scholarly journals The public’s exposure to and perception of noise in aquatic facilities: a pilot study

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (4) ◽  
pp. 98-103
Author(s):  
Jana Lowry ◽  
Chun-Yip Hon
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Whistle Blowing ◽  
The Public ◽  
Greater Toronto Area ◽  
Excessive Noise

Exposure to noise in recreational settings is a major public health concern. Under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act, workers shall not be exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 dB over an 8-h period. It is generally accepted that the public’s exposure to noise be held to this same standard. The current pilot study explored whether the public is being exposed to excessive noise in indoor aquatic facilities across the Greater Toronto Area and, if so, at what levels. To our knowledge, no other study has explored this topic. Eight separate facilities were assessed using sound level meters to capture LAeq, LApeak, and LAS > 85 dB exceedance/duration. Public perception of noise was determined using self-administered questionnaires. LAeq ranged from 73.6 dB–82.3 dB and LApeak ranged from 102.2 dB–122 dB. Although the LAeq did not exceed the legislated standard, LApeak values were high. Noise levels were mainly associated with the type of activity in the pool and whistle blowing. Overall, the public were indifferent to the noise levels, despite the LApeak being quite high. Further studies are recommended to explore this topic, with a particular emphasis on comparison of different activities within the same facility.

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 Public's perception regarding the major impacts of radioactive nuclear waste. A research study in Romania

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 1012-1025
Author(s):  
Greta-Marilena Vitioanu
Keyword(s):  
Nuclear Waste ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Storage Conditions ◽  
Key Factors ◽  
Main Research ◽  
The Public ◽  
Safe Management ◽  
Short And Long Term ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Like all other human activities, nuclear activities inherently produce waste. Even if the amount of radioactive nuclear waste is small compared with every other waste generated by human, this is a real danger and may produce devastating effects. Radioactive nuclear waste requires a safe management, a very good classification and limitation of releasing of radioactive effluents into the environment. The anticipated big impacts that any nuclear activity releases involve the environmental impacts, human health and safety. Public's perception represents a big challenge mainly when people are asked about harmful activities or technologies, such as radioactive nuclear waste. The aim of this study is to find out the public's perception of the impacts of radioactive nuclear waste. The main research instrument for this analysis is based on questionnaire. This research represents a new approach for the study of people's perception of radioactive nuclear waste in Romania. Public's perception is one of the key factors with influence on the development of nuclear waste technologies. The perception is crucial and may mean more than reality. The impact of radioactive nuclear waste seen through public perception shows the degree of development of storage conditions, both in the short and long term. The study revealed that the public perception regarding radioactive nuclear waste is divided in two major concerns: the potential impacts on the environment and people's health.

Comparison of Low-Noise Air Nozzles: A Pilot Study

2017 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 1356-1359
Author(s):  
Menekse Salar ◽  
M. Fehmi Capanoglu ◽  
Anjaneya Bandekar ◽  
Richard F. Sesek
Keyword(s):  
Occupational Safety ◽  
Health Hazard ◽  
Low Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Air Pressure ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Physiological Impact ◽  
Level Meter ◽  
Low Noise Design ◽  
Excessive Noise

Excessive noise is a global occupational health hazard with considerable social and physiological impact, including noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) (Nelson et al., 2005). Noise is one of the most common occupational hazards in American workplaces. This study was performed in the Occupational Safety and Ergonomics Program’s Biomechanics Laboratory at Auburn University. The main purpose of this study was to compare the noise levels made by different air nozzles actually used by a bakery facility to nozzles whose manufacturers purported that they produce significantly less noise. Noise levels were determined using a sound level meter, which was positioned at ear level at distances of 5 and 10 feet. At the factory, air pressure (~100 psi) was used to push product downstream and to speed product cooling. The nozzles used were simple pipes or traditional air nozzles with side venting, but not of a “low noise” design. Two nozzles used by the factory were compared to three quieter nozzles. Nozzles were tested for both noise level and for air pressure (pushing force).

scholarly journals Traffic Intersections Noise Levels and Daily Noise Exposure in Chandrapur City, Central India

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-92
Author(s):  
Rahul K. Kamble
Keyword(s):  
Noise Level ◽  
Noise Exposure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Central India ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Control Measures ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Road Design ◽  
Traffic Intersections ◽  
Level Meter

Noise level monitoring was carried out at nine important traffic intersections of the Chandrapur city to ascertain noise levels and daily noise exposure. A pre-calibrated mini sound level meter was used for noise measurement. Observations were recorded for 24 hours and noise level during the day, night and for 24-hours was computed. Maximum noise level during daytime was 84.27 dB(A) at Bangali camp square; whereas, minimum 79.23 dB(A) at Priyadarshani square. In case of nighttime maximum 85.90 dB(A) was at Warora naka square and minimum 70.06 dB(A) at the Jatpura gate. Minimum noise level during 24-hours was at Bagla square 84.34 dB(A) and maximum 91.14 dB(A) at Warora naka square. Noise level during day and night were above the Indian noise standard for the commercial area. The Bangali camp square was identified as the most ear-splitting square during daytime and Warora naka square at nighttime and for 24-hours also. Peak noise was recorded from 10.00 am to 11.00 am and 3.00 pm to 7.00 pm. Vehicular noise, horns, and improper road design contributed significantly to noise levels at traffic intersections. Daily noise exposure analysis by Health and Safety Executive, UK software revealed Bangali camp square and Ramnagar police station square’s daily noise exposure for 0.25 hour was maximum 70 LEP,d and minimum at Gandhi square and Bagla square 65 LEP,d. Noise levels indicated no immediate effect for hearing loss. Control measures for reduction of noise levels at traffic intersections have also been proposed.

