Assessment comparison between area sampling and personal sampling noise measurement in new thermal power plant

Objective To compare the results of noise hazard evaluations based on area sampling and personal sampling in a new thermal power plant and to analyze the similarities and differences between the two measurement methods.Methods According to Measurement of Physical agents in Workplace Part 8:Noise (GBZ/T 189.8-2007),area sampling was performed at various operating points for noise measurement,and meanwhile the workers under different types of work wore noise dosimeters for personal noise exposure measurement.The two measurement methods were used to evaluate the level of noise hazards in the enterprise according to the corresponding occupational health standards,and the evaluation results were compared.Results Area sampling was performed at 99 operating points,the mean noise level was 88.9±11.1 dB (A) (range,51.3-107.0 d B (A)),with an over-standard rate of 75.8％.Personal sampling was performed (73 persontimes),and the mean noise level was 79.3±6.3 dB (A),with an over-standard rate of 6.6％ (16/241).There was a statistically significant difference in the over-standard rate between the evaluation results of the two measurement methods (x2=53.869,P＜0.001).Conclusion Because of the characteristics of the work in new thermal power plants,the noise hazard evaluation based on area sampling cannot be used instead of personal noise exposure measurement among workers.Personal sampling should be used in the noise measurement in new thermal power plant. Key words: Noise; Personal sampling; Area sampling; Evaluation studies