Abstract
ABSTRACT Noise is one of the harmful and stressful physical agents present in the workplace. Research performed with geostatistics to adjust the semivariogram of tractor noise were performed using the Gaussian and spherical model. In this way, the aim was to map the spatial variability of the noise emitted by a power tiller through the sine wave model, besides testing other fitting methods, in order to identify health zones for the workers. The experiment was performed with an agricultural power tiller (10.3 kW) placed in a working regime (1500 rpm), coupled to a brushcutter, and a digital sound level meter to collect noises in points distributed along a regular grid sampling of 2.0 × 2.0 m around the tractor. The spatial dependence of noise was analyzed through semivariogram fitting by different methods and by the wave model to obtain the spatial distribution map interpolated by kriging. It was possible to characterize the structure and the magnitude of the spatial dependence of the noise levels emitted by the tractor, as well as to map the spatial distribution. A maximum noise level of 96.5 dB was observed close to the tractor engine, a value above the limit of 85.0 dB for 8 h of daily exposure (NR-15). Thus, the use of ear protectors is recommended for both the tractor driver and the professionals who support agricultural operation within a radius of 6 m from the emitting source under the conditions studied.
Highlights
The use of power tiller as an energy source is often used in family farming and can be a tool to optimize work
The noise level evaluations were performed according to the methodology described in NBR 9999 (ABNT, 1987), in which the ambient temperature was between -5 and 30 oC and the air velocity was less than 5.0 m s-1
The noise levels found in this study are above the legislation and exceed the standard limits, classified as unhealthy zones, in which up to 6 m in the front, 5 m in the right side, 4 m in the left side and 3 m in the rear of the power tiller, measures are recommended in order to reduce noise levels at source, or the operator and workers involved in the operations shall use the Protective Equipment (PPE) in the whole 8 h working day, since this zone exceeded the tolerance limits, according to the standard (Figure 3)
Summary
The use of power tiller as an energy source is often used in family farming and can be a tool to optimize work. Agricultural work when aided by agricultural machinery exposes the worker to agents harmful to their health and physical integrity, such as: noise from the engines and implements, vibration, gases and dust particles, among other agents (Poje et al, 2016). This exposure to high noise levels emitted by machines can lead to hearing loss and can cause stress, affecting worker performance and workplace efficiency (Alves et al, 2011). For continuous or intermittent noise, the NR-15 states that exposure to noise levels above 115.0 dB is not permitted for individuals not adequately protected. This standard establishes the time in which a person may be exposed to each level of noise
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