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f 3^^- DOW CHEMICAL U.S.A. NOISE SURVEY PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS LOUISIANA DIVISION PLAOUEMINE, LOUISIANA 707S4 _______________ ___ gQ4_aa7-sa2i. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH REPORT FILE NO. 105-25-2________ DATE Tannary 23} IQ75 AUTHOR PanTrie Kennedy `----------------------------------------------CHECKED Charlie Halphen DATE February 22, 1975 SUMMARY A noise survey on portable air compressors in the Louisiana Division was made with the Bruel & Kjaer Sound level meter (type 2205). Results indicated the dB(A) readings were above OSHA standards in the areas surrounding the equipment with one exception being noted. (The sound level meter was calibrated before and after each series of readings.) Sandblasters and personnel responsible for operating and servicing compressors must wear hearing protection while attending these duties. Due to the many variables involved with mobile equipment, supervision will have to make judgement decisions on each in dividual situation to determine if workers need hearing protection in their areas. Selecting a remote site for the compressor away from the workmen is helpful and suggested when possible. The potential danager of ear damage and hearing loss must be stressed and understood by each individual working in these areas. DISTRIBUTION J. W. Bristol G. W. Daigre 0. L. Bennett F. 0. Vincent R. Barlow B. Doughty File (2) B. 2304 B. 2501 B. 2601 B. 3701 B. 3701 B. 2303 H. R. Hoyle-1707 Bldg. - Midland F. D. Axe - Pittsburg C. E. Caldwell - OCD R. R. Langer - 607 Bldg. - Midland C. L. Sercu - Cleveland R. L. Daniel - B. 101 - Freeport All Plant Superintendants an okeratino unit of the oow chemical company Ve DO Oil 595 CONFTDFNTTAI 1 PORTABLE AIR COMPRESSORS The Bruel & Kjaer Sound level meter (type 2205) was used to monitor the noise levels. The monitoring equipment was calibrated before and after each series of readings and all readings were recorded in dB(A). The compressors monitored were employed in different functions. One supplied supplemental air to the Cellulose block, two were used to operate air movers and pneumatic tools, while another was used to sandblast. The data was collected from the front, back and both sides of the compressor at distances of 5, 15 and 25 feet. Three of the four compressors were operating above the OSHA standards and would require ear protection for workers having to work in the area. The Joy Quiet Power RPQ 650 performed at a considerably lower noise level despite operating at a higher rpm level than the other compressors. Discussed the advantages of the Joy Quiet Power unit with Dow personnel responsible for renting and leasing this equipment who related that they were aware of these advantages and were attempting to obtain more compressors of this type. There are so many variables involved in determining noise levels that we can not establish any rigid rules covering mobile equipment. The exception being that people working near compressors must wear hearing protection anytime they are operating unless it is one of the Joy Quiet Power units that has been monitored and found to be within OSHA Standards. Continued efforts should be made to place the compressors in remote areas away from the workmen and heavily utilized work areas. The potential danger of hearing loss and damage must be stressed with each individual working in these areas. DO 01 1 D96 .. __- . -r T NOISE SURVEY RESULTS TYPE AND MODEL NUMBER dRA READINGS AT 5', 15' and 251 51 15* 25' Joy RPS 800 Joy RPS 650 104 99 96 104 96 92 joy Quiet Power RPQ 650 88 83 80 Ingersol Rand Super Flo 600 97 92 88 RPm MAX RAT INC 2100 1900 1800 RPm RUNNING DURING SURVEY 1350-1400 1100 1200-1275 1200 <E N *O' H ir, z *- c LiOZ MACHINE NUMBER c c c 800-1 650-3 650-7 Sline 41