Noise Exposure Assessment in Construction Equipment Operators in Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Occupational hearing loss is a common complication among construction workers, especially those working with heavy machinery and construction equipment. This research measured the noise that construction operators are exposed to, and proves that most of the construction equipment operators that we studied have a potential risk of hearing impairment. We examined 22 types of construction machinery that are commonly used in various stages of construction projects in Tehran (demolition, excavation, and execution). The noise that construction operators were exposed to was measured with a dosimeter during 8 working hours, and the Time-Weighted Average (TWA) was calculated for each operator according to OSHA standards. Finally, a suitable hearing protection device (HPD) was suggested. The results indicated that the operators of D8N (opened-cab) and CAT D8L SA (closed-cab) bulldozers were exposed to more noise than other operators in this study. Hand-saw, Caterpillar 943, and Komatsu 470 loader operators were also exposed to significant noise levels. Other operators, such as drivers of older Benz and Volvo trucks, the Backhoe HLB95, the Soosan mobile crane, and the Bobcat were also exposed to heavy noise that put them at risk of occupational hearing loss.