Measurement strategies for occupational noise exposure assessment: A comparison study in different industrial environments

Arezes, Pedro; Bernardo, C. A.; Mateus, Olga A.

doi:10.1016/j.ergon.2011.10.005

Cited by 36 publications

(23 citation statements)

References 11 publications

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“…Zannin [4] found that noise equivalent level were emitted by conventional buses (79.9 ± 2.8 dB (A)) and by speedy buses (73.0 ± 2.6 dB (A)), and in the study of Zannin et al, [5] L EX,8h results were in conventional bases (79.9 ± 3.1 dB (A)) and in speedy buses (72.7 ± 2.4 dB (A)). Results of the present study were considered normal when compared to Brazilian legislation (Regulation Act NR-15: Insalubrious Operations).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

“…However, it appears that these professionals are exposed to a series of ergonomic factors that may negatively affect their health such as high levels of noise, vibration, air pollution, stress, and postural overloads. [2][3][4][5] There are several studies on work conditions and health problems among drivers of different types of buses. [3] However, few studies have evaluated the sensitivity to noise in the driver's work environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Annoyance evaluation and the effect of noise on the health of bus drivers

et al. 2013

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In the present study, we evaluated annoyance and the effects of noise on the health of bus drivers. For that, 200 bus drivers from a public transport company participated in a cross-sectional study. Annoyance and effects on health was measured with analog scale: Sleep quality, occurrence of tinnitus, headache, irritation, and annoyance from bus engine, traffic, and passengers. Data of age and working time of bus drivers also were obtained. For noise exposure, LA eq was evaluated in 80 buses. Statistical analysis consisted of mean, standard deviation, minimum, and maximum, Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc Dunn, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results indicate three groups of bus drivers (not annoyed: (N.A.), a little annoyed (L.A.) and highly annoyed (H.A.)). The group H.A. was younger and with less working time in relation to others, with a significant difference only for age. Regarding sleep quality, there was no significant difference. For results on the occurrence of tinnitus, headache and irritation after work, group H.A. had significantly higher means. Result of annoyance to the bus engine was significantly higher in H.A. than in L.A. and N.A. Annoyance to traffic and passengers, no significant differences were found, but the highest results were found for L.A., followed by H.A. and N.A. Equivalent sound pressure level in buses was above of the limit for occupational comfort. It was concluded that bus drivers has considerable level of noise annoyance and some health effects are perceived. The noise is a factor discomfort ergonomic that may cause effects on health of bus drivers. This study aims to evaluate annoyance and the effects of noise on the health of bus drivers. Cross-sectional study with buses and bus drivers. For that, 200 bus drivers from a public transport company participated in a cross-sectional study. Annoyance and effects on health was measured with analog scale: Sleep quality, occurrence of tinnitus, headache, irritation and annoyance from bus engine, traffic, and passengers. Data of age and working time of bus drivers also were obtained. For noise exposure, LA eq was evaluated in 80 buses. Statistical analysis consisted of mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum, Kruskal-Wallis test with post-hoc Dunn, one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Tukey and Spearman's correlation coefficient. Results indicate three groups of bus drivers (N.A., a L.A. and H.A.). The group H.A. was younger and with less working time in relation to others, with a significant difference only for age. Regarding sleep quality, there was no significant difference. For results on the occurrence of tinnitus, headache and irritation after work, group H.A. had significantly higher means. Result of annoyance to the bus engine was significantly higher in H.A. than in L.A. and N.A. Annoyance to traffic and passengers, no significant differences were found, but the highest results were found for L.A., followed by H.A. and N.A. Equivalent sound pressure level in buses was above of the limit f...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 97%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Annoyance evaluation and the effect of noise on the health of bus drivers

et al. 2013

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“…It is also very difficult to define and implement an effective strategy to reduce the risk of NIHL. [1] Previous studies involving orchestral musicians have revealed some important issues relevant to musician noise exposure characterization. During rehearsals and performances, sound pressure levels are high and vary according to the instrument.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…[1] Such exposure can result in several effects on worker health, including the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), which is the most frequent occupational disease in Europe. [2] There are also some non-industry professional groups at risk for noise exposure due to their professional activities and typical exposure profiles.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of the noise exposure of symphonic orchestra musicians

