 |
37000 Feet | Browse and search NASA's Aviation Safety Reporting System |
|
TRACON controller reported receiving a maintenance test tone through the headset.
| Attributes | |
| ACN | 1515643 |
| Time | |
| Date | 201608 |
| Aircraft 1 | |
| Make Model Name | No Aircraft |
| Person 1 | |
| Function | Approach Departure |
| Qualification | Air Traffic Control Fully Certified |
| Experience | Air Traffic Control Military 5.75 Air Traffic Control Radar 35.5 |
| Events | |
| Anomaly | ATC Issue All Types |
Narrative:
While working approach I was exposed to acoustic shock trauma by a maintenance test tone on my control position. My research indicates the FAA plantronics headset allows 110db peak volume. Additionally; I found the data the FAA and plantronics uses to quantify that level is decades old. In fact; the same peak volume has been the norm [for years]. I petitioned for a different limiter. No change. I am not an engineer; so what I say; or show in print is ignored.I had a company build me a custom headset with a limiter at 90db peak volume and tested with it with a decibel meter. I test the FAA plantronics headset and compared the results. The FAA plantronics headset allow 23db more than my custom headset. My custom headset was tested on the control position and with live air traffic and performed as well if not better than the FAA plantronics. The goal is to correct the decades old standard and to educate those who wear headsets; so they can be aware that the headset being used might not protect them from a feedback tone or any other loud sound. I want to test a plantronics headset with a 80db limiter; however plantronics refuses to build/sell me a headset to test. Everyone I talk to say they are in compliance with osha. However; 29 crash fire rescue equipment 1910.95 does address sound/noise levels concerning headsets or ear buds.
Original NASA ASRS Text
Title: TRACON Controller reported receiving a maintenance test tone through the headset.
Narrative: While working approach I was exposed to acoustic shock trauma by a maintenance test tone on my control position. My research indicates the FAA Plantronics headset allows 110db peak volume. Additionally; I found the data the FAA and Plantronics uses to quantify that level is decades old. In fact; the same peak volume has been the norm [for years]. I petitioned for a different limiter. No change. I am not an engineer; so what I say; or show in print is ignored.I had a company build me a custom headset with a limiter at 90db peak volume and tested with it with a decibel meter. I test the FAA Plantronics headset and compared the results. The FAA Plantronics headset allow 23db more than my custom headset. My custom headset was tested on the control position and with live air traffic and performed as well if not better than the FAA Plantronics. The goal is to correct the decades old standard and to educate those who wear headsets; so they can be aware that the headset being used might not protect them from a feedback tone or any other loud sound. I want to test a Plantronics headset with a 80db limiter; however Plantronics refuses to build/sell me a headset to test. Everyone I talk to say they are in compliance with OSHA. However; 29 CFR 1910.95 does address sound/noise levels concerning headsets or ear buds.
Data retrieved from NASA's ASRS site and automatically converted to unabbreviated mixed upper/lowercase text. This report is for informational purposes with no guarantee of accuracy. See NASA's ASRS site for official report.