Evaluation of noise pollution and effects on workers during wheat processing.
No Thumbnail Available
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Journal of Applied Science and Environmental Management (JASEM), Published by University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This study assessed the intensity and likely effects of noise on workers during
wheat processing. Noise measurements were taken using HD600 sound level meter. Subjective
assessment of the effects of noise was undertaken using semi structured questionnaire. Also
audiometric test was conducted on workers using AD229e diagnostic audiometer. The results of
the study show that during wheat processing operations, the noise level in the factory ranges
between 56.0 dB(A) and100.9 dB(A). Also, only 25.6 % of all the readings was below the
specified limit of 85 dB(A). Workers are also observed to have certain forms of physiological
and psychological disorders related to noise. The audiometric test results revealed that 33 % of
the examined workers have defect in their left or right ear. Based on these results, WHO Class-5
hearing protector is recommended to be worn by workers in the processing sections while room
acoustics should be upgraded to absorb some sounds transmitted to offices.
Description
Keywords
Citation
Wheat processing, noise, machines, workers, audiometric examination