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NOISE LEVEL WITHIN FACTORIES IN NIGERIA: CASE STUDY OF TWO NIGERIAN INDUSTRIES

 

ABSTRACT

This study is aimed at quantifying noise pollution from industrial noise (machine and human generated) at two selected processing and manufacturing industries namely: Denki Wire and Cable Nigeria Limited and Wanwood Nigeria Limited, both in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria.
The machines used for processing and production in these two industries were considered for the research study as well as their operators and workers. Emphasis was given to noise emitted by the individual industrial machines. The average noise equivalent level (LAeq) was studied to identify the noisy machines and to generate baseline data. A precision grade sound level meter was used to determine the various pressure levels of sound at thirty minutes interval for five days. It was observed that noise limit values were exceeded at almost all machines based on the regulation criteria and international standard. Also, the results of this study shows that noise control measures were not put in place or where provided they were not adequate in the industries surveyed.

 

CHAPTER ONE
1.0
INTRODUCTION

Most machinery and manufacturing processes generate noise as an unwanted by-product of their output. Typical examples of noise and vibration sources in the industrial environs include; combustion processes associated with furnaces, impact noise associated with punch processes, motors, generators and other electro-mechanical devices, unbalanced rotating shafts, gears, steam or gas flows in piping systems, pumps, compressors, washing machines, vibrating panel etc.
The mechanism of noise generation depends on the particular noise operations and equipment including crushing, riveting,punch presses, drilling, pneumatic equipment, tumbling barrels, dividing and metal cutting such as punching, pressing, lathes, milling machines and grinders as well as pumps, in-plant conveying systems etc. Equipment induced vibration is widely recognized as a health hazard. It is a physical stressor to which many people are exposed to at work place.

High levels of industrial noise remain a problem all over the world. In the USA, more than 30 million workers are exposed to noise hazards
(NIOSH, 1998). In Germany, 4-5 million people (12%-15 % of the workforce) are exposed to noise levels defined as hazardous by World Health Organization (WHO, 1991). The effects of sound pressure level generated depend on the type of the noise source, distance from the source to the receiver and the nature of working environment. For a given machine, the sound pressure level depends on the part of total mechanical or electrical energy that is transformed into acoustical energy. Although noise is associated with almost every work activity, some activities are associated with particularly high levels of noise, the most important of which are working with impact process, handling certain types of materials and flying commercial jets. Occupations at highest risk for noise induced hearing loss (NIHL) include those in manufacturing, construction, transportation, mining, agriculture, and military. (Von Gierke, et al, 1982).
High level noise not only hinders communication between workers, but depending on the level, quality and exposure duration of noise, it may also result in different type of physical, physiological and psychological effects on the workers.

The acceptable noise exposure standard in the workplace is 85 Db(A) averaged over an eight-hour period. This is not to imply that below 85 Db(A) a safe condition exist. It simply means that an eight-hour exposure of 85 Db(A) is considered to represent an acceptable level of risk to hearing health in the workplace.

Data for developing countries are scarce, but available evidence suggests that average noise levels are well above the industrial level recommend in many developed nations (Suter, 2000).

Many researchers have delved into industrial noise and assessed the adverse health effects it has on industrial workers (Goerlzer et al, 2001; Van Kenpen et al, 2002; Hernandez-Gaytan et al, 2000; Palmer et al, 2001; Osibogun et al, 2000; Hessel, 2000; Georgiescu, 2000;
Davis, 1989; Shaikh, 1996).
A number of studies have been carried out to evaluate industrial noise in processing, mining, oil and gas, construction and manufacturing industries and the results show that high percentage of industrial workers were exposed to more than 85Db(A) noise levels (Ydego, 1991; Boateng and Amedofu, 2004).
In spite of these studies, high noise levels have been taken for granted in industries in developing countries especially Nigeria Ydego (1974) investigated the industrial noise exposure of workers in a Textile industry in Tanzania. The results of the investigation indicate gross industrial exposure to noise where more than 30 % of the workers are exposed to noise levels exceeding 90 Db(A). Kisku and Bhargava (2006) looked into the major sources of noise producing machines of a thermal plant and showed that lowest average noise (70.37 Db(A)) was found at control room while the highest average noise (95.91 Db(A) was at F.D fan. Compressors generate the second highest noise of (89.98 Db(A)). Saadu (1985) assessed the industrial noise of newspaper printing press, steel rolling mill, soft drink bottling, match making, mattress making, beer brewing and bottling industries in Ilorin metropolis. The lowest and highest average noise recorded were 82 Db(A) at mattress making industry and 98 Db(A) at beer brewing and bottling industry respectively.
For Industrial noise, the best characterized health outcome is hearing impairment. The first effects of exposure to excess noise are typically an increase in the threshold of hearing (threshold shift) as assessed by audiometry. Audiometry defined as a change in hearing threshold of average 10Db or more at 2000,3000 and 4000Hz in either ear (poorer hearing) (NIOSH,1998).

