COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS BETWEEN THE PEROSONAL NOISE EXPOSURE LEVEL OF INDUSTRY WORKERS AND SCHOOL TEACHERS
Keywords:
industry, school, noise exposureAbstract
The noise is defined as unwanted sound and can be a reason for many different adverse health effects. Occupational exposure to high noise level is a problem almost in all industries but also in the services sector and the exposure level vary depending on the noise sources. According to the investigation done so far, this problem often appears in the industries like transportation, mining, production, and construction. Excessive exposure to high noise levels lead to decreased efficiency, risks of incidents at work, professional diseases and in some cases to hearing loss. The risk of negative health effect depends on the exposure level and the frequency of noise exposure. The negative effects of high noise exposure level often include decreased concentration, risk of accidents, stress, and cardiovascular diseases. In some cases, it may have influence not only on the professional but also on the social life by limited opportunities for employment or promotions. In this paper a comparison between noise exposure level of industry workers and schoolteachers will be presented. To determine the noise exposure level of the schoolteachers and industry workers a noise exposure measurement in real conditions was performed. The A weighted equivalent
continuous sound pressure levels (LAeq) of each industry worker and schoolteacher were recorded using noise dosimeters during performing the regular daily tasks. The measurements were repeated in 3 series. In total three schoolteachers and three industry workers were involved in the study. Using software tool, the data for the personal noise exposure levels were collected and normalized 8 hours exposure was determinate. The resalts between two different areas of exposure showed that both, schoolteachers, and industry workers are exposed almost to the same noise level. If the machine and equipment are significant noise sources in the industry than the noise of the students in the classrooms during classes, corridors during breaks, sport hall causes the same noise level as in an industrial plant. The results of this research show that there can be a risk factor of adverse effects to the occupational health and safety of both workplaces, the industry, and schools.
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