scholarly journals Occupational exposure of workers to noise in a carpentry

2021 ◽  
Vol 31 (Supplement_2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Ferreira ◽  
Silvia Seco ◽  
João Paulo Figueiredo ◽  
António Loureiro ◽  
António Gomes

Abstract Background Currently, we can find a more industrialized and developed society that has contributed to the large-scale expansion of sound levels. Noise is already identified as one of the main risk factors for the health of workers, due to the high frequency of workers daily exposed and risky professional activities. In this sense, it is necessary to carry out assessments of occupational noise in order to understand whether or not workers' exposure is within the limit values and what preventive measures to adopt. Methods The present study had as main objective to evaluate the occupational exposure to noise of the workers of a carpentry, located in a municipality in the Center of Portugal, and to understand its influence on their health. Measurements were performed using two devices, a Cesva dosimeter, model DC 112 and a Cesva model SC420 sound level meter. Results The results obtained demonstrated the existence of noise in some of the evaluated workstations and also the existence of some workers exposed to high levels of noise. It was also possible to observe that although all workers have hearing protection, it is not always effective. Conclusions We conclude that carpentry is a noise-producing work environment, and with the help of appropriate collective and/or individual protective equipment, it is possible to mitigate this exposure to noise, either by workers or by machines/equipment, ensuring thus the safety and health of workers.

Author(s):  
Petru A. Pop ◽  
Patricia A. Ungur ◽  
Liviu Lazar ◽  
Mircea Gordan ◽  
Florin M. Marcu

One wildly used method to reduce and control the noise pollution in green city’s buildings is using sonic-absorbent panels. Their applications can be multiple, such as the insulation of buildings, acoustic barriers and fences along the highway or in front of supermarkets, hospitals and other public buildings. This paper presents a method for testing the behavior of sonic-absorbent panels in open-air environment. The work represents a carrying on of previous research about absorbent materials from gypsum family, tested in lab conditions. The experiment setup used a dynamic installation and as a sample a stand formed by six sonic-absorbent panels from special modeling alpha-gypsum plaster. This installation has been composed of two loudspeakers for emitting the sound at a well-defined frequency by the first laptop, the microphone for detecting and transmitting the signal to the second laptop for analyzing and processing the data. All operations were performed using MATLAB Programs, while a Data Logger Sound Level Meter type CENTER 332 was put on near the microphone to compare both results. The first experiment of acoustic stand has been realized by setting up the installation at a frequency from 50 Hz to 1250 Hz and altering the distance between loudspeakers and stand at 0.5m to 1m and 1.5m, respectively. The second experiment kept the same test’s conditions, while two and three layers of sonic-absorbent panels formed the stand, respectively, but at same distance from source of 0.5 m. In both tests, the results underlined the good sonic-absorbent properties of these panels, especially at medium and high frequency, which can recommend using the panels for multiple outside applications.


2021 ◽  
pp. 114-128
Author(s):  
Viviano GARCÍA-SANCHEZ ◽  
◽  
Daniel MALDONADO-ONOFRE ◽  
Luis Antonio MIER-QUIROGA ◽  
Elvis COUTIÑO-MORENO ◽  
...  

The investigation allowed the evaluation of the levels of noise in dedicated factories to the manufacture of decorativas resin figures, located in a population of the north of the Municipality of Toluca State Capital of Mexico. The study was developed with the objective to count on a reference mechanism to prevent risks to the health derived from the level with exhibition to the noise generated in this type of facilities, in such a way that the proprietors can protect to their personnel guaranteeing the development of their activities and not see themselves involved in labor demands. The investigation was limited the study of a single factory solely that is representative of the activities that are made normally in all the factories located in the zone, of which exist more than 50. For the measurements of the noise level, an integrating sound level meter was used type 2, of mark CEL Instruments® model CEL-328 and for the calibration of this was used an acoustic calipers mark CEL Instruments®, model CEL-282, series 2/11616221; the measurements and calibration were made taking in account the effective legislation in the matter of noise according to the Official Norm Mexicana NOM-011- STPS-2001, Conditions of Security and Hygiene in the Centers of Work Where Noise Is generated. Of the analysis of results it was observed that the level of noise in the areas of rectified and music, was with a NSCEAT, greater of 90 dB and in the remaining areas was smaller, but require of preventive measures since all presented/displayed 80 a greater NSCE of dB. In general the level of exhibition to the noise (NER) of the factory is of 86,6 dB, this value according to the norm applied in this study is necessary to implement some measures that allow to diminish the levels of noise with the purpose of avoiding labor diseases derived from the noise.


