Noise assessment and sound map projection using Surfer and Noise At Work tools in a tire manufacturing complex in Iran, 2018

Background: Noise pollution is one of the common physical harmful factors in many work environments. The current study aimed to assess the personal and environmental noise level and project the sound map of an Iranian tire manufacturing complex using Surfer V.14 and Noise At Work tools. Materials and Methods: This descriptive study was conducted in the curing hall [including curing, sandblast, and trimming units] of a tire manufacturing complex in 2018. Following ISO 9612:2009, Casella Cel-320 was used to measure the personal noise level, while CEL-450 sound level meter (Casella-Cel, the UK) was employed to assess the environmental sound pressure level [ISO 1996-1:2016].The sound and isosonic maps were projected using Surfer V.14 and Noise At Work. Results: The results indicated that the highest received dose (163.30%) and personal equivalent sound level [87.13 dBA] were recorded for workers in the curing unit. The results of measuring the environmental sound pressure level also revealed that out of 101 measurement stations in the curing unit, 76 stations (75.25%) were hazardous areas (over 85 dBA). Conclusions: Over 75% of the curing hall had a sound pressure level greater than 85 dBA. The curing unit was found to be the most dangerous area in terms of noise pollution. It is, therefore, necessary to implement noise control measures (e.g., the use of screens, barriers, enclosures), apply hearing conservation programs, and conduct auditory tests on workers in this unit.