Calculation of Production Risk From Noise Pollution for the Safety of Workers in the Open Air

Abstract

Purpose. Studying the impact of noise pollution levels at the busiest intersections of Kyiv and determining the exceedances of normative values on the basis of national and international standards. Calculation of the probability of hearing loss under conditions of prolonged exposure to noise on the body of 40-year-old and 50-year-old workers during 30 years of service. Methods. In this paper, based on the obtained field measurement data, noise pollution on the main highways of Kyiv is analyzed. Topicality. The research is aimed at ensuring the safety of operating transport services and construction companies from the constant noise load, which creates traffic flows in the city and leads to occupational diseases. Studies have shown that at an 8-hour exposure in a worker under conditions of constant chronic noise load, there may be a shift in the audibility threshold depending on age and length of service. The method recommended by the international standard ISO1999 / 2013 can be used to determine the corrected level of noise pollution and safety of workers in the open air during the repair of highway overpasses. The scientific novelty lies in the determination of natural data on the noise load on the example of some of the busiest road junctions in Kyiv, where transport mainly moves at low speed and stands in traffic jams. The obtained average data during the working day indicate a noise load that is 18-20% higher than the normative value of workers working outdoors (80 dBA). Based on basic calculations of the probability of hearing loss because of noise pollution at an average level of 90 dBA for workers with 30 years of experience proved the need for enhanced software monitoring in areas of increased noise pollution for production sites and protection of workers for their safety. Practical significance. The research results are aimed at providing safety for workers outdoors during the repair of highways in large cities and on construction sites near major intersections. The importance of the work lies in the need to strengthen the existing dynamic control over working conditions and health of workers in the open air in the conditions of constant noise load of the city and the need to revise the requirements to the employer governing the protection of workers from noise. The research results showed that the maximum value of noise pollution in Kyiv near the main roads during the day is within the range of 87-94dBa, which is on average 11% higher than the normative value for open production sites. The probability of hearing loss of workers due to noise is 11.5% for 50-year-olds and 7% for 40-year-old workers with 30 years of service.