2016 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 511-523
Author(s):  
I. Ibrahim ◽  
K.R. Ajao ◽  
S.A. Aremu

Abstract An industrial process such as wheat processing generates significant noise which can cause adverse effects on workers and the general public. This study assessed the noise level at a wheat processing mill in Ilorin, Nigeria. A portable digital sound level meter HD600 manufactured by Extech Inc., USA was used to determine the noise level around various machines, sections and offices in the factory at pre-determined distances. Subjective assessment was also mode using a World Health Organization (WHO) standard questionnaire to obtain information regarding noise ratings, effect of noise on personnel and noise preventive measures. The result of the study shows that the highest noise of 99.4 dBA was recorded at a pressure blower when compared to other machines. WHO Class-4 hearing protector is recommended for workers on the shop floor and room acoustics should be upgraded to absorb some sounds transmitted to offices.


2002 ◽  
Vol 116 (9) ◽  
pp. 695-698 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alasdair Robertson ◽  
Brian Bingham ◽  
George McIlwraith

A patient presented to the authors with unilateral sensorineural hearing loss after falling asleep with his ear tightly pressed against a window of a moving train. This study set out to determine whether a train could generate sound levels of sufficient intensity to cause such a hearing loss. A sound level meter was used to measure the sound levels produced at the window of a moving train. Further measurements were made with a rubber attachment on the microphone, that simulated the effect of the ear stuck to the window. The sound levels were found to be amplified by the attachment but not to levels that could cause a hearing loss over a short period. In a second experiment eight healthy volunteers all perceived an increase in sound levels when their ears were pressed against a train window.It seems unlikely that sleeping with an ear against a train window can cause hearing loss, but it cannot be ruled out.


2008 ◽  
Vol 122 (12) ◽  
pp. 1305-1308 ◽  
Author(s):  
M H Fritsch

AbstractPurpose:To determine the decibel sound pressure levels generated during extracorporeal lithotripsy for salivary stones, and if such lithotriptor noise levels have the potential for acoustic trauma.Patients and materials:Minilith SL-1 salivary gland lithotriptor, sound level meter; five patient survey.Methods:Decibel measurements were conducted on the lithotripter-generated sounds, using a sound level meter at specific distances from the active element. In addition, a patient survey was conducted as a cross-reference, to enable comparison of predicted results with actual human perception of sound levels.Results:Sound levels ranged between 68 and 80 dB during treatment sessions, for both the lithotriptor operator and the patient.Conclusion:During routine use, no acoustic trauma is incurred by either the lithotriptor operator or the patient.


Author(s):  
Yula C. Serpanos ◽  
Janet R. Schoepflin ◽  
Steven R. Cox ◽  
Diane Davis

Abstract Background The accuracy of smartphone sound level meter applications (SLMAs) has been investigated with varied results, based on differences in platform, device, app, available features, test stimuli, and methodology. Purpose This article determines the accuracy of smartphone SLMAs with and without calibration of external and internal microphones for measuring sound levels in clinical rooms. Research Design Quasi-experimental research design comparing the accuracy of two smartphone SLMAs with and without calibration of external and internal microphones. Data Collection and Analysis Two iOS-based smartphone SLMAs (NIOSH SLM and SPL Meter) on an iPhone 6S were used with and without calibrated external and internal microphones. Measures included: (1) white noise (WN) stimuli from 20 to 100 dB sound pressure level in a sound-treated test booth and (2) sound levels in quiet in four nonsound-treated clinical rooms and in simulated background sound conditions using music at 45, 55, and 80 dBA. Chi-square analysis was used to determine a significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) in sound measures between the SLMAs and a Type 1 SLM. Results Measures of WN signals and room sound level measures in quiet and simulated background sound conditions were significantly more accurate at levels ≥ 40 dBA using the SLMAs with calibrated external and internal microphones. However, SLMA measures with and without calibration of external and internal microphones overestimated sound levels < 40 dBA. Conclusion The SLMAs studied with calibrated external or internal microphones are able to verify the room environment for audiologic screening at 1,000, 2,000, and 4,000 Hz at 20 dB hearing level (American Academy of Audiology and American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) using supra-aural earphones (American National Standards Institute S3.1–1999 [R2018]). However, the tested SLMAs overestimated low-level sound < 40 dBA, even when the external or internal microphones were calibrated. Clinicians are advised to calibrate the microphones prior to using measurement systems involving smartphones and SLMAs to measure room sound levels and to monitor background noise levels throughout the provision of clinical services.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1980 ◽  
Vol 65 (1) ◽  
pp. 188-189
Author(s):  
Francis X. Hursey ◽  
William E. Powers

