Chemical Engineering Transactions (Jul 2021)

Ambient and Personal Noise Exposure Assessment in a Pasta Factory

  • Biagio Bianchi,
  • Antonia Tamborrino,
  • Ubaldo Ayr,
  • Antonio Berardi,
  • Pasquale Catalano

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3303/CET2187068
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 87

Abstract

Read online

Noise pollution is one of the most important risk factors in industrial settings. This study is assessing ambient and personal noise exposure among workers of a pasta factory. Two kinds of measurements were taken; at a fixed work point in three areas and personal ones for different employees; for 8h at different times. Results for the measurements carried out at fixed sample points show that exposure times of = 8h are the same. The highest noise levels are in the press and packaging areas. Worker’s activity is well planned as their movements avoid staying for a long time in areas where their continuous noise exposure can exceed the most critical values. Dosimeter data can be a source of concern for the workers’ health and therefore for their employers. Operators are engaged to work very close to machines; so they are subjected to levels of noise exposure different from that measured in fixed sample points. This study has further confirmed that the risk evaluation is not an exact science; as it doesn’t consist only of technical and mechanical factors, but needs also to consider the factors connected to workers’ interaction with the workplace. Keywords: Phonometer, dosimeter measures, noise risk assessment, safety procedures.