Abstract
Background:Gas-fired electric plants are equipped with heavy machines, which produce hazards including noise pollution. Exposure to high level of noise of above 85dB(A) is known to bring about Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). This study aimed to assess noise exposure level and reported prevalence of noise-induced hearing loss among workers in gas-fired electric plants.Material and Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted in three gas-fired electric plants in Dar es Salaam (Plant A, Plant B and Plant C) from July to August 2017. A noise logging dosimeter was used to measure personal noise exposure level. A questionnaire was used to collect information on managerial factors, individual factors, socio-demographic factors and history of the participants. A short screening validated questionnaire was used to obtain noise exposure score. Frequency distribution, Chi-square test and Regression analyses were done using SPSS version 20.Results:One hundred and six participants were involved in the study. Noise exposure level among gas-fired electric plant workers was above 85dB(A), n = 37. The equivalent sound level (LAeq) measured over 8 hours was (98.6 ± 9.7) dB(A). The mean noise peak level was (139.5 ± 9.4) dB(A). Plant C had higher mean noise exposure level (TWA) of (96.9 ± 5.1) dB(A) compared to plant B 96.4 ± 3.7dB(A) and plant A 78.7 ± 11.9dB(A). Participants in both operation and maintenance had higher equivalent sound level (LAeq) measured over eight hours of 101.980 ± 3.6dB(A) compared to maintenance alone 98.5 ± 12.4dB (A) or operation 97.7 ± 8.8dB (A). Proportion of participants with reported hearing loss was 57(53.8%) where 44(41.5%) participants reported difficulty hearing people during conversations. Hearing protective devices (HPDs) were reported to be used by a majority, 101(95.3%).Conclusion:Workers in gas-fired plants are exposed to high noise levels that could damage their hearing. Hearing conservation programs should be established and maintained in this work environment.
Highlights
Noise pollution has been recognized as one of the major threats to human well-being
The results show that both sites exhibited equivalent noise levels higher than 90dB(A), exceeding the permissible occupational exposure level limit
A total of 106 workers out of 160 employees in the three gas-fired electric plants participated in this study
Summary
Noise pollution has been recognized as one of the major threats to human well-being. It has been shown that noise, in extreme ranges, can damage hearing and can be classified as a hazard [1]. Gas-fired electric plants are equipped with heavy machines, which produce hazards including noise pollution. This study aimed to assess noise exposure level and reported prevalence of noiseinduced hearing loss among workers in gas-fired electric plants. Noise exposure level among gasfired electric plant workers was above 85dB(A), n = 37. Plant C had higher mean noise exposure level (TWA) of (96.9 ± 5.1) dB(A) compared to plant B 96.4 ± 3.7dB(A) and plant A 78.7 ± 11.9dB(A) Participants in both operation and maintenance had higher equivalent sound level (LAeq) measured over eight hours of 101.980 ± 3.6dB(A) compared to maintenance alone 98.5 ± 12.4dB (A) or operation 97.7 ± 8.8dB (A). Conclusion: Workers in gas-fired plants are exposed to high noise levels that could damage their hearing. Hearing conservation programs should be established and maintained in this work environment
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