Modern aspects of hygienic standardization of ship noise

The basic aims of hygienic standardization of the long-term round-the-clock action of ship noise on the sailors include protection of health, prolonged professional activity, prevention of interference and provision of comfort conditions of rest. Neuro-emotional stress in the work of sailors aboard a ship has been another reason for starting the ship noise standardization. As a result of long-term hygienic, clinical, physiological, experimental and natural studies, there were established the hygienic significance of noise and vibration parameters, a combined increased effect of noise and work strain, as well as that of pitching and rolling, and also the potent combined effect of vibration and noise. During a 3-month voyage the cumulative effect of noise was identified and the physiological significance of acoustic comfort of post-watch rest was ascertained. The relation of sailors' health to ship acoustic conditions was determined. The obtained results served as a scientific motivation for a number of Soviet legislative documents. Unification of physiological and hygienic criteria and methods of assessment of noise and vibration effects meets the interests of protection of seamen's health in CMEA countries.