Assessment of Work Zone Noise Levels at a Cement Factory in Tanga, Tanzania

Noise of machines in cement industries was found to be one of the major occupational hazards for the workers of industrial sector. The objectives of this study were to measure the noise levels in various production sections at a cement factory in Tanga, Tanzania and assess attitudes of workers towards noise health hazards. Noise levels were measured using a digital sound level meter at three appropriate locations of the working zone of the workers. Questionnaires were provided to each worker in selected production section and field under close supervision to avoid influence of one’s results by other subject. The results showed maximum noise level at the power plant section with 104.82 dBA and minimum noise level was 50 dBA observed in offices. The maximum and average noise levels measured in most production sections exceeded the allowed limit value of 85 dBA as recommended by Tanzania Bureau of Standards (TBS). Subjective responses indicated that 47.5% of workers are exposure to noise for more than 5 years whereas, 82.5% of workers indicated that there could be health effects caused by the noise from machines. The study suggests that, though most workers ever use protective gears during working hours, health checkups for noise related effects should be carried out regularly.