Measurement and Evaluation of Operational Noise Level from Quarrying Operations at Ikpeshi Edo State, Nigeria
[1]
Patrick Adeniyi Adesida, Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
[2]
Damilola Johnson Afu, Department of Mining Engineering, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria.
Sound which is disagreeable, discordant or which interferes with the reception of wanted sound are regarded as noise. Therefore, any sound that is unpleasant, unwanted and disturbing are categorised as noise. However, the effect of noise on individual at different level varies due to individual tolerance even though a high level of noise or sound is still unaccepted to the human psychological and physiological composition. Mining deals with the excavation of rock and mineral deposit which are located near surface and involves drilling, blasting, haulage and transportation and processing operations which are sources of noise. Their effects on mine workers’ health cannot be underestimated. Physical measurement of noise level was carried out with the aid of Extech Model 407750 Digital Sound Level Meter. Noise measurements were carried out during drilling with hand held Jack-hammers and milling operations at the processing plants. Noise measurement procedures involved repetitive direct measurement and recording from a noise point source to a predetermined distance with the microphone of the noise meter pointing directly to the point source within 5minutes duration. The average noise level measured during drilling operation at Freedom was found to be higher (98.4dB(A)) than that of Somak (97.4dB(A)), which was also higher than that of Beez (96.8dB(A)). Plant operators and other workers working at the study locations are exposed to hazard effects of noise. Hence the use of ear plugs should be recommended for the workers and risk assessment need be carried out.
Sound, Noise Level, Noise Meter, Quarry, Mills
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