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Measuring sound intensity on a LHD

Background

An important enabling step for the application of existing noise control technology or the development of new technology is the identification of what controls currently exist and their effectiveness. Therefore, engineering noise control technologies used in or applicable to the mining industry are being documented and evaluated by NIOSH. Researchers visited a number of underground metal mines to study the effectiveness of the controls in terms of reducing worker exposure to noise. Another goal is to understand noise-generating mechanisms so new technology can be developed to reduce the sound levels to which workers are currently being exposed.

Potential Outcome

Based on the finding of this study, a Noise Control Guidebook for Underground Metal Mines is being developed and will be completed in 2006. The guidebook will provide information on the basic noise controls currently in use in the industry and emphasize lessons learned over the course of the research. Such lessons include:

1. What controls work and what controls don't work.
2. Engineering noise controls that work on the surface may not work as well as expected underground.
3. Properly installed barriers are effective in providing noise reduction; improperly placed absorptive material has little to no effect on sound levels.
4. A noise problem should be verified before a solution is attempted.

An important benefit of the guidebook will be that the noise control information obtained from throughout the underground metal-mining industry will be distributed to other sectors of the industry. Use of the guidebook should lead to the use of more robust noise controls, which in turn, will reduce worker noise exposure and the risk of noise-induced hearing loss. The guidebook will be initially published as a NIOSH publication, and then the information will be disseminated to industry through partnership efforts, conferences, and workshops. The impacts of this guidebook on the mining industry are expected to begin in 2006 after the research findings are published.

Outputs