Análisis de riesgo físico: ruido en las áreas de la Biblioteca Universidad Autónoma de Occidente y su impacto en la percepción del confort acústico de los usuarios

Abstract

This study determines the current ambient noise level in the library of the Universidad Autónoma de Occidente. For this purpose, I took sound pressure level measurements, according to the Resolution 0627 of April 2006 of the Ministry of Environment, Housing and Territorial Development on a 70 point scale inside the library on all three floors, during the weeks with the highest number of users (exam weeks). The measurements were realized with sound level meter 3M™ SoundPro™ Serie SE/DL. Measurements were obtained above 60 decibels, with a maximum close to 70 decibels, values outside the 55-decibel range limit for libraries, indicating that the maximum permissible level of ambient noise is being exceeded. Subsequently, the perception of the acoustic comfort of users and employees is evaluated through a questionnaire. The analysis found that 83% of users have perceived some type of annoying noise. In addition, 64% of users feel uncomfortable because of the noise they perceive and 78% of users, responded that the noise interferes with their concentration on the activities that require attention, influencing the user concentration ability. The main sources of noise were also identified. Finally, strategies are recommended that allow taking technical control decisions of the acoustic conditions of the library in order to improve the acoustic comfort of users, offering adequate space for the development of academic activities, of learning and knowledge