A plant has two identical standby generator units for emergency power use. In the area of the generators, the normal noise level registers 81 dBA on the sound-level meter with the generators turned off. When one generator switches on, the noise level increases to 83.6 dBA.
a. Perform calculations to determine what the dBA reading will be when the second generator also turns on (both are on).
b. If both generators are on for a full 8-hour shift, will OHSA's PEL be exceeded? Will the AL be exceeded? Explain.