Measurement And Analysis of Noise Levels in Welding Workshops and Its Potential Impacts on Artesian Welders

Sound is produced in every human activity. High levels of occupational noise remain aproblemin many workplaces all over the world. Therefore, the importance of assessing occupational noise in artesian welding workshops and its impact on the workers cannot be over emphasized. This study measured and analyzed noise levels and its potential impacts amongartesianwelders in Port Harcourt metropolis. Noise levels produced in twenty artesianweldingworkshops in Port Harcourt metropolis were monitored using a smart sensor digital soundlevel meter, model AS 824. Noise descriptors, L10, L50, L90, noise logarithmaverage(Lavg), equivalent noise levels (Leq), noise climate (NC), noise pollution level (Lnp) were evaluated. Thestudy showed that the used electric generators constituted the highest noise sourceintheartisan welding workshops. Noise levels in the artesian welding workshops rangedbetween68.9 and 106.6dBA. The study showed high fluctuation of noise levels in 80%of the studiedartisan welding workshops, with mean noise values exceeding permissible limit. Lavg valuesranged between 80.2 and 97.6dBA; Leq values ranged between 82.2 and 98.8dBA; L10 rangedbetween 84.4 and 102.6dBA; L50 ranged between 76.6 and 96.2 dBA; L90 ranged between72.8and 90.2dBA. Noise pollution levels (Lnp) ranged between 86.1 and 125.9dBA. Conclusively, the study demonstrated that a significant number of artisan welding workers in Port Harcourt metropolis are exposed to high noise pollution, which may adversely af ect their health. Therefore, the use of hearing protectors is recommended for artesian welders, whichshouldbemade mandatory to protect them against high noise exposure.