scholarly journals PROBABILITY OF OCCURRENCE OF HEALTH AND SAFETY RISKS ON SCAFFOLDING CAUSED BY NOISE EXPOSURE

2018 ◽  
Vol 24 (6) ◽  
pp. 437-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marek Jabłoński ◽  
Iwona Szer ◽  
Jacek Szer
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Work Environments ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Safety Risks ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
The Impact

The paper presents the results of measurements for one hundred and ten scaffolds located in five cities in different parts of Poland. Measurements were made between April of 2016 and October of 2017. The environmental tests performed on scaffoldings were focused mainly on the sound level. The parameters on which we base our analysis are the value of C-weighted peak sound levels and daily noise exposure level. The noise that affects construction workers on scaffolding may influence the behaviour of workers and increase the risk of accidents. And at the same time, noise exposure laws facilitate identification of high noise-emitting activities and provide effective preventive measures that reduce noise pollution and improve work environments. The analyses carried out confirmed the qualitatively expected dependencies, and allowed us to quantify the impact of noise to which scaffolding workers are exposed. In summary, noise measurements on scaffoldings can be a valuable aid in improving working conditions. The analysis of research results allows understanding hazards related to noise in an accessible way. They provide the opportunity to modify the professional environment so that it is more employee-friendly and does not expose them to problems occurring in a noisy work environment.

scholarly journals Case Study in a Working Environment Highlighting the Divergence between Sound Level and Workers’ Perception towards Noise

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (17) ◽  
pp. 6122
Author(s):  
Chun-Yip Hon ◽  
Illia Tchernikov ◽  
Craig Fairclough ◽  
Alberto Behar
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Hearing Conservation ◽  
Attitudes And Perceptions ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Survey Responses ◽  
Excessive Noise

Excessive noise levels are a prevalent issue in food processing operations and, although there have been numerous studies on occupational noise, no single study has used a concurrent mixed-methods approach. Employing this study design allows for an understanding of the level of convergence (similarity) between measured noise levels and workers’ attitudes and perceptions towards noise. This, in turn, allows for the identification of potential challenges with respect to the implementation of hearing conservation efforts. In this study, spot noise measurements were collected using a sound level meter. One-on-one interviews were conducted with workers to determine attitudes and perceptions towards noise in their workplaces. Subsequently, the results of the noise measurements (quantitative data) were integrated with the survey responses (qualitative data) to identify convergence. The majority of the noise measurements were found to exceed 85 dBA—the criterion mandated by the local occupational health and safety legislation. Although all study participants felt that it was noisy in the workplace, a large proportion of respondents indicated that the noise was not bothersome. With workers’ perception being contradictory to the measured noise levels, it is a challenge to implement hearing conservation measures unless changes are made to raise the awareness of the risks associated with excessive noise exposure.

scholarly journals How Can Low-Frequency Noise Exposure Interact with the Well-Being of a Population? Some Results from a Portuguese Municipality

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (24) ◽  
pp. 5566 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juliana Araújo Alves ◽  
Lígia Torres Silva ◽  
Paula Remoaldo
Keyword(s):  
Urban Areas ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Frequency Noise ◽  
Low Frequency Noise ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Exposed Population

Noise pollution is the second most harmful environmental stressor in Europe. Portugal is the fourth European country most affected by noise pollution, whereby 23.0% of the population is affected. This article aims to analyze the effects of exposure to low frequency noise pollution, emitted by power poles and power lines, on the population’s well-being, based on a study of “exposed” and “unexposed” individuals in two predominantly urban areas in north-western Portugal. To develop the research, we used sound level (n = 62) and sound recording measurements, as well as adapted audiometric test performance (n = 14) and surveys conducted with the resident population (n = 200). The sound levels were measured (frequency range between 10 to 160 Hz) and compared with a criterion curve developed by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). The sound recorded was performed 5 m away from the source (400 kV power pole). Surveys were carried out with the “exposed” and “unexposed” populations, and adapted audiometric tests were performed to complement the analysis and to determine the threshold of audibility of “exposed” and “unexposed” volunteers. The “exposed” area has higher sound levels and, consequently, more problems with well-being and health than the “unexposed” population. The audiometric tests also revealed that the “exposed” population appears to be less sensitive to low frequencies than the “unexposed” population.

