Application of Hybrid Shannon's Entropy – PROMEHTEE Methods for Weighing and Prioritizing Noise Control Solutions in an Iranian Oil Refinery

Abstract

Background: There have been numerous control strategies employed to prevent the very physiological and psychological impacts of noise exposure in occupational settings. The present study aims to use the Shannon's entropy – PROMEHTEE hybrid model to weigh and prioritize noise control solutions in an oil refinery. Methods: This study was performed in four stages. At first, the sound pressure levels were measured and determined according to the recommended standard of ISO 9612. Next, criteria and sound control strategies were determined using the Delphi technique. In the third stage, the weights of the criteria were determined using the Shannon's entropy method and in the last stage, the solutions were prioritized using the PROMEHTEE method. Result: According to Shannon's entropy method, criteria were sorted by the priority order of cost-effectiveness (0.2710), efficiency in reducing the noise (0.2531), executability (0.2435), safety (0.1120), process interference (0.1107) and up-to-dateness of the methods (0.091). Also, according to the PROMEHTEE method, the best solution was determined to be building a noise chamber with a weight of 0.5476, and modification or change of the work process was ranked last with a weight of -0.6905. Conclusion: The Shannon's entropy – PROMEHTEE hybrid method introduced in this study can be used as a credible scientific tool and solution to select the most appropriate noise control solution in the oil industry and other industries in which a choice of noise control technique is felt as a necessity.