Thesis (M.Sc (Physiology)) --University of Limpopo, 2015 / Objective
This study assesses whether noise levels above legal limits of 85 dB(A) that can
result in noise-induced hearing loss are present in areas where employees are
supposed to work and to verify that such areas are demarcated as noise zones at
the Polokwane Platinum Smelter.
Background and motivation
Excessive noise is a global health hazard with considerable social and physiological
impact, including the development of noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Noise is a
major hazard in many workplaces. It is estimated that more than 30 million workers
(almost 1 in 10) are exposed to unsafe noise in their work places. NIHL is the
second most self-reported occupational illness or injury in the United States.
Amongst miners, more than 90% of the population reports hearing problems by the
age of 55 years. Noise exposure is prevalent in construction, foundries, agriculture,
transport, industry and mining-related activities. The prevalence of NIHL has not
changed much in the past two decades. Therefore, a hearing conservation
programme is an important issue in the smelter as certain areas are denoted as
noise areas.
Study design
A cross-sectional study design with a group of utility workers at the Polokwane
Platinum Smelter, as the experimental group, and a group of undergraduate
Bachelor of Science students at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus) served
as a control group.
Method
A sound level meter was used to measure the noise levels where the utility group
performs their technical work. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for
the Social Sciences (SPSS) computer program.
Results
The average noise measured in various locations of the Polokwane Platinum
Smelter was between 62.6 dB(A) and 105.1 dB(A). The results indicated that
workers at the Polokwane Platinum Smelter are over exposed to noise in certain
work areas if they work eight hours in the area. Areas where the average noise level
was above noise rating limit of 85 dB(A) were demarcated as noise zones as an
additional protective measure. Employees also use hearing protective devices,
when they are working in noise zones, to control personal noise exposure. This is in
accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 as amended
eleventh edition (OHS Act 85/93).
Conclusion
In the present study, noise levels in certain areas exceeded the noise rating limit of
85 dB(A). However such areas are clearly demarcated as noise areas and
employees accessing those area must wear earmuffs or earplugs. Possibilities of
employees developing hearing loss overtime exist, if employees work for eight hours
or longer in demarcated areas and do not adhere to the existing Hearing
Conservation Program (HCP) implemented at the Polokwane Platinum Smelter.
Noise levels at the Polokwane Platinum Smelter should be monitored regularly. / University of Limpopo
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:ul/oai:ulspace.ul.ac.za:10386/1296 |
| Date | January 2015 |
| Creators | Mdaka, Themba Cyprian |
| Contributors | Van Staden, M., Mulder, P. F. S. |
| Publisher | University of Limpopo |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
| Format | xv, 138 leaves |
| Relation | pdf version |
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