Noise Level Assessment of Chainsaw during Felling and Bucking Operations in Pasoh Forests Peninsular Malaysia

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6463-500-3_12How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Decibel; Noise Level Meter; Permissible Exposure Limit; Hearing Protective Equipment

Abstract

Chainsaws are the most common piece of mechanized harvesting equipment used during logging operations, and their noise has a major negative impact on the health of the logging employees. The objectives of this study were to assess the noise level and noise effect of a chainsaw during felling and bucking operations. The investigation was done at a forest that was being harvested in the Pasoh Forests in Jelebu, Negeri Sembilan, Peninsular Malaysia. Data were collected for this investigation utilizing a sound level meter at distances of 0, 5, and 20 meters from the chainsaw during felling and bucking. The result shows the means for felling operation, 0m is 96.3333 dBA while 5m is 89.8333 dBA and 20m is 72.6222 dBA. Next, the means of bucking operation for 0m is 97.9667 dBA while 5m is 84.0333 dBA and 20m is 77.0833 dBA. There are significant differences between 0m, 5m, and 20m respectively. The result of statistical analysis (ANOVA) is a statistically significant difference in the mean of noise level between the distance during both operations. The OSHA’s allowable exposure limit Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for all employees is 90 dBA for an 8-hour day of noise while NIOSH, Recommended Exposure Limit (REL) for occupational noise exposure is 85 decibels. The result shows the average sound level during felling operations: at 0 m, it is 96.3333 dBA, at 5 m, 89.8333 dBA, and at 20 m, 72.6222 dBA. The means of operation for bucking at 0 m is 97.9667 dBA, at 5 m it is 84.0333 dBA, and at 20 m it is 77.0833 dBA. The disparities between 0m, 5m, and 20m, respectively, are substantial. The result of statistical analysis (ANOVA) indicates a statistically significant difference in the mean of noise level between the distances during both procedures. As recommendation following health and safety policies at work for those workers who working with chainsaw need to use the hearing protective equipment (HPE), to ensure that the device is worn correctly, and at reasonable times when noise exposure occurs.

Copyright

© 2024 The Author(s)

Open Access

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Nurhidayu Ali Anuar
AU  - Seca Gandaseca
AU  - Mohd. Hasmadi Ismail
PY  - 2024
DA  - 2024/08/29
TI  - Noise Level Assessment of Chainsaw during Felling and Bucking Operations in Pasoh Forests Peninsular Malaysia
BT  - Proceedings of the International Conference on Science Technology and Social Sciences – Physics, Material and Industrial Technology (ICONSTAS-PMIT 2023)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 126
EP  - 133
SN  - 2352-5401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-500-3_12
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6463-500-3_12
ID  - Anuar2024
ER  -