Abstract

The objectives of this project were the measurement of the noise exposure of snow-removal workers, using the histogram-generating dosimeter developed previously (project LAB 84-03), and the establishment of an appropriate sampling strategy for all seasonally-employed heavy-equipment operators. The noise exposure of operators of graders, snowblowers, mini-caterpillar ploughs, salt-spreaders, and front-loaders during snow-removal and loading operations was measured in six series of measurements performed during the winter of 1984-1985.

The results indicate high noise exposure for operators of front-loaders, mini-caterpillar ploughs, and snowblowers. The noise exposure assessments obtained using ISO method 1999, in use in a number of European countries, and the OSHA method, used in Québec, differed significantly at noise levels below 85 dbA. The purchase of heavy equipment with better sound insulation would reduce the noise exposure of operators.