Grinding Machine Operator‟s Noise Exposure Levels at Refinery Road Market, Effurun Delta State, Nigeria

One of the human activities that generate continuous noise is the use of grinding machines to grind materials for human consumption. Mostly these grinding machines are operating in market places. This research became necessary so as to evaluate the operator's noise exposure level while working at the Grinding machine. The noise level measurements were taken three different times on the same day for 30 days in July 2016. The periods of measurements were; in the morning (7:30 am - 8:00 am), at the peak of commercial activity (12:30 pm - 1:00 pm) and towards the close of commercial activity (5:30 pm - 6:00 pm). The measurements were obtained at 1 m from operator of the grinding machine in the market on week days (Mondays to Fridays) with exception of Saturday and Sundays. The average daily noise level of measured was 97.45 (dBA), the dose calculated was 270.75 % and TWA of 97.18 (dBA). The operator of a grinding machine is exposed to about 97.18 (dBA) of noise for 6 to 7 hours every day. This value is very high above the standard daily allowable OSHA exposure limit. This value exceeded the lower exposure action value in the Republic of Ireland (80 dBA). Hearing impairment may result. This result also exceeded the general guidelines for noise level according to International Finance Corporation – World Bank Group, (2007). This value (97.18 dBA) is considered as very high risk, hence the operator of the grinding machine should be wearing a hearing protector of SNR 25 – 35 and must be given training about hearing damage and protection. Regular monitoring of the noise levels must be carried out to ensure they have not increased.