The potentially dangerous results of infant exposure to high intensity and/or high frequency sound have been well documented.1-3 The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 (OSHA) is the only federal standard establishing noise level limits. OSHA allows 90 decibels on the "A" scale (90 dB(A)) exposure for eight hours for a working adult. The American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Fetus and Newborns has recommended 75 dB(a) as the maximum sound level permitted in the nursery and inside incubators.


2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (4) ◽  
pp. 251-257
Author(s):  
Colleen A. Hughes Driscoll ◽  
Michael Cleveland ◽  
Samuel Gurmu ◽  
Sarah Crimmins ◽  
Dina El-Metwally

Abstract Hospital noise is associated with adverse effects on patients and staff. Communication through overhead paging is a major contributor to hospital noise. Replacing overhead paging with smartphones through a clinical mobility platform has the potential to reduce transitory noises in the hospital setting, though this result has not been described. The current study evaluated the impact of replacing overhead paging with a smartphone-based clinical mobility platform on transitory noise levels in a labor and delivery unit. Transitory noises were defined as sound levels greater than 10 dB above baseline, as recorded by a sound level meter. Prior to smartphone implementation, 77% of all sound levels at or above 60 dB were generated by overhead paging. Overhead pages occurred at an average rate of 3.17 per hour. Following smartphone implementation, overhead pages were eliminated and transitory noises decreased by two-thirds (P &lt; 0.001). The highest recorded sound level decreased from 76.54 to 57.34 dB following implementation. The percent of sounds that exceeded the thresholds recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency and International Noise Council decreased from 31.2% to 0.2% following implementation (P &lt; 0.001). Replacement of overhead paging with a clinical mobility platform that utilized smartphones was associated with a significant reduction in transitory noise. Clinical mobility implementation, as part of a noise reduction strategy, may be effective in other inpatient settings.


2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Catania ◽  
Mariangela Vallone

Noise in agriculture is one of the risk factors to be taken into account in the assessment of the health and safety of workers; in particular, it is known that the tractor is a source of high noise. The Italian Low Decree 81/2008 defined the requirements for assessing and managing noise risk identifying a number of procedures to be adopted at different noise levels to limit workers exposure. This paper concerns the analysis of the noise risk arising from the use of a tracklaying tractor during field operations carried out in the vineyard. The objective of this study was to evaluate the noise level that comes close to the ear of the operator driving the tractor measuring the values of equivalent sound level (Leq(A)) and peak sound pressure (LCpk). We considered four options related to the same tractor coupled with the following tools to perform some farming operations: rototilling, chisel plough, flail mowers and vibro farmer. We considered three test conditions: T1 in flat (slope 0%), T2 uphill and T3 downhill (both 30% slope). The instrument used for the measurements is a precision integrating portable sound level meter, class 1, model HD2110L by Delta OHM, Italy. Each survey lasted 2 minutes, with an interval of measurement equal to 0.5 s. The tests were performed in compliance with the standards ISO 9612 and ISO 9432. The results show that the measured sound levels exceed the limits allowed by the regulations in almost all the test conditions; values exceeding the threshold limit of 80 dB(A) were recorded coming up to a maximum value of 92.8 dB(A) for flail mowers in test T1. When limits imposed by the regulations are exceeded, the operator is obliged to wear the appropriate Personal Protective Equipment.


Noise Mapping ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 228-235
Author(s):  
Gino Iannace ◽  
Amelia Trematerra ◽  
Ilaria Lombardi

Abstract The term Movida takes its name from the evening and night life of the city for their liveliness and animation. During the Movida, noise is one of the problems in the city centers due to the negative effects on the resident population. This paper reports the effects of noise due to the Movida phenomenon within the city center in southern Italy. Along the roads affected by the Movida phenomenon, the values of sound levels in dBA were measured both with fixed stations with a sound level meter and with mobile stations by wearing a noise dosimeter a participant of Movida. The measured noise levels are between 85 dBA to 90 dBA. The noise levels show that the Movida phenomenon generates disturbing conditions on the resident population with consequent conflict between club managers, patrons and residents.


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