Tag Archives: frequency analysis

1300-1306 S. Kalle and J. Paju
Comparative study of the noise levels: impact of renovation
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Comparative study of the noise levels: impact of renovation

S. Kalle¹* and J. Paju¹²

¹Tallinn University of Technology, Tallinn School of Economics and Business Administration, Department of Business Administration, Academia road 3, EE12618, Tallinn, Estonia
²Tallinn University, School of Natural Sciences and Health, Narva road 25, EE10120, Tallinn, Estonia
*Correspondence: sigrid.kalle@ttu.ee

Abstract:

Health effects from different noise exposures have been studied by many researchers. According to the frequency of the noise, the complaints induced differ. Some studies have shown that low frequency noise may have serious health effects from annoyance to sleeping disturbances. Using a sound analyser with 1/3 octave band sound spectrum analysis capability, measurements were conducted on a scientific research vessel. Measurements were carried out in cabins, mess hall and engine room. The results were then compared to the Estonian and International Maritime Organization’s recommendations on noise as well as results from a previous study on the same vessel (previous study was conducted before the renovations to modernise both the engine and the cabins was conducted). The renovations did not have the desired effect on the overall noise levels of the vessel as a working environment; the noise values obtained after the renovations do not agree with the normative values during sailing. The situation has improved in several cabins on the vessel but the improvement is rather insignificant.

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895-906 K. Reinhold, S. Kalle and J. Paju
Exposure to high or low frequency noise at workplaces: differences between assessment, health complaints and implementation of adequate personal protective equipment
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Exposure to high or low frequency noise at workplaces: differences between assessment, health complaints and implementation of adequate personal protective equipment

K. Reinhold*, S. Kalle and J. Paju

Institute of Business Administration, Tallinn University of Technology, Ehitajate tee 5, EE12618 Tallinn, Estonia; *Correspondence: karin.reinhold@ttu.ee

Abstract:

Employees are exposed to high and low frequency noise which may cause different health effects. Hearing loss first occurs in the high frequency range, low frequency usually causes sleeping disturbances and annoyance. TES 1358 sound analyzer with 1/3 octave band was used to measure the equivalent sound pressure level, the peak sound pressure level, and the noise frequency spectrum at different workplaces. All the results were compared to Estonian and International legislations. High frequency noise was studied in metal, electronics and wood processing industries. The results showed that in several cases, the normative values were exceeded and the highest values appeared in the range of speech frequencies. Frequency analysis indicated that the noise level spectra at work stations of various machines differed in patterns. The low frequency spectra on a ship showed peaks in the frequency range of 50…1,250 Hz. Most employers provided workers with personal protective equipment against noise, but when selecting ear muffs, noise frequency had not been taken into consideration and therefore workers in the same enterprise used similar ear muffs. Knowledge of the prevailing frequencies assists to decide which ear protection should be used to avoid damage. An adequate hearing protector device can reduce the noise exposure significantly.

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