Features of the acoustic situation in the operation of weapons and military equipment in the Armed Forces

Abstract

Currently, a system of measures to combat the harmful effects of industrial noise on workers has been created in the healthcare of the Russian Federation. However, the level of specific and non-specific morbidity due to industrial noise does not decrease, and the frequency of occupational diseases even tends to increase. This is due to several reasons, including a large number of noise sources, insufficient quality of medical examinations, the absence and low efficiency of the personal noise protection and others. Noise occupies one of the leading places among the harmful physical factors in the Armed forces of the Russian Federation. Therefore, it is necessary to systematize information about acoustic sources of high intensity in the Armed forces, which will reveal several features of the acoustic situation in the workplaces. The features of the noise generated during the operation of weapons and military equipment include high intensity, non-permanent nature, the presence in the spectrum of low and infrasonic frequencies. The presented data show the diversity of sources of noise in the Armed forces, generating noise and infra-sound of sufficiently high levels. The widespread occurrence of noise sources in the military contributes to the high acoustic load of a large number of servicemen. Noise exposure leads to the development of the servicemen of the disease in the first turn of the organ of hearing, increased General and occupational diseases. The direct effect of noise and the development of noise pathology contributes to the reduction of military-professional performance and reliability. Unfavourable acoustic conditions at the workplaces of military personnel require preventive measures. The noise generated by the operation of military equipment creates discomfort for the population and a threat to the environment. Environmental impacts of acoustic oscillations on the natural environment was studied in connection with the training and combat activities of troops in places of permanent deployment and at the sites located near human settlements. It is established that several million people are exposed to noise in our country. Sources of noise affecting the population are industrial and military facilities and road, rail and, especially, air transport. The problem of acoustic pollution of the environment in the operation of weapons and military equipment is one of the priority environmental problems facing the Armed forces.