ASSESSMENT OF NOISE POLLUTION FROM SAWMILL ACTIVITIES IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

AS Aremu; AO Aremu; DO Olukanni

doi:10.4314/njt.341.894

ASSESSMENT OF NOISE POLLUTION FROM SAWMILL ACTIVITIES IN ILORIN, NIGERIA

Authors

AS Aremu DEPARTMENT OF WATER RESOURCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN, NIGERIA
AO Aremu DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, UNIVERSITY OF ILORIN, ILORIN, NIGERIA
DO Olukanni DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING, COVENANT UNIVERSITY, OTA, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.341.894

Keywords:

Noise, sawmill, machine, workers, impacts

Abstract

This study examined noise pollution from sawmilling in Ilorin metropolis, Nigeria. Noise measurements were made using HD600 digital data logging sound level meter in conjunction with structured questionnaire which was designed to elicit noise related information. The results of the study showed that the background noise within the sawmills was 58.1-64.86 dB(A) while machine equivalent noise was 81.1-112.3 dB(A). Approximately 73% of all the noise measurements are above the recommended limit of 85 dB(A) and these high noise intensities can initiate or perpetuate some work related health challenges. Also a noise contour map which shows the spatial impact of sawmill noise on the metropolis was developed. Within the sawmills, most of the workers are unprotected, disturbed and complain of noise-related ailments such as tinnitus (96.6%), headache (86.6%) and hearing impairment (71.9%). Therefore noise prevention and control strategies are suggested in addition to frequent audiometric tests, training, education, and enforcement of noise regulations.

http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/njt.v34i1.9

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Issue

Vol. 34 No. 1 (2015)

Section

Building, Civil & Geotechnical Engineering

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How to Cite

ASSESSMENT OF NOISE POLLUTION FROM SAWMILL ACTIVITIES IN ILORIN, NIGERIA. (2014). Nigerian Journal of Technology, 34(1), 72-79. https://doi.org/10.4314/njt.341.894