Noise as a health hazard in the boilermaking industry

An investigation was made into noise hazard aspects of three boilermaking firms. This consisted of noise measurement of both background and impact noises, of field audiometry of the workforce and a questionnaire. Environmental findings so far show the noise to be hazardous to hearing. Audiometric testing revealed a high rate of hearing impairment. A general lack of knowledge of noise hazard was shown, and the need for a hearing conservation programme demonstrated.