Noise Exposure in Cow Houses - Hazard to Farmers and to Animals?

Abstract

Noise causes tens of occupational diseases among Finnish farmers. The noise level must not continuously exceed 65 dB in agricultural buildings. The new directive to be implemented in 2006 has 80 dB(A) for lower exposure action level. The exposure of farmers to noise was studied in 20 large cubicle cow houses during daily work. Personal noise exposure was measured with a noise dose meter and expressed as the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (LAeq). Noise levels were measured with a noise level meter (dB(A) The work shift of cattle tenders includes milking and other cattle tending work, such as feeding. The work shift lasted up 3.5 hours, and usually two persons were working. Results show that the noise dose values were during milking 75 dB, 72-77 dB, (mean, range) during cattle tending work 77 dB, 73-79 and during tractor or loader driving 85, 78-90.The highest noise levels were measured from the milking machine compressor (87-93 dB), and the tractor and loader (77-100 dB). The noise level during pressure cleaning was 79-95 dB, and the noise level of ventilation fans was 64-72 dB. The noise exposure was at the same level as in an earlier study conducted in cubicle cow houses. Hearing protectors should be worn especially during pressure cleaning and when driving a loader. The noise limit for agricultural buildings was exceeded during cattle tending work on several farms, and on some farms this limit was exceeded continuously due to the noise from ventilation fans.