Analysis of spatial distribution of noise near agricultural and forestry machinery

ABSTRACT

One of the main ergonomic risks to which operators of agricultural and forestry machines are subjected is noise. However, the noise intensity experienced by professionals who work, both as operators and assistants in the vicinity of these machines is little known. This study aimed to quantify the noise levels experienced by operators and other workers in the vicinity of fronts of agricultural and forestry work. The following machines were evaluated: New Holland Tractor model TM-135 TDA, Valmet tractor, model 785 4x2, John Deere tractor, model 5065E TDA, Kubota power tiller and Husqvarna chainsaws model 281XP. Data were collected at nominal operating rotation of each machine. The noise assessments were performed with a measuring sound pressure (decibel) placed around each machine positioned in the center of a flat area, with dimensions of 9 x 9 meters, totaling 100 points. To generate noise maps, the program Surfer®8.0 was used. The data were treated, when significant at 5% probability, and t-test analysis of variance, the Pearson correlation coefficient was used. The results showed that the noise around the machine can be greater than at the workstation. The safe distances for an 8-hour workday ranged from 3 to 6.5 meters for tractors and 4.7 meters to the chainsaw. Except for the machine A, for all the others, it is necessary to use ear plugs for more than 3 hours of work. To the chainsaw, the maximum exposure time is 1 hour. The Surfer®8.0 program was presented as an efficient tool for the construction of noise maps.

Keywords:
Maps; Ergonomics; Workstation