Determination of Noise Pollution Base from Welding and Fabrication Workshop in Akungba-Akoko, South West Nigeria.

Abstract:

Determination of noise pollution base line of welding and fabrication workshop was carried out at some designated welding and fabrication workshops. These measurements was carried out in 10 different locations using the digital sound level meter of model 40773L. The sound pressure Level (SPL) was measured for every 2 minutes for 2hrs (120mins) and the equivalent noise level (Leq), Percentile (L10, L90) and the Noise Pollution Level (LNP) was also calculated. Fast Fourier Transformation was used to interpolate between minutes to give value in seconds and transformed measured values of time to frequency domain. Graphs were also plotted for noise against time and for power against the transformed measured values which are in frequency domain. The result of the research show that the equivalent continuous noise level in the selected site are SITE A: 94.74Db, SITE B: 89.82dB, SITE C: 92.90dB, SITE D: 90.03dB, SITE E: 87.10dB, SITE F: 87.86dB, SITE G: 91.33dB, SITE H: 92.86dB, SITE I: 89.24dB, and SITE J: 89.02dB, showing that some sites are noisier than others and the sum of the average values of noise data in welding and fabrication workshop in Ondo State metropolis is 90.50dB Results obtained are above the FEPA recommended values 90 dB for 8hrs exposure time, which put limitations to effectiveness of signal transmissions that may lead to the possible health hazard. The noise level highlighted which include Annoyance, Cardiovascular disturbance, impalement of task performance and induced hearing loss. Appropriate suggestions which include the use of ear muffs have been made in order to prevent these hazards.