O-380 High Noise Exposure Level Among Metal Workers in Small Scale Industries in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

Introduction Metal workers in small scale industries are involved in different metal fabrications activities using scraps and metals. They produce metal products such as pans, basins, spoons, boards, boxes, cookers, baking items and spoons. These metal fabrication activities produce noise. Noise is unwanted, unpleasant and louder sound which results in adverse health effects. Loud intensity and repeated long term exposure of noise may cause hearing loss among metal workers.The aim of this study was to determine noise exposure level and create a basis for improving adverse health effects related to the noise levels among metal workers in small scale industries in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Methods This was a cross-sectional study design, conducted among 66 metal workers from three small scale industrial workers in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Personal noise measurement was done using personal noise dosimeter (Brüel and Kjær type 4448) at average time of 7 hours and 48 minutes. Results and discussion The average equivalent noise level and peak noise level among metal workers in small scale industrial workers were 94.6dBA (S. D=5.5) and 138.8dBA (S. D= 4.4) respectively. The average equivalent noise level ranges from 90.7dBA to 99.3dBA and mean exposure level was significantly different among the small scale industries. Discussion and conclusion High noise levels were reported in this study and they were all above occupational exposure limit of 85dBA. Thus these workers may develop hearing loss and other health problems at this workplace.