Assessment of noise levels generated in some feed mills in Ibadan, Nigeria

Abstract

The recent upsurge in the demand for livestock and poultry products in Ibadan has resulted in increased demand for feeds resulting in expanding and increasing feedmills. Feedmills generate substantial level of noise which could be injurious to workers and remedial measures are best taken with knowledge of the level of noise exposure. This study aimed at establishing the level of noise exposure of feed mill workers in Ibadan using a structured questionnaire and noise level meter to obtain relevant data. The noise levels generated in the feed mills ranged from 82.5 - 113.9 dB while most of the employees work between 8-10 hours daily for six days in a week and in some of the mills, the employees work all days of the week. The noise levels and exposure periods in many of the mills were above the code specification of a maximum noise level of 85dB over an 8-hour working period. There is no provision of noise control devices for the workers in most of the mills and in the few cases where they are provided, the workers rarely use them. Towards ensuring a safe working environment, noise control devices should be provided for all workers in the mills and their use enforced, machines should be regularly maintained so as to reduce warbling of components which increase the noise generated and employers should consider the reduction in working period in order to minimize the noise exposure period.