Noise Level Determination in Forestry Machines

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  • Authors: Seixas, Fernando; Barbosa, Rafael Alex; Rummer, Robert
  • Publication Year: 1999
  • Publication Series: Miscellaneous Publication
  • Source: Forestry Engineering for Tomorrow, Machinery Technical Papers, June 28-30 1999, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland

Abstract

Until recently, the high noise level of many forestry machines presented an occupational risk of hearing loss for operators exposed over a long period of time. This is a serious health and, occupational safety problem, with different. regulations in various countries concerning noise levels and exposure time allowed. This study evaluated the noise level of sixteen relatively new forestry machines (forwarders, loaders, harvesters, processors, skidders and a slingshot), during normal operational activities. The percentage time of ai1 activities of each machine was determined with respective noise levels obtained by a Metrosonics db-3080 noise monitor. The results showed that all machines had noise levels below the Brazilian legal limit of 85 dB(A) for an 8-hour shift. The skidders were the only machines with a concern since their average noise level, 82 dB(A), was close to the limit. The next step will be to follow these machines during their operational life, to see if operational, noise levels will change over time due to normal machine wear.

  • Citation: Seixas, Fernando; Barbosa, Rafael Alex ; Rummer, Robert 1999. Noise Level Determination in Forestry Machines. Forestry Engineering for Tomorrow, Machinery Technical Papers, June 28-30 1999, Edinburgh University, Edinburgh, Scotland
  • Keywords: noise, wood harvesting, forestry machines
  • Posted Date: April 1, 1980
  • Modified Date: August 22, 2006

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