Noise exposures during potato processing and manufacture of animal feed.
A noise exposure survey was conducted at an agricultural facility to evaluate noise exposures during potato processing and during the manufacture of alfalfa pellets. Of the 19 employees monitored, five reached or exceeded the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommended exposure limit for occupational noise. Four of these employees were from the potato processing area, and one was from the alfalfa pellet-mill operation. Two of the five (bagger and pellet-mill operator) also exceeded the Occupational Safety and Health Administration action level. The facility has a well-managed hearing conservation program for employees in the potato processing area, but not in the alfalfa manufacturing area.
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National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Cincinnati, Ohio 45226, USA. cma4@cdc.gov
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D000382:Agricultural Workers' Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000821:Animal Feed; D000818:Animals; D004430:Ear Protective Devices; D006317:Hearing Loss, Noise-Induced / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D000455:Medicago sativa; D009623:Noise, Occupational / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D011198:Solanum tuberosum