Noise in mining may be defined as an undesirable sound lacking musical quality. Depending on the sources from which it is generated, noise can be classified as intermittent, impact or impulsive noise, repetitive impact noise, continuous narrowband noise and continuous wide band noise.
These classifications of noise are emitted in mines at varying frequencies and intensities. Excessive occupational noise levels and exposure to such noise have been documented to cause occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL), tinnitus, disturbance in speech communication and increased risks of accidents.
The main sources of noise in a mine are excavators, stage loaders, shearers, compressors, fans, continuous miners, pneumatic drilling machines, vibrating screens, rotating breakers and mills.
The monitoring of workers’ exposure to noise is an important part of the risk management process. It allows existing noise control measures to be assessed to confirm their continued effectiveness. A noise dosimeter (also known as a personal sound exposure meter) should be used to regularly measure personal noise exposure with the aim of evaluating the average exposure of workers to noise during a normal shift
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure that workers’ exposure to noise is regularly assessed. Worker noise exposure should be one element of the occupational hygiene risk assessment undertaken by companies and forms part of the agreed monitoring program submitted to the Department of Mines and Petroleum. By taking regular measurements with a noise dosimeter, the average exposure of workers to noise during a normal shift can be evaluated. The current noise controls can then be assessed to ensure they continue to reduce the risk to as low as is reasonably practicable.
Control Equipment are proud to represent the Casella Range of Noise Monitoring equipment, including Personal Noise Dosimeters, Area Noise Monitors and Sound Level Meters.
The dBadge2 Noise Dosimeter is built tough to meet the harsh environment of the mining world and carries Intrinsic Safe Approvals for use in Hazardous area applications.
It simultaneously measures and stores all noise dose parameters, octave wave band analysis for the selection of hearing protection and motion sensing to assist in measurement validation are some of the features which have made this device one of the most popular in its range.
The device can also be set to record audio events when triggered to identify anomalous noise. By including the added benefit of Bluetooth connectivity, (meaning you can connect your dBadge2 to your smartphone/mobile device), it makes this noise dosimeter the ideal tool for a variety of noise assessments and campaigns.
For more information on the dBadge2 click here and to view the full range of Control Equipment products visit www.controlequipment.com.au and phone 07 3481 9000 for more information.
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