scholarly journals Impact of sound levels and patient-related factors on sleep of patients in the intensive care unit: a cross-sectional cohort study

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Piotr F. Czempik ◽  
Agnieszka Jarosińska ◽  
Krystyna Machlowska ◽  
Michał P. Pluta
Keyword(s):  
Intensive Care Unit ◽  
Intensive Care ◽  
Sleep Quality ◽  
Sleep Duration ◽  
Smartphone Application ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Related Factors ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Sleep disruption is common in patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). The aim of the study was to measure sound levels during sleep-protected time in the ICU, determine sources of sound, assess the impact of sound levels and patient-related factors on duration and quality of patients' sleep. The study was performed between 2018 and 2019. A commercially available smartphone application was used to measure ambient sound levels. Sleep duration was measured using the Patient's Sleep Behaviour Observational Tool. Sleep quality was assessed using the Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaire (RCSQ). The study population comprised 18 (58%) men and 13 (42%) women. There were numerous sources of sound. The median duration of sleep was 5 (IQR 3.5–5.7) hours. The median score on the RCSQ was 49 (IQR 28–71) out of 100 points. Sound levels were negatively correlated with sleep duration. The cut-off peak sound level, above which sleep duration was shorter than mean sleep duration in the cohort, was 57.9 dB. Simple smartphone applications can be useful to estimate sound levels in the ICU. There are numerous sources of sound in the ICU. Individual units should identify and eliminate their own sources of sound. Sources of sound producing peak sound levels above 57.9 dB may lead to shorter sleep and should be eliminated from the ICU environment. The sound levels had no effect on sleep quality.

scholarly journals Repeated Noise Exposure Does Not Reach Hazardous Levels During Total Joint Arthroplasty

2020 ◽  
Vol 185 (9-10) ◽  
pp. e1551-e1555
Author(s):  
Sean E Slaven ◽  
Benjamin M Wheatley ◽  
Daniel L Christensen ◽  
Sameer K Saxena ◽  
Robert J McGill
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Weighted Average ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Total Knee ◽  
Time Weighted Average ◽  
Exposure Levels ◽  
Occupational Standards ◽  
Level Meter

Abstract Introduction Noise exposure is an occupational health concern for certain professions, especially military servicemembers and those using power tools on a regular basis. The purpose of this study was to quantify noise exposure during total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) cases compared to the recommended standard for occupational noise exposure. Materials and Methods A sound level meter was used to record cumulative and peak noise exposure levels in 10 primary THA and 10 primary TKA surgeries, as well as 10 arthroscopy cases as controls. Measurements at the distance of the surgeon were taken in all cases. In TKA cases, measurements were taken at 3 feet and 8 feet from the surgeon, to simulate the position of the anesthetist and circulating nurse, respectively. Results Time-weighted average was significantly higher in THA (64.7 ± 5.2 dB) and TKA (64.5 ± 6.8 dB) as compared to arthroscopic cases (51.1 ± 7.5 dB, P < 0.001) and higher at the distance of the surgeon (64.5 ± 6.8 dB) compared to the anesthetist (52.9 ± 3.8 dB) and the circulating nurse (54.8 ± 11.2 dB, P = 0.006). However, time-weighted average was below the recommended exposure level of 85 dB for all arthroplasty cases. Peak levels did not differ significantly between surgery type or staff role, and no values above the ceiling limit of 140 dB were recorded. Surgeon’s daily noise dose percentage per case was 1.78% for THA and 2.04% for TKA. Conclusion Noise exposure in THA and TKA was higher than arthroscopic cases but did not exceed occupational standards. A daily dose percentage of approximately 2% per case indicates that repeated noise exposure likely does not reach hazardous levels in modern arthroplasty practice.

