Noise
NOISE IS OTHER… ..
Noise is one of the important industrial and environmental problems of our time. The sounds produced by the industrial machinery and equipment can cause significant harm to the workers in that particular line of business unless adequate and effective measures are taken. For example, in the textile industry (4000-7000 rpm) high-speed spinning machines, commonly used shuttle looms, motors and air conditioning plants of the ventilation system are the sources of noise.
Noise; unpleasant, unwanted, disturbing sound. The sound; air, water, or the like. The emergence and propagation of sound occurs by the vibration of particles (solids, liquids, gases) in the medium and the transmission of these vibrations to neighboring particles.
The possible effects of noise on human health can be summarized as follows:
Psychological effects; nervous disorder, fear, discomfort, uneasiness, fatigue, slowing of mental effects, insomnia and so on.
Noise prevention of communication with speech, effects on job productivity and safety.
Physiological effects; Negative effects on hearing sensation (Hearing loss or loss of hearing threshold called hearing loss, ear pain, nausea (exposure to high pressure noise - presenting), muscle stress, stress, increase in blood pressure, heart rate and blood circulation change, eye baby growth
Irreversible hearing loss may occur as a result of exposure to high levels of noise in the ear (more than 80 dB (A)) for long periods (months and years). This loss; it can be temporary, continuous, or both. Temporary hearing loss, also called auditory fatigue, disappears after moving away from the noisy environment (usually one to two hours).
Continuous hearing loss;
Personal sensitivity,
The level of noise (total energy of sound),
Frequency distribution of noise and sound,
Daily total exposure - duration of presentation,
The length of time a person is affected by noise,
Noise, continuous, intermittent or pulsed
It depends.
As can be seen, many factors are associated with noise-related hearing loss. This makes it difficult to take measures to protect people from negative effects. In order for the problem to be solved and to protect the employees, the level of exposure, threshold values should be determined and the noise level and frequency distribution in the workplaces should be measured and evaluated accordingly.
As a result of the researches, the maximum permissible working times were determined depending on the noise level in the environment. The values determined according to ILO and our country standards are explained in Table 1. The values given are valid for continuous or intermittent noise. Not applicable for explosion and impact noises.
Table 1: Permissible Noise Level
Measurement of noise level:
Sound level meters, frequency analyzers and personal or ambient noise dosimeters are used to measure and analyze the noise level.
There are also some non-technical rules for deciding whether the noise level is high in the workplace:
In order to understand the speech of a person next to him / her, it is necessary for the person to speak by increasing the tone outside the usual speaking tone, or if it is necessary to shout in the ear for the person to understand, the noise has exceeded the permissible level.
If the worker hears noise in his head and ringing in his ear at the end of a working day, he is exposed to excessive noise.
If the worker has difficulty understanding the sounds of speech and music clearly at the end of the working day, but if he / she understands the sounds of speech and music on the way to work in the morning, he / she is exposed to a high level of noise. Without precaution, there is no doubt that permanent hearing loss will occur in the future.
Prevention Against Noise:
Measures to be taken regarding noise in the workplaces are specified in article 78 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
The sequence of measures to be taken is (1) at the source of the noise, (2) the elimination of the sources of reflection - the road also - (3) blocking at the receiver. Measures that can be taken are summarized in Table 2.
Table 2: Noise control
Reducing Noise at Source
It is the most effective way.
Replace the noise generating process with less noisy operation.
Using machines that produce less noise (substitution).
Reorganize the operation of noise generating machines (such as maintenance, covering vibrating or impacting parts with soft materials, making some changes in the process).
Reducing Noise on the Spread of Sound Energy
Increase the distance between the source of noise and the person exposed to it.
Use sound-absorbing obstacles to prevent sound from spreading in the air.
To cover or make the places where sound can pass and reflect like walls, ceilings and floors with or with sound absorbing material.
Switch off or isolate the noise source with sound-absorbing material.
Preventing Noise in the Person Exposed to Noise
Isolating the person exposed to noise.
Use personal protection.
Exposure to noise - to reduce the time of presentation or to run in noisy places with rotation (administrative control).
Change the work schedule.
As a last resort;
Workers should wear ear protection in certain noisy areas. (2) prolonged exposure to high levels of noise - presenting is detrimental to the very sensitive hearing mechanism. (3) Ear plugs or ear protectors covering the entire ear prevent (reduce) noise before it reaches the eardrum. (4) The choice of ear plugs or protectors covering the entire ear depends on the level of noise and the work performed. (5)
In the noisy areas, when hearing protection is worn, it is unnecessary to worry about not hearing speeches or warning signals. Even sounds are heard more comfortably.
Ear protectors The talimat ear protection instructions for use belirtilen listed in Table 3 must be followed.
Table 3: Instructions for Use of Ear Protection
1. The worker's health and safety officer should give the appropriate protective equipment to the person's ear and teach them how to use it.
2. Use of ear protectors should be started according to an exercise program as follows.
Afternoon Afternoon
Day 1 30 30 .30 minutes ………. 30 minutes
Day 2 ……… 1 hour ………… .. 1 hour
Day 3 ……… 2 hours ………… 2 hours
4 days ………. 3 hours …………. 3 hours
5th day süresince During all working hours
3. If there is a problem in using protective equipment after the 5th day, the occupational health and safety officer should be informed.
4. The ear protectors should be replaced when worn, hardened or deformed.
5. If the ear protection is forgotten or lost anywhere, a new ear protection must be used and used.
6. Dirty ear plugs should never be used. Ear plugs should be washed with soap and water at least once a day.
7. With proper care, ear plugs can be used for months and ear muffs for years.
THE VALUE TO HEARING IS INCREASED PROTECT IT
Other issues to remember about the use of ear protectors are;
The best ear protector is the one that fits well in the ear, so it can be used comfortably.
A small opening in the ear canal with a plug significantly reduces the effectiveness of the protector. Therefore, a good protective ear fits well.
After the ear plugs are worn, they may come off as a result of talking or chewing anything. For this reason, it should be checked from time to time and placed in place.
If the ear plugs are kept clean, they will not cause any irritation and any other reaction.
Education;
Before starting work, every worker / personnel who will work in places with a noise level of 80 dB (A) or more; possible effects of noise on hearing, the purpose of ear protectors, advantages, disadvantages, use, identification of the appropriate type of protection, care and cleaning should be given. These trainings should be renewed every year. In addition, examination and audiometric tests should be explained.
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