Noise management
Noise management in a citrus company focuses primarily on the packing facility (warehouse or packing house), as field operations (harvesting, pruning, treatments) typically generate acceptable or intermittent noise levels. The objective is twofold: to comply with occupational health and safety regulations to protect employees and to limit noise pollution to the surrounding community.
1. Sources of Noise in the Citrus Industry
The main sources of noise in a citrus processing plant are mechanical and are concentrated in the processing lines:
- Sorting and packing machinery: Conveyor belts, brushers, dryers, tippers, and graders. The noise comes from electric motors, bearings, the constant contact between the fruit and metal or plastic surfaces, and the continuous movement of boxes and pallets.
- Ventilation and Cooling Systems: Large industrial fans, extractors and pump systems for water handling or treatment.
- Auxiliary Machinery: Forklifts (diesel or electric), air compressors and strapping and palletizing equipment.
2. Regulations and Exposure Limits
Management is governed by occupational risk prevention (ORP) regulations on exposure to noise (in Spain, Royal Decree 286/2006, which transposes the European directive):
| Exposure Value | Daily Noise Level (LAeq,d) | Implications for the Company |
| Lower Share Value | $80 dB(A) | Obligation to inform and train workers. |
| Upper Action Value | $85 dB(A)$ | Obligation to adopt technical measures to reduce noise and make available individual hearing protectors (PPE). |
| Exposure Limit Value | $87\text$ | Under no circumstances may the worker’s exposure level (taking into account the attenuation of the protectors) exceed this value. |
3. Noise Mitigation Strategies (Priority of Action)
Effective noise management follows the risk control hierarchy, attacking the source first.
A. Action on the Source (Most effective measure)
- Preventive Maintenance: Constant lubrication and adjustment of bearings, motors and chains to eliminate friction noise and vibrations.
- Equipment Replacement: Replace old and noisy components with modern, low-noise technology (soundproof motors, frequency converters).
- Acoustic Encapsulation: Install booths or screens that enclose the noisiest machines (e.g., compressors, large fans), reducing the spread of sound to the work environment.
- Damping Materials: Install inertia mounts or anti-vibration dampers on the engine mounts to prevent vibration from being transmitted to the structure.
B. Action on the Propagation Medium
- Acoustic Insulation: Use sound-absorbing materials and coverings on ceilings and walls of the building to reduce reverberation and sound dispersion within the warehouse.
- Workplace Layout: Relocate the most sensitive workstations (e.g., quality control offices) away from the noisiest machine lines.
- Acoustic Barriers: Install screens or partial shielding between machinery and operators in handling areas.
C. Action on the Worker
- Evaluation and Monitoring: Conduct noise measurements with sound level meters or dosimeters to map risk areas.
- Delivery of PPE: Supply and ensure the use of individual hearing protectors (earplugs or earmuffs) in areas where action values are exceeded.
- Training and Information: Train workers on the risks of noise, the correct use of PPE and the signage of noisy areas.
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