Noise Level at Different Workplaces of Selected Oil Industries

Abstract

The study was conducted in thirty renowned oil industries located in the selected cities of Marathawada region in Maharashtra state (Parbhani, Hingoli, Aurangabad, Jalna and Nanded) to know the inside and outside intensity level of noise. These oil industries were involved in expelling oil from cotton seeds for the last 10-12 years. All the selected oil industries were established by small and medium entrepreneurs. Measurement of noise level was made with a handy sound level meter (model no. 2013, serial no. F 04000) manufactured in India by CYGENT system. The instrument has been calibrated to give noise level from 50 dB to 115 dB. Noise level inside the oil industry was noted down around the four directions of the work place and average of these readings was considered as a noise level of that workplace. Total four readings of sound level were noted at a time of 4 hrs. interval (From 9 AM. to 9 PM.). Assessment of noise pollution was determined by comparing actual level with acceptable limit of recommended noise level. The results of the study found that noise level in work place-2 (Seeds crushing) was higher than other two workplaces -1 (Seed feeding) and 3 (Oil expelling). All the three workplaces judged as very noisy while pollution percent is also high. Statistically there was highly significant relation between noise levels at all the three workplaces of oil industries and average noise level. With respect to inside and outside noise level it was noticed that average inside noise level of oil industries at 9.00 AM was 82.01 dB, while noise level at 1.00 PM and 5.00 PM was equal i.e. 83.84 dB and at 9.00 PM 75.49 dB. With respect to outside noise level at 9.00 AM was 76.88 dB whereas at 1.00 PM, 5.00 PM and 9.00 PM noise levels recorded were 80.15 dB, 78.68 dB and 70.08 dB respectively. Computed ‘Z’ values showed highly significant difference between inside and outside noise levels at different time intervals which indicated that inside noise level was significantly higher than outside noise of selected oil industries at different time intervals of the day. An average percent pollution in inside noise levels of the oil industries as against the recommended limits was higher in Parbhani city and of outside noise level it was higher in the oil industries at Aurangabad city.