scholarly journals Noise levels of a track-laying tractor during field operations in the vineyard

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (2s) ◽  
Author(s):  
Pietro Catania ◽  
Mariangela Vallone
Keyword(s):  
Sound Pressure ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Test Conditions ◽  
Maximum Value ◽  
Sound Levels ◽  
Class 1 ◽  
Level Meter ◽  
Almost All

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.

scholarly journals ANALISIS KINERJA FASILITAS OPERASI PERLINTASAN SEBIDANG (STUDI PADA RESORT 4.6 SMT)

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariana Diah Puspitasari
Keyword(s):  
Public Perception ◽  
Public Perceptions ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Sound Level Meter ◽  
Population Mean ◽  
The Public ◽  
Road Users ◽  
Loudness Level ◽  
Using Data ◽  
Level Meter

PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) during 2019 and 2018 calculated that there had been 655 accidents at level rail crossings. Accidents often occur in high traffic areas such as the Telecommunication Signal Resort 4.6 SMT. So the researchers conducted research in order to find out the performance of the railway operating facilities under the auspices of the Telecommunication Signal Resort 4.6 SMT as well as public perceptions of its performance. Researchers used a sound level meter to measure the loudness level of the level rail crossings siren sound at the research location. Furthermore, it is compared with the standards stipulated in the Minister of Transportation Regulation Number 44 of 2018. Then tested using Anova to find out whether the population mean will be of the same value using data from each population. Furthermore, an unstructured interview was conducted to hear the perceptions of road users on the performance of the operational facilities at level rail crossings which became the research object. The results showed that the five level rail crossings which were the object of the study had the loudness level of the siren sound below the set standard. In contrast, flat cross lights perform well. Meanwhile, the public perception of the operational facilities at level rail crossings is that they are functioning well.

scholarly journals HYGIENIC ASSESSMENT OF INTERVENTIONS FOR REDUCING EXCESSIVE ACOUSTIC IMPACT ON RESIDENTIAL AREAS

2019 ◽  
Vol 98 (6) ◽  
pp. 671-676
Author(s):  
Olga I. Kopytenkova ◽  
T. A. Afanaseva ◽  
L. B. Burnashov ◽  
E. B. Kuznetsova
Keyword(s):  
External Noise ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Rail Transport ◽  
Noise Measurement ◽  
Traffic Flows ◽  
Residential Areas ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Acoustic Impact ◽  
Excessive Noise

Introduction. The most important external sources of excessive noise levels on the territories of residential development are transportation sources (road, rail, aviation). The aim of the present study is the hygienic assessment of the acoustic situation in the areas in the zone of influence of traffic flows and currently used measures to reduce the excess acoustic impact on residential premises. Material and methods. The studies were carried out on the territories along the roads and Railways, with different intensity of traffic flows in accordance with GOST 23337-2014 Noise. Methods of noise measurement in residential areas and in the premises of residential and public buildings, MUK 4.3.2194-07 “Methods of noise measurement in residential areas and in the premises of residential and public buildings.” Experimental studies of materials used for the construction of acoustic screens were carried out. Here were investigated window units were used to reduce external noise in the house. Sound pressure levels in octave bands (dB) and sound levels (dBA) in the sound-measuring reverberation chamber were measured in accordance with GOST 27296-2012. Results. Exceeding the permissible equivalent noise levels at a distance from 2 to 7.5 m from the roadway of vehicles in the daytime reaches 25-32 dBA. Noise from railway transport at a distance of 25 m from the source in terms of the equivalent sound level for freight transport is of 77 dBA, maximum - 83 dBA; for cargo transport, Sapsan, Lastochka, Allegro identical data were obtained; for passenger trains, the equivalent sound level accounted for 71 dBA, for electric trains - 66-69 dBA. Exceeding the standards for octave frequencies were most often observed at low frequencies from 31.5 to 500 Hz. The air noise insulation index (dB) is higher for the concrete and wood chips material, i.e. the material with higher density. The study of the parameters of the window blocks allowed us to establish all the studied samples to provide a reduction in the equivalent noise level by more than 20 dBA, but differ in the spectral characteristics of noise damping. Conclusion. Traffic flows create excessive noise levels in urban and rural settlements and impair the quality of life of the population. The effectiveness of existing measures aimed to mitigating noise in the source of generation by both road and rail transport has been exhausted. Acoustic screens in high-rise buildings have very limited efficiency. An option to reduce the adverse impact of external noise on public health is the construction of buildings protected from noise. Placement of buildings along the linear objects of road and rail transport should be provided at the stage of planning of quarters, the construction of such buildings should be carried out on special projects. When designing and building, special attention should be paid to the window units used and the quality of their installation. Window blocks should be selected on the basis of frequency characteristics of noise attenuation.

