Noise mapping technique for an unrefined sugar cane processing factory¹

Técnica de mapeamento de ruído para uma fábrica de processamento de rapadura

ABSTRACT

Noise monitoring in production factories is a tool used to visualize and address sound level problems. The objective of this study was to characterize the current situation inside an unrefined sugar cane factory located in Caparrapí, Colombia, through mapping techniques and to determine alternatives, if necessary. For this purpose, the allowed duration exposure for current sound levels was calculated, along with the daily noise dose experienced by the workers at 69 points inside the factory, considering each production section: packaging, molding, weighing, and evaporation. The analysis revealed that the factory generally maintains noise levels below the allowed maximum. However, the results show that there are some points with high sound levels, mainly caused by the reflection of sound by walls, particularly in areas such as the molding and weighing sections, where the noise dose reaches approximately 75 dB. Nevertheless, it can be observed that the factory presents noise levels under the allowed maximum, with certain areas that could present higher levels with changes in the activities being performed. These findings suggest that targeted interventions in specific areas could further improve the overall noise levels within the factory environment.

Key words:
brown sugar; sound level; time-weighted average; acoustic environment; exposure time

HIGHLIGHTS:

The application of a mapping technique for sounds characterizes the environmental situation in a precise way.

The gathered sound levels do not present changes in their measured values for any of the measured work shifts.

The time-weighted maximum noise levels do not exceed the recommended limits established for worker safety.