Abstract
Occupational noise is commonly encountered during aquaculture. This study documented noise levels in two buildings at a production fish hatchery, a tank room with 32, 1.8-m diameter tanks, and a rearing pavilion with 32, 6.1-m diameter tanks. With water flowing to all of the tanks in the tank room, mean noise levels were 68.4 dB, and significantly increased to 73.0 dB during tank cleaning and 73.2 dB when intermittent automatic feeders were running. The highest tank room values of 77.1 dB were recorded directly next to individual tanks during cleaning. With water flowing to all of the tanks in the rearing pavilion, mean noise levels were 70.2 dB. A significant increase to 76.1 dB was observed when the pavilion tanks were being power washed, with the highest value of 83.2 dB recorded immediately adjacent to the power washer. Although none of the noise levels exceeded regulatory limits, the use of techniques to reduce occupational noise in aquaculture environments is recommended.
Highlights
Workplace exposure to high noise levels is a serious issue
None of the noise levels exceeded regulatory limits, the use of techniques to reduce occupational noise in aquaculture environments is recommended
Tank room noise levels significantly varied depending on water flows, feeder operations, and tank cleaning (F4,24 = 669.355, P = 0.000)
Summary
Workplace exposure to high noise levels is a serious issue. In the United States, an estimated 9 million workers have been exposed to hazardous sound levels [1]. With the constant movement of water typically required during intensive aquaculture operations, occupational noise is a definite health risk [2]. It has received attention from only a limited number of studies [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]. An 8-hour Time-Weighted-Average (TWA) of 85 decibels (dB) is the limit for noise exposure recommended by the United States National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health [7].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call