scholarly journals Geospatial analysis of environmental noise levels in a residential area in Lagos, Nigeria

Noise Mapping ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 223-238
Author(s):  
Rose Anthony Alani ◽  
Olajomi Mary Ogunmoyela ◽  
Chukwuma John Okolie ◽  
Olagoke Emmanuel Daramola
Keyword(s):  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Residential Area ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
World Bank Group ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Environmental Health And Safety ◽  
Community Noise ◽  
The World

AbstractNoise is an inevitable part of daily life and has been identified as a cause of several health deficiencies across the world. It has increasingly become a significant concern on the health and well-being of people. Studies are required to advance knowledge on the sources and impacts of noise in residential neighbourhoods of Lagos State, Nigeria. Therefore, this study assesses the spatial variation of noise levels within a section of the Festac residential area in Lagos in line with noise limits specified by the World Bank Group International Finance Corporation (IFC) Environmental, Health, and Safety (EHS) Guidelines and the Nigerian National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) Noise Standards and Control guidelines for community noise. Data for this research come from a field study comprising measurements of noise levels from 6 observation stations and questionnaire survey with 200 respondents. The criteria for siting the stations was based on factors such as proximity to the roadside, land use and population density, while the questionnaire was administered at random to assess the peoples’ level of awareness on the sources and effects of noise. A digital sound level meter was used to measure noise level variations over a period of 3 weeks for morning, afternoon and evening periods. The measured noise levels were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) statistics and the Kriging Geostatistical interpolation technique. Also, logistic regression was used to determine the relationship between the respondents’ perceptions to noise and noise levels. The results indicated that the mean noise levels were within the approximate range of 53.5 – 94.0dBA over the entire period. The highest mean noise levels occurred in the north-western part of the study area where a bus park is present. In general, the noise levels in the area surpass the recommended noise limit of 55dBA, and the logistic regression showed that morning, afternoon and evening mean noise levels were significant predictors of noise variation as perceived by the dwellers. Proper legislation to regulate human activities with respect to noise generation is highly recommended to the local, state and national legislators.

scholarly journals Assessment of Observed Building Structure Setback of Shops along an Arterial Road and Noise Intrusion Level

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (12) ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
Adinife Patrick Azodo ◽  
Christian Onwubalili ◽  
Tochukwu Canice Mezue
Keyword(s):  
Degrees Of Freedom ◽  
Traffic Noise ◽  
Health And Safety ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Sound Level ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Horizontal Distance ◽  
Building Structure ◽  
Noise Levels ◽  
Test Analysis

Roads irrespective of the type have specific standard horizontal distance measured at 90 degrees from a lot boundary to a development known as a setback. Non-observance of the recommended setbacks accommodated in any urban center’s master plan creates noise hazard to the public health and safety as the movement of vehicular traffic is not without the attendant noise. This study assessed noise intrusion level in shops along a section of Ibadan-Abeokuta road with due consideration to compliance with the recommended building structure setback. Analysis of noise descriptors evaluated in this study gave A-weighted equivalent sound pressure level average of 91.3 dBA, the daytime average sound level (LD) 92.27 dBA, traffic noise index (TNI) 41.63 dBA, the noise pollution level (LNP) 85.91 dBA and noise climate (NC) 5.38 dBA. Correlation analysis between the observed setbacks and the noise levels gave an “r” value of -.496 significant at p < .05. The paired t-test analysis showed a mean ± SD difference of 15.90 ± 7.08, and t-value of 32.99, corresponding to a two-tailed p < .05 with 215 degrees of freedom. This implies that there was a significant statistical difference between the noise levels measured at the observed and recommended setbacks  

Sport-Related-Concussions Pilot Study: Athletic Training Students’ Media Use and Perceptions of Media Coverage

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-94
Author(s):  
Tywan G. Martin ◽  
Jessica Wallace ◽  
Young Ik Suh ◽  
Kysha Harriell ◽  
Justin Tatman
Keyword(s):  
Pilot Study ◽  
Athletic Training ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Public Perception ◽  
Media Use ◽  
Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy ◽  
American Football ◽  
Athletic Training Students ◽  
The Public ◽  
The Media

The purpose of this study was to examine athletic training students’ media consumption to advance our understanding of the role the media play in reported incidences of sport-related concussion (SRC) and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in American football and how media coverage of those injuries may potentially influence public perception. Participants who consumed more hours of television per day were more likely to disagree with the statements that reporting on SRC has helped to accurately educate the public, H(2) = 11.06, p = .01, and that reporting on CTE has helped to accurately educate the public, H(2) = 8.67, p = .01. Respondents who consumed more hours of Internet per day were more likely to disagree with the statements that accurate terminology is used to report SRC, H(2) = 7.78, p = .02, and that reporting of SRCs has helped to accurately educate the public, H(2) = 8.27, p = .02.

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