Health-hazard evaluation report HETA 86-437-1818, Champion International Corporation, Hamilton, Ohio

Technical Report · Wed Jul 01 00:00:00 EDT 1987

OSTI ID:5066632

Tubbs, R L

In response to a request from employees at the Champion International Corporation paper mill located in Hamilton, Ohio, a study was made of possible excessive noise hazards arising in the small cutter area of the facility. One paper cutter, considered by workers to be louder than the others, was scheduled to have an enclosure installed for the rotary knife blade. Noise surveys were conducted in July before the installation and in November after the installation of the enclosure. Data gathered in July indicated noise levels of 108 decibels-A (dB-A), while the octave-band analysis demonstrated the majority of the sound energy to be in the midfrequency range from 250 to 4000 hertz (Hz). In November, tests showed the level to be 95dB-A with a corresponding decrease in the midfrequency sound intensities. Enclosing the rotary knife blade did reduce the potential for noise exposure, but noise measurements in excess of the NIOSH Recommended Exposure Limit of 85dB-A for an 8-hour day were common. The author concludes that a noise hazard existed in the small cutter area. The author recommends that engineering controls be continuously sought to further reduce the noise level from this particular machine. The use of nonmetallic drive gears should be considered, along with filling of the hollow knife blade cylinder with a lightweight acoustical material. An effective hearing-conservation program should be implemented and employees trained in the proper use of hearing protective devices.

• Research Organization: National Inst. for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, OH (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5066632
• Report Number(s): PB-88-153317/XAB; HETA-86-437-1818
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS//MATHEMATICS, COMPUTING, AND INFORMATION SCIENCE
MACHINERY
NOISE POLLUTION
NOISE POLLUTION ABATEMENT
RECOMMENDATIONS
OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE
PAPER INDUSTRY
INDUSTRIAL MEDICINE
INSPECTION
TOXICITY
INDUSTRY
MEDICINE
POLLUTION
POLLUTION ABATEMENT
WOOD PRODUCTS INDUSTRY
560400* - Other Environmental Pollutant Effects
552000 - Public Health