Evaluation of occupational noise exposure in a plastic manufacturing industry : a case study

Abstract

Industrial workers need a safe working environment to ensure their wellbeing is protected while performing tasks. Occupational noise is one of the most prevalent problems in industries due to nature of the industry. Therefore, this paper aimed to evaluate the occupational noise exposure in one of the plastic factories in Klang Valley, Malaysia. Noise measurement has been done in all production lines, crushing department, packaging department and officers’ area. The noise measurements were taken 1 to 3 metres from the source of noise at several points for each line and departments using sound level meter. Average noise level at all measurement location noted LAeq less than 80 dBA, except one point in line B and the crushing area. The packaging department recorded the lowest noise level, with LAeq 64.8 dBA and LAmax of 69.2 dBA. While, the crushing department is the noisiest area in the factory, with LAmax 105 dBA and LAeq 100.9 dBA. The average noise level at majority location in the factory is less than 80 dBA which means it is at a safe range. The workers do not need any personal hearing protection equipment during working, which was according to the Occupational Safety & Health (Noise Exposure) Regulations 2019 noise regulations in Malaysia, except the crushing area only. In conclusion, evaluation of noise exposure in each section can provide a good understanding of the occupational noise level experienced by different workers at different departments. It can help the management to strategize and plan the noise control approach, especially at the area that may have risk of hearing loss for their workers.