Noise impact at workplaces on construction sites (V)

Status:

completed 11/2005

Aims:

The risk of damage to human hearing at construction site workplaces is difficult to assess in accordance with BGV B 3 (UVV "Noise" accident prevention regulation) owing to the variation in exposure. The objective of this study was to provide statistically validated data for the mean value and standard deviation of the noise impact for the following occupations: tiler, parquet layer, floorer, glazier, concrete drilling and cutting.

Activities/Methods:

The BG Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (BGIA) developed the dosimetry technique required for this project in the early nineteen-eighties. This method has been used on repeated occasions in past BGIA projects in order to measure noise exposure values for the most diverse of occupations in the construction sector. The present project extends the list of activities. As in the preceding projects, the two variables LAeq (A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level) and LAIeq (A-weighted equivalent continuous sound level with the "Impulse" time weighting) were to be measured simultaneously by dosimetric techniques in order to permit assessment of the noise impact in accordance with the "Noise" accident prevention regulation and DIN 45 645, "Determination of rating levels from measurements - Part 2: Noise immissions at the work place".

Results:

Typical rating levels for four further occupations in the construction industry (tiler, parquet layer, floorer, and concrete cutter and driller) were added to the noise exposure measurements already conducted for various occupations in this sector. The results obtained constitute an important basis for measures for the protection of employees against noise. Machines generating high noise levels can be identified with the aid of the studies. The information can be used to design new equipment with low-noise characteristics, and for the selection of suitable hearing protectors.

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