Noise from vents in bio lab causing problems
by Staci J. Sessler
Complaints about high noise levels in the biology lab have led college officials to make some changes in the new ventilation system.
The system, which was installed over the semester break by the Du-Mont Company based in Peoria, IL, was needed for safety reasons.
Ron Groleau, Science and Math Division Chair, said that the college is regulated by OSHA.
"We are aware that there has been some concern from instructors and students about the noise," said Groleau.
Several instructors declined to comment on the situation.
When the system was initially designed, noise was not a consideration, according to Physical Plant Director Larry Rousey. Rousey did say that he had told the lab people that 95% of the noise would be outside and only 5% inside.
That problem will soon be rectified, he said.
"It is our intention to eliminate approximately 50% of the noise as it is presently," said Rousey.
The noise level has been measured by both the Physical Plant and the instructors and assistants in the labs said Rousey.
"Right now the noise level is at 55 to 60 decibels," Rousey said. "The acceptable limit is 90 decibels."
The work, which will include adding additional diffusers to reduce the face velocity of the air to reduce the noise created by the air moving through them, and adding duct insulation to the exhaust fan duct work and baffles to the fume hoods, is scheduled to be done over mid-term break in March.
Rousey said, "We are taking all necessary steps to insure that the noise level is reduced."
The air handling units must be left on at all times "in order to maintain the integrity and balance of the air movement in the bio lab," said Rousey.
"This is mainly to insure that a negative pressure is maintained in the bio lab which code dictates."
Rousey explained that a negative balance had to be ensured in case of fume hood failure.
"In a laboratory setting, you want the air to rush in when you open the door to the corridor, you don’t want it blowing into the hallway in case the fume hoods quit working and you had something hazardous in there," he said.
The old system, which was installed at the time that the building was constructed, was in "complete and total disrepair to the point that it had literally been shut down for a length of time," according to Rousey. "It was working to an extent, but not to the point that it met guidelines."
Rousey also said that if the old system had been running properly, the noise levels in the labs would have been significantly higher.
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