Abstract
High levels of occupational noise and vibration remain a problem in all regions of the world. In Nigeria, 12-15% of the workforce are exposed to this hazards by WHO, 2001. This research intends to achieve the following objectives; To assess the noise emitted during the moulding of various types of blocks, to determine the level of vibration induced to workers of block moulders during activities and to determine the effect of noise and vibration on workers. The following materials and equipment were used; QT40B manual block moulding machine, LM2-45 Mobile Block moulding Machine, Lister powered block moulding machine, QTJ4-40 block moulding machine using 9 and 6 inches Plates, Vibrometer and Noise monitor. The workers were exposed to noise levels above 75dB and vibration levels above 5ms-2 set as upper limit values in the Directive 44/EC from 2002 – on the Minimum Health and safety Requirements Regarding to Exposure of Workers to the Risk Arising from Physical Agents Vibration.
Highlights
There is no difference between sound and noise
Results of Noise generated in the course of production of six and nine inches block of QT40B, QTJ4-40, Lister, and LM2-45 machines are as presented below: 3.1.1
Production noise for six inches’ block Figure 2 shows the noise generated by QT40B, QTJ4-40, Lister and LM2-45 block moulding machines for the production of six inches’ block looking at their averages, the QTJ4-40 machines produces the least noise with an average of 96.8db, The LM2-45 block
Summary
There is no difference between sound and noise. Sound is a sensory perception and noise corresponds to undesired sound. There are several reasons to assess the burden of disease from occupational noise and vibration exposure at country or subnational levels. Occupational noise and vibration exposure is a widespread risk factor, with a strong evidence base linking it to an important health outcome (hearing loss) [7]. It is distinct from environmental noise, in that it is by definition associated with the workplace, and is the responsibility of employers as well as individuals. An assessment of the burden of disease associated with occupational noise can help guide policy and focus research on this problem This is important in light of the fact that policy and practical measures can be used to reduce exposure to occupational noise [8]. The 2003 Australian Bureau of Statistics’ Survey of Disability, Ageing and Careers revealed that people with hearing loss were less likely to be found in highly skilled jobs and were overrepresented among low-income earners [12]
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