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Noise exposure reduction aboard an oceangoing hopper dredge.
1Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Hygiene and Public Health, Baltimore, MD 21205.
American Industrial Hygiene Association Journal
|September 1, 1990
Summary
Shipboard noise exposure is a significant concern, with engineering personnel exceeding safe levels. Noise abatement strategies are recommended to protect crew health on oceangoing vessels.
Area of Science:
- Maritime Industrial Hygiene
- Occupational Acoustics
- Marine Engineering
Background:
- Industrial hygiene surveys on vessels are infrequent, despite numerous chemical and physical hazards.
- Noise exposure is a critical, yet under-reported, occupational health risk for seagoing crews.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess crew noise exposure on an oceangoing hopper dredge.
- To identify high-noise areas and sources aboard the vessel.
- To recommend noise reduction strategies for shipboard environments.
Main Methods:
- Utilized personal noise dosimeters to measure watchstander noise exposure.
- Calculated noise dose per space based on watchstander-estimated exposure durations.
- Analyzed sound pressure and surface vibration in octave bands to pinpoint noise sources.
Main Results:
- Accommodation spaces were generally quiet (below 65 dBA), allowing for hearing recovery.
- Machinery spaces exhibited high sound pressure levels (85-108 dBA).
- Engineering personnel noise exposure surpassed the adopted 24-hour equivalent continuous sound level (Leq(24)) criterion of 80 dBA.
Conclusions:
- Engineering personnel on the hopper dredge experienced excessive noise exposure.
- Recommendations include selective noise abatement and enclosed operating stations.
- The assessment methodology is adaptable for noise control on other long-duration vessels.