Noise level in the crushing process in the exploitation of non-metallic materials

Abstract

The purpose of this research work was to measure the noise level in the workplaces of the crushing area, with the purpose of proposing control measures to reduce noise in a non-metallic mining company, taking into consideration the hierarchy of controls. To this end, environmental monitoring of the noise generated by the different teams of the Organization was carried out; identifying that the crusher is the one that exceeds the maximum permissible limit; Therefore, the occupational noise to which the crusher operator and his assistant are exposed during their 8-hour workday was evaluated; for 6 days. The results were compared with what is established in D.S 024-2016-EM, for an 8-hour day, which has an Exposure Limit Value (LEV) of 85 dB. Obtaining that the minimum value for the crushing operator was 88.6 dB and for the assistant it was 92.23 dB; On the other hand, for the two jobs the maximum value was obtained 95.98 dB, exceeding the VLE in both cases. Finally, he proposed as control measures: the implementation of a vibrator for the feeding hopper; the design of a soundproof cabin, with rock wool as an insulating material; a noise control plan and personal protective equipment considering ear muffs.