Database description

OSHLINE with NIOSHTIC/NIOSHTIC-2

 
 

Record Number: 261420

Title:
Heavy construction equipment noise study using dosimetry and time-motion studies

Author(s):
Spencer, E; Kovalchik, P

Address:
NIOSH, Pittsburgh Research Laboratory, P.O. Box 18070, Pittsburgh, PA 15236

NIOSH Office/Division: PRL

Source:
Noise Control Eng J 2007 Jul-Aug; 55(4):408-416

State/Territory: PA
Coden: NCEJD5
ISSN: 0736-2501
NIOSHTIC Control Number: 20032460
Publication Year: 2007

SIC Codes/Descriptors:
7927Z6NP

Document Type: Journal Article

NIOSHTIC Descriptor(s):
Noise // Construction // Construction equipment // Noise induced hearing loss // Hearing loss // Occupational health // Noise exposure // Equipment operators // Construction workers // Noise levels // Construction industry

Abstract:
Noise induced hearing loss continues to afflict workers in many occupational settings despite longstanding recognition of the problems and well-known methods of prevention and regulations. The focus of this research was to determine the noise exposures of heavy construction equipment operators while documenting the workers' tasks, (i.e. hauling, moving, and/or pushing construction material).Time-motion studies were performed at the construction sites and were used to correlate the noise dosage with the work performed by the equipment operators. The cumulative dose for each operator was then plotted with references to work tasks. This was done to identify the tasks that caused the greatest noise exposure. Three construction sites were studied for this research. The types of construction equipment studied included asphalt pavers, backhoes, bulldozers, compaction equipment, excavators, haul trucks, telehandlers, and wheeled loaders. The results indicate that the majority of operators were overexposed to hazardous noise.

Electronic Address:
ESpencer@cdc.gov; pkovalchik@cdc.gov


 



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