J Skarzynski

Noise assessment for selected seed extraction plants

Noise assessment for selected seed extraction plants. In the process of seed extraction, extraction plant staff is exposed to work in onerous conditions due to noise. The article outlines the results of noise measurements in the cone extraction hall and offi ce rooms within the extraction plant operating in the Czarna Białostocka and Grotniki forest districts. The measurements were carried out in accordance with standard PN-EN ISO 11201:1999, at work stations, while the extraction cabinets, separators and thresher riddle were in use for the purpose of seed extraction and processing. The results obtained were confronted with the applicable standards and provisions concerning admissible noise levels at work stations. The average noise value (LAeq,T) in the production hall equalled 83.7 ±2.0 dB(A) in Czarna Białostocka and 81.2 ±1.4 dB(A) in Grotniki. In both extraction plants, these values should be considered onerous for the employees and the risk due to exposure to noise should be considered moderate. The most signifi cant source of noise emission in the Czarna Białostocka seed extraction plant is the mechanical seed thresher riddle, while in Grotniki, the biggest noise was produced by the extractor matched with the thresher riddle. The respective values of 55.9 ±0.2 and 42.5 ±0.9 dB(A) were obtained in the offi ce rooms immediately adjacent to the seed extraction hall. According to these values, the risk of exposure to noise in offi ce rooms within the plant is low.