et al. 2014

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For musicians, the impact of noise exposure is not yet fully characterized. Some inconsistencies can be found in the methodology used to evaluate noise exposure. This study aims to analyze the noise exposure of musicians in a symphonic orchestra to understand their risk for hearing loss, applying the methodology proposed by ISO 9612:2009. Noise levels were monitored among musicians during the rehearsal of eight different repertoires. Test subjects were selected according to their instrument and position in the orchestra. Participants wore noise dosimeters throughout the rehearsals. A sound meter was used to analyze the exposure of the conductor. The results showed that musicians are exposed to high noise levels that can damage hearing. Brass, woodwind and percussion and timpani musicians were exposed to noise levels in excess of the upper exposure action level of 85 dB (A), while the other instrumental groups had a lower exposure action level of 80 dB (A). Percussion musicians were exposed to high peak noise levels of 135 dB (C). Sound levels varied by instrument, repertoire and position. Octave frequency analyses showed differences among musicians. This study suggests that musicians are at risk for hearing loss. There is a need for more effective guidelines applicable to all countries, which should define standardized procedures for determining musician noise exposure and should allow exposure level normalization to the year, including different repertoires.

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“…In industrial settings with relatively steady and continuous noise exposures, such as manufacturing, evaluation of noise levels is relatively straightforward. However, in non-industrial operations characterized by highly variable and intermittent noise, such as firefighting, noise exposure assessment is more challenging (Arezes, Bernardo et al 2012). In these industries, full-shift personal noise measurements, often considered the gold standard of exposure assessment (Nieuwenhuijsen, Paustenbach et al 2006), may miss infrequent but intense exposure situations which can result in substantial overexposures to noise.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Pilot task-based assessment of noise levels among firefighters

Neitzel

Hong

Quinlan

et al. 2013

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

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PURPOSE Over one million American firefighters are routinely exposed to various occupational hazards agents. While efforts have been made to identify and reduce some causes of injuries and illnesses among firefighters, relatively little has been done to evaluate and understand occupational noise exposures in this group. The purpose of this pilot study was to apply a task-based noise exposure assessment methodology to firefighting operations to evaluate potential noise exposure sources, and to use collected task-based noise levels to create noise exposure estimates for evaluation of risk of noise-induced hearing loss by comparison to the 8-hr and 24-hr recommended exposure limits (RELs) for noise of 85 and 80.3 dBA, respectively. METHODS Task-based noise exposures (n=100 measurements) were measured in three different fire departments (a rural department in Southeast Michigan and suburban and urban departments in Northern California). These levels were then combined with time-at-task information collected from firefighters to estimate 8-hr noise exposures for the rural and suburban fire departments (n=6 estimates for each department). Data from 24-hr dosimetry measurements and crude self-reported activity categories from the urban fire department (n=4 measurements) were used to create 24-hr exposure estimates to evaluate the bias associated with the task-based estimates. RESULTS Task-based noise levels were found to range from 82–109 dBA, with the highest levels resulting from use of saws and pneumatic chisels. Some short (e.g., 30 min) sequences of common tasks were found to result in nearly an entire allowable daily exposure. The majority of estimated 8-hr and 24-hr exposures exceeded the relevant recommended exposure limit. Predicted 24-hr exposures showed substantial imprecision in some cases, suggesting the need for increased task specificity. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate potential for overexposure to noise from a variety of firefighting tasks and equipment, and suggest a need for further exposure characterization and additional hearing loss prevention efforts. RELEVANCE TO INDUSTRY Firefighters may be at risk of noise-induced hearing loss, which can affect their fitness for duty and ability to respond effectively to emergencies. The results of this study suggest that additional efforts at hearing loss prevention among firefighters are warranted.

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Measurement strategies for occupational noise exposure assessment: A comparison study in different industrial environments

Cited by 36 publications

References 11 publications

Annoyance evaluation and the effect of noise on the health of bus drivers

Annoyance evaluation and the effect of noise on the health of bus drivers

Evaluation of the noise exposure of symphonic orchestra musicians

Pilot task-based assessment of noise levels among firefighters

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