Occupational Noise on Floating Storage and Offloading Vessels (FSO)
Grzegorz Rutkowski1, Jarosław Korzeb2
1Department of Navigation, Faculty of Navigation, Gdynia Maritime University, 81-345 Gdynia, Poland.
Sensors (Basel, Switzerland)
|April 3, 2021
Summary
High noise levels on aging offshore Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) units pose risks to workers and marine mammals. This study analyzes noise measurements to inform safety regulations and protect offshore personnel and wildlife.
Area of Science:
- Marine Engineering
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Acoustics
Background:
- Commercial ships, particularly older Floating Storage and Offloading (FSO) units, generate significant vibroacoustic noise.
- International regulations acknowledge the negative impacts of ship noise on human health and marine ecosystems, especially marine mammals.
- Existing legal frameworks mandate noise exposure control for offshore workers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the potential impacts of high-level noise on 1st generation FSO units.
- To provide guidance on managing noise exposure in offshore environments.
- To analyze noise measurement data from FSO vessels.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of noise measurement results from exemplary 1st generation FSO units.
- Review of international regulations and guidelines for occupational noise exposure.
- Assessment of vibroacoustic impacts on human workers and marine life.
Main Results:
- Identification of high noise levels on 30-year-old FSO units.
- Data analysis of noise measurements conducted on FSO vessels.
- Evaluation of compliance with established noise exposure standards.
Conclusions:
- High noise levels on older FSO vessels necessitate adherence to strict occupational health and safety regulations.
- Effective noise control measures are crucial for protecting offshore workers' health.
- Understanding and mitigating vibroacoustic impacts are essential for safeguarding marine mammals and the offshore environment.
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