Sound influence on spa park perception in feelings of visitors

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Sztubecka ◽  
Maria Mrówczyńska ◽  
Anna Bazan-Krzywoszańska ◽  
Marta Skiba
Keyword(s):  
Human Perception ◽  
Special Kind ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Resort ◽  
Measurement Results ◽  
Noise Measurements ◽  
Permissible Levels ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact

Noise can have many harmful effects on the recipients, however people exposed to noise on a long-term and regular basis can get used to it, even if the permissible levels are exceeded. In cities, green areas and park systems are provided to create a climate for rest and relaxation. Spa parks are a special kind of such park systems, which – in addition to the above-mentioned features – support therapies offered by spa facilities located there. On the one hand, patients and visitors appreciate various social and entertainment events held there, but – on the other – a multitude of sounds associated with them may reduce the comfort of their stay. The aim of this paper is to analyse the relationship between the results of noise measurements and the human perception of noise within the impact zone. The examined area is a spa park in the health resort district of Inowrocław, where seasonal measurements (taken in summer and winter) provided a basis for the determination of the connection between the measured values of equivalent sound level and the noise level perceived by surveyed people. A statistical analysis was performed to take into account the correlation between the obtained measurement results and the human perception of noise. It shows some differences in the perception of heard sounds. The results allow an evaluation of the soundscape of the analysed area.

scholarly journals Lowering the level of occupational exposure to noise in areas neighbouring compressor halls

2020 ◽  
Vol 305 ◽  
pp. 00044
Author(s):  
Sorin Simion ◽  
Alexandru Simion ◽  
Izabella Kovacs ◽  
Vlad Lautaru
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Working Environment ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Occupational Hazards ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Occupational Noise Exposure ◽  
Legal Provisions ◽  
Acoustic Comfort ◽  
Noise Measurements

A general problem in the vicinity of industrial compressors is the noise generated in the working environment by their operation. A large number of workers suffer from hearing problems caused by exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace. Thus, legal provisions regulating occupational noise exposure aim to reduce the risk of hearing loss by reducing noise level, the most effective measures being those applied directly to the noise source combined with the use of hearing protection. Quantification of noise exposure level and mitigation of occupational hazards generated by it at each workplace is required in order to prevent accidents and occupational diseases. The current paper analyses how noise generated by industrial compressors influences worker’s activity. Prevention of noise exposure must be based on noise level measurements. In this sense, the purpose of the paper is to analyse noise measurements performed at a compressor hall and to compare the values obtained with limit values set by in force legislation, in order to apply the best technical organizational methods for lowering noise exposure and increasing acoustic comfort in order to improve working conditions of those working in the compressor hall.

Environmental Noise and Annoyance in the Urban Area at Different Time Intervals

2014 ◽  
Vol 617 ◽  
pp. 110-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ľubica Argalášová ◽  
Jana Jurkovičová ◽  
Ludmila Ševčíková ◽  
Zuzana Štefániková ◽  
Katarína Hirošová ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Environmental Noise ◽  
Economic Transformation ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Road Traffic Noise ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
The Impact

Environmental (community) noise, particularly road traffic noise, has attracted widespread attention in recent decades as a major environmental health concern. The aim of the study was to determine the impact of environmental noise on psychosocial well-being of young healthy individuals and to follow the time trends of exposure in the period of 10, 15, 20, 25 years. The validated methodology was used to assess noise annoyance, interference with activities and sleep disturbance; the objectification of noise levels was done by direct measurement using sound level analyzer with a module for frequency analysis. The results revealed the sharp increase during the years 1989 and 1999 (the period of political and socio-economic transformation and the changes in traffic management) and the decrease in the year 2013. The findings of our study indicate the need for preventive measures to reduce environmental noise exposure in residential areas and to emphasize the importance of the elaboration of methods for environmental noise exposure risk assessment.

scholarly journals Assessment of Traffic Noise Pollution Due to Urban Residential Road Transport

