تعیین الگوی مواجهه کارگران با صدا در یک صنعت فولادسازی

Introduction: Steel industries are one of the major needs of the country. Noise pollution in steel production operations is an occupational hazard because of special equipment such as electric arc furnaces. The aim of this study was to evaluate noise pollution in various units of a steel company for determining the occupational exposure pattern. Methods: This was a cross-sectional and analytical noise pollution study in various units of a steel company in Iran (Hamadan state). The sound pressure levels were measured in accordance with the ISO-9612 standard and using the Casella-Cel model 450 sound level meter on “A” frequency weighing and the “slow” mode for time response. The frequency analysis in one octave-band was done with measures on “C” frequency weighing. We used the Surfer V.10 software for interpolation and noise maps producing. Microsoft Office Excel 2010 software was used for graph drawing. Noise dosimetry was performed using model TES-1345 dosimeter. Results: The results of this study showed that 56% of the total measurement stations were in the danger zone [above 85 dB(A)]. The maximum sound levels in the areas of electric arc furnaces and ladle furnace were recorded 112.2 dB(A) and 97 dB(A), respectively. The averages of the noise dose in three occupational groups of industrial cleaner, melting and casting were 2133%, 514%, and 577%, respectively. The dominant frequencies recorded in two central frequencies were 125 Hz and 250 Hz, respectively. Conclusions: According to the results, occupational exposure to noise in all the units indicated a dominant frequency of less than 500 Hz and could not be protected by hearing protection devices. The noise doses were over 500% and the time exposure shifts could not be reduced. Therefore, performing technical control plans are of priority in this industry.