Industrial employees are exposed to noises from a variety of sources, such as: traffic noise from busy roadways, stationary vehicles and street noise, Compressors and pneumatic tools in garages, workshops and maintenance areas, handheld power tools, heavy machinery and other equipment, ventilation systems operating at substandard levels, human sources such as children and co-workers. (Ahmed et al, 2000).
In view of the negative effect of noise on industrial workers, there is need to evaluate industrial noise by using Denki Wire & Cable Limited and Wanwood Nigeria Limited both in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria as a case study.

1.1                                           BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Industrial noise, or occupational noise, is often a term used in relation to environmental health and safety, rather than nuisance, as sustained exposure can cause permanent hearing damage. Industrial noise or occupational noise is the amount of acoustical energy (noise) received by an employees auditory system while they are working.
"Twenty-two million workers are exposed to potentially damaging noise at work each year. Last year, U.S. business paid more than $1.5 million in penalties for not protecting workers from noise." - OSHA
Industrial noise is an occupational hazard linked to traditionally loud industries such as ship-building, Mining, railroad work, Welding and Construction. Industrial noise, if experienced repeatedly, at a high intensity, for an extended period of time, can cause noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). NIHL caused by industrial noise can be classified as occupational hearing loss.
Modern thinking in occupational safety and health further identifies noise as hazardous to workers' safety and health. This hazard is experienced in various places of employment and through a variety of sources.
Noise, in the context of industrial noise, is hazardous to a persons hearing because of its loud intensity through repeated long-term exposure. In order for Noise to cause Hearing impairment for the worker, the noise has to be close enough, loud enough and the listener has to be exposed for long enough. These factors have been taken into account by the governing occupational health and safety organizations as they determine the unsafe noise exposure levels and durations for their respective industries.
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) have all set standards on hazardous occupational noise in their respective industries. Each industry is different, as workers tasks and equipment differ, but most regulations agree that noise becomes hazardous when it exceeds 85 Decibel, for an 8-hour exposure (typical work shift). This relationship between allotted noise level and exposure time is known as an Exposure action value (EAV) or Permissible exposure limit (PEL). The EAV or PEL can be seen as equations which manipulate the allotted exposure time according to the intensity of the industrial noise. This equation works as an inverse relationship. As the industrial noise intensity increases, the allotted exposure time, to still remain safe, decreases.
These above calculations of PEL and EAV are based on measurements taken to determine the intensity of that particular industrial noise. A-weighted measurements are commonly used to determine noise levels that can cause harm to the human ear. There are also special exposure meters available that integrate noise over a period of time to give an Leq value (equivalent sound pressure level), defined by standards.
Hazardous industrial noise can cause a permanent auditory threshold shift as excessive exposure to loud noises can damage the Hair cells in the ear. Please see Occupational hearing loss or Noise-induced hearing loss for more information regarding the physiology of hearing loss.
Noise can also effect the safety of the employee and the safety of others. Noise can be a causal factor in work accidents, both by masking hazards and warning signals, and by impeding concentration. High intensity noise can interfere with vital workplace communication which increases the chance of accidents and decreases productivity.
Noise acts synergistically with other hazards to increase the risk of harm to workers. In particular, noise and toxic materials (e.g. some solvents, metals, asphyxiants and pesticides) have some ototoxic properties may also affect the hearing function.


1.2                                                PURPOSE OF THE STUDY
The purpose of this study was to ascertain industrial noise pollution and its effects on the hearing capabilities of workers.
1.3                                                   SCOPE OF THE STUDY

Temporal pattern of noise levels for the industries were fairly flat with characteristic peaks and dips of maximum difference of 5 Db, implying that although industrial noise levels are high with associated pathological and psychological effects and possible loss of speech intelligibility during conversation, factory workers are likely to experience little annoyance due to the low fluctuating industrial noise.

1.4                                               OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The objective of the study was to measure the noise level in industry floor plan based on plastic and measure noisy experienced by employee had reached perfectly.

1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

This study will be based on the noise level in industries. It will help industries to understand the level of noise in their industries.
It will also give suggestions on how industries could improve and make their working environment conducive for their workers
It will also help the government/industries to as well know the causes and effect of noise on workers
Finally, this study and research finding will also be significant in such a way that it will serve as a pointer to other research who may be interested in the study.

1.6                                                  RESEARCH QUESTIONS
a.          What are the factors responsible for noise pollution in industries?
b.          What are the effects of noise on factory workers?
c.           In what ways can noise be prevented or reduced in industries?

1.7                                                  DEFINITION OF TERMS
Personal protective equipment (PPE) : refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles, or other garments or equipment designed to protect the wearer's body from injury or infection
Noise: Noise is defined as, "the unwanted, unpleasant or disagreeable sound that causes discomfort to all living beings"
Earplug: is a device that is meant to be inserted in the ear canal to protect the user's ears from loud noises or the intrusion of water, foreign bodies, dust or excessive wind.

 

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