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KMID : 1039220230330040464
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Journal of Korean Society of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene
2023 Volume.33 No. 4 p.464 ~ p.470
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Evaluation of Occupational Exposure to Noise and Heat stress in Coal-fired Power Plants
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Kwon Ji-Woon
Jang Kwang-Myong
Kim Sung-Ho
Kim Se-Dong
Jang Mi-Yeon
Ro Ji-Won
Park Seung-Hyun
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Abstract
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Objectives: This study evaluated occupational exposures to noise and heat stress during routine non-outage works in three coal-fired power plants in the Republic of Korea.
Methods: The data were collected during the summer of 2020. Full shift noise exposure of 52 workers were measured using noise dosimeters. Heat stress of 16 worksites were measured for 70 minutes using wet-bulb globe temperature monitors.
Results: The noise dosimetry results revealed time-weighted averages that ranged from 47.5 to 88.9 dBA. 2 out of 52 noise measurements exceeded 85 dBA. Based on the arithmetic mean, the coal service group showed the highest level at 80.2 dBA by job tasks. Noise exposures exceeding 85 dBA were measured in the coal service and plant operator group. Heat stress index measurements ranged from 20.3℃ to 37.2℃. 1 out of 9 indices measured in coal facilities and 4 out of 7 indices measured in boiler house exceeded 1 hour TWA during moderate work. Heat stress indices measured from boiler houses were significantly higher than those measured from coal equipment.
Conclusions: The results show that overexposure to noise and heat stress may be encountered during routine non-outage work activities in coal-fired power plants. Appropriate actions should be taken to reduce future health outcome from occupational exposure to noise and heat stress in the industry.
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KEYWORD
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coal-fired power plants, noise, heat stress, occupational exposure
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