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-52
Author(s):  
Elena Lezhneva ◽  
Katerina Vakulenko ◽  
Andrii Galkin
Keyword(s):  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Experimental Studies ◽  
National Income ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Road Transport ◽  
Environmental Safety ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Noise Emission ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The problem of combating urban noise is closely linked to the rational transformation of the urban environment, which must go through the elimination or reduction of the number of sources of noise, the localization of the noise emission zone, reducing the level of sound sources and protection against noise for the residential areas. Theoretical and experimental studies of acoustic loading on the territory along the highway for the typical section of the urban territory have been conducted. To estimate the complex noise impact from all sources and from individual sources, as well as to predict the total noise exposure for this site, a noise map was constructed using software. As a measure to combat traffic noise in the territory along the highway, the location of the noise protection screen was justified, taking into account the loss of part of the national income as a result of the continuous impact of noise on a person.The results of the research allow to assess the degree of technogenic impact of noise pollution during the operation of the highway, which allows regulating, by administrative and legislative methods, the nature of the impact on natural objects and human health of certain types of activities, as well as reasonably proposing measures that ensure environmental safety when organizing urban streets traffic.

scholarly journals Land Use Regression Modeling of Outdoor Noise Exposure in Informal Settlements in Western Cape, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chloé Sieber ◽  
Martina S. Ragettli ◽  
Mark Brink ◽  
Olaniyan Toyib ◽  
Roslyn Baatjies ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Road Traffic ◽  
Model Performance ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Western Cape ◽  
Land Use Regression ◽  
Middle Income ◽  
Noise Measurements

In developing countries, noise exposure and its negative health effects have been little explored. The present study aimed to assess the noise exposure situation in adults living in informal settings in the Western Cape Province, South Africa. We conducted continuous one-week outdoor noise measurements at 134 homes in four different areas. These data were used to develop a land use regression (LUR) model to predict A-weighted day-evening-night equivalent sound level (Lden) from geographic information system (GIS) variables. Mean noise exposure during day (6:00-18:00) was 60.0 A-weighted decibels (dB(A)) (interquartile range 56.9-62.9 dB(A)), during night (22:00-6:00) 52.9 dB(A) (49.3-55.8 dB(A)) and average Lden was 63.0 dB(A) (60.1-66.5 dB(A)). Main predictors of the LUR model were related to road traffic and household density. Model performance was low (adjusted R2=0.130) suggesting that other influences than represented in the geographic predictors are relevant for noise exposure. This is one of the few studies on the noise exposure situation in low- and middle-income countries. It demonstrates that noise exposure levels are high in these settings.

scholarly journals Evaluation of Workers and Customers Exposure to Noise Level in Delta Mall and Robinson Plaza, Delta State, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-130
Author(s):  
Ado Umar Farouq ◽  
Peter I Ahonsi
Keyword(s):  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Exposure Level ◽  
Average Dose ◽  
Exposure Limits ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
Action Value ◽  
Entire Study Area

This research work titled “Evaluation of Noise Exposure Level in Delta Mall and Robinson Plaza” was aimed at the determination of the noise exposure level and it’s implication to the health of workers/individuals in Delta Mall and Robinson Plaza. A sound level meter (SLM) of model 407736 was used to measure the noise level in Delta Mall and Robinson Plaza. At Robinson plaza, the noise was measured in 13 different locations and they are numbered Block A – N with an exception of Block I. The procedure was carried out in the morning (9:00am – 9:30am), afternoon (1:00pm – 1:30pm), and evening (6:00pm – 6:30pm) measurements for a period of 30 days. The noise exposure level of the entire study area for Robinson Plaza, revealed an average dose of 177.2% and equivalent TWA of 94.1 dBA for 12 hours duration per day and when compared with OSHA standard, it exceeded the exposure action value in the OSHA noise exposure limits (90 dBA for 8 hours duration per day), hence, a detailed risk assessment must be completed for the entire Robinson Plaza. While the noise exposure level of the entire study area for Delta Mall, revealed an average dose of 115.5% and equivalent TWA of 91.0 dBA for 12 hours duration per day and when compared with OSHA standard, it exceeded the exposure action value in the OSHA noise exposure limits (90 dBA for 8 hours duration per day), hence, a detailed risk assessment must be completed for the entire Delta Mall. It’s therefore concluded that the noise generated from both Delta Mall and Robinson Plaza can be harmful to the health of workers. It was recommended that due to these possible effects of noise pollution on the populace, the following action should be carried out: Isolate noise at source, Using protection equipment, Urgent need for legislation to control noise pollution, and Public awakening and education.

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