are two clear deliverables from this endeavor.

[geekofband007]

I like the noise. It pumps me up. Knowing that everyone is pump to be there and ready to go, gets me goin' also.
I mean, what would robotics be if i didnt go home with a hoarse voice and ringing ears

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by geekofband007

what would robotics be if i didnt go home with a hoarse voice and ringing ears

safe !

[jgannon]

Originally Posted by Greg Needel

What ever happened to "If it's too loud then you are too old"

I know you've already taken your licks for this, but I'll go ahead and add another vote for "I'm not too old, it's actually too loud." I had the pleasure of refereeing the Buckeye Regional in 2008. I'm in no way averse to the noise at sporting events, concerts, and whatnot, so I was surprised that by Friday afternoon, my ears were not just ringing, but aching. I eventually tracked down a pair of earplugs, but they limited my effectiveness as a volunteer; team members and the other referees found it difficult at times to get my attention. It's not fun to be in the position of having to decide between performing my job to the best of my ability or not suffering immediate pain and possible long-term damage. In fact, that's what OSHA is for. For this reason, I strongly encourage FIRST to enforce reasonable limits on volume at their events.

(For what it's worth, I also refereed at the Midwest Regional and the Championship. I did not find the volume level at these events to be anywhere near painful, and it looked like everyone participating was still having a blast.)

[MegaSparks]

Attached you will find the measurement document and rational for why it is to be done this way. I used experts from the US and Europe in developing this document and if this document is followed to take the measurements we will have credible data to go to FIRST to make our point that the noise levels need to be controlled. I am working on the spreadsheet yet and will post that in a few days.
My e-mail is megasparks2062@yahoo.com

[hihihiflcl81pig]

I'm a little disappointed in FIRST for the sound levels. It does seem to be a little too loud. Personal I don't have a taste for any of the music that the play, and it seems like ear protection would be unsafe in the pits since it's already so hard to hear some one yelling at you over the music.

Just a thought, but has anyone ever added something about sound at the competition, not just the sound levels in the shop to a safety video?

[Molten]

Ok, I like the idea and I am blown away by the work that went into this. Sparks. Now, how much does a good measurement device cost? Do most schools have them in the band or choir? Just a few questions to confront when agreeing to take the data. Personnally, I can't wait for the sounds to be reasonable and will try to work out some way to help with the dreadful situation.

[ebarker]

Originally Posted by Molten

Now, how much does a good measurement device cost?

full disclosure: somewhere well up this thread I mentioned that Extech partnered with our team last year to do some sound measurements at the Championship Event. I mention that because they kindly donated to our team the HD600 logging meter system. And since they were so gracious it would be unkind to not mention them.

They have a nice low cost instrument here

We also use the Sper Sound Pen here


We also use the HD600 from Extech. This is a much higher performance and pricier item.

For this exercise I'd probably go with the low cost Extech above, about $ 87.

[MegaSparks]

eBarker,
Thanks for the costs you looked up. These costs are in line with what I found. The calibration of the device is the critical part of the tool. It needs to be in calibration during the time of the events.

Everyone,
I have the spreadsheet in order and am attaching it. Please note the file naming that needs to take place and please, please include your team number in the spreadsheet. We at 2062 will give credit to all the teams who help with this, as this is for everyone in FIRST by everyone who helps.

Please download the 2 documents, get familiar with the requirements and either post questions here or e-mail them to me or both. I will try and check out this thread regularly.

[Thermal]

While this is a big concern, I truly wouldn't mind the sound levels as much as I do currently if they didn't play the same 20 songs on a continuous loop....

[MegaSparks]

I agree that the play list should be expanded beyond the top 20 songs because over the three days it does get rather boring and bothersome. The part of the team that has to sit in the stands and scout is subject to this from 9:00 AM till the last match is over and I have seen regionals go past 5:00 PM. 8 hours, even with earplugs, does not make this any more palatable.

Thinking back, over the last two years I have not come away from an event where I have not been horse afterward from having to yell over the noise.