A study of the noise conditions in the coal preparation plant at the Gedling Colliery

A detailed survey of the noise exposure of workers within the coal preparation plant was carried out between April and July 1975. Data were collected by five techniques: sound pressure level measurement; noise dose measurement; activity pattern analysis; work pattern survey; environmental noise measurement.Observed noise doses were used to predict actual shift noise exposures for the jobs studied. On this basis it was found that operators received noise doses presenting potential hazards to hearing in all areas of the plant except for the water clarification plant. As an immediate step it is recommended that all workers be provided with suitable ear defenders, the reason and the use of such devices should be explained and demonstrated to them.Noise reduction methods are necessary and should be instigated as soon as possible.According to BS 4142 the noise from the coal preparation plant is not at a level likely to cause complaints from neighbouring residents.