INVESTIGATION OF NOISE EXPOSURE IN CARPET FACTORIES

Abstract

The carpet weaving industry is an important sector all over the world and there are no regulations about the noise of carpet weaving machines. Noise can cause a type of occupational disease if necessary, precautions are not taken. If the sound of the machine is not changed, the place of noisy machines can be changed in the mill to decrease the risk of danger originated by noise. In this study, 5 different carpet mills in Gaziantep, Türkiye were selected to detect the noise level randomly. The data were collected by using a noise measurement device positioned at a 1 m distance from the noise source. The measured values are compared to accepted values and necessary relocations of machines were made. In accordance with the noise-ambient measurement results weaving, carpet back coating, engraving, automation machines, and pneumatic table are found as noisy machines. Within these machines, engraving and weaving machines are the noisiest ones and there is a risk for the operators of engraving and weaving machines. At the end of the study, some suggestions to minimize the noise were given to the factories.