DISTRIBUTION OF NOISE LEVELS IN AN AGRICULTURAL MACHINERY WORKSHOP

Abstract

High levels of noise can cause harm to the health of workers who are exposed to it for extended periods of time, such as decreased or loss of hearing capacity, which are the main reasons for the recommendation and use of personal protective equipment. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the noise levels emitted by equipment in an agricultural machinery workshop, comparing the results obtained with current standards. The study was conducted in an agricultural machinery workshop that has an area of 119 m². The noise levels emitted by the following equipment were evaluated: compressor, drill, bench saw, anvil and tractor (with engine rotation at 1700, 2200 and 2400 rpm). First, the background noise levels were collected and then measurements were taken with the equipment operating individually, simulating their characteristic operations. After that, the noise level was measured with the workshop operating at full capacity. Under the conditions of tractor use (1700, 2200, 2400 rpm) and with the workshop operating at full capacity, the highest level recorded was 105.9 dB (A). Such levels require the use of personal protective equipment.