Noise Control in Mining

However, under some circumstances this is easier said than done. In those cases, the best option is to attenuate the noise level. This can be done at the source of the noise, in the path of the noise, or directly at the receiver of the noise. There are three basic approaches to protecting the individual worker from hazardous noise exposure.

First, we can address the source of the noise directly. This can be implemented at a number of different stages throughout the mining lifecycle.

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• CDC - Mining - Noise Control in Underground Metal Mining - NIOSH.
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Noise should be a consideration early on and throughout the mining process, which means that it is imperative to ensure effective, considerate operational and administrative practices in the design and execution of a mining operation Sensogut, Any hazardous noise that can be removed or attenuated should be removed or attenuated. One such approach is in regard to equipment practice.

The first stage involves the selection and utilization of mining machinery that is as quiet as possible from the get-go. This may involve isolated mountings for hearer bit blocks or quieter gear drives using modified designs , for example McBride, The second stage involves ensuring that the equipment is well-maintained from beginning to end Sensogut, Key to this is replacing worn components especially vibratory equipment and adhering to good maintenance schedules McBride, These are relatively simple steps that can be taken early on in a project and easily complied with throughout the life of the project, while resulting in significant noise control advantages that can save a company and its workers exponentially in the long run.

Also integral to noise control at the source of the noise is the use of noise mitigation equipment specific to the mining industry. Depending on the project, this may involve the use of cooler fan silencers, mufflers, or any number of other equipment options designed to limit the escape of noise from a particular piece of equipment.

When the noise source itself cannot be directly addressed, it may be possible to interrupt the noise on its path from the source to the receiver. This can be accomplished by using sound barriers e.

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Barriers and sound-absorbing materials can be used to disrupt the path of noise. Some useful ways of disrupting noise paths include the use of engine enclosures, sealing gaps, covers for electric-motor-powered hydraulic pumps, fiberglass blanket barriers, heavy conveyor belt barriers, Plexiglas motor covers, and windshields Reeves et al. Sound barriers are more effective than sound-absorbing materials, but it is imperative that the seals be airtight to ensure no noise escapes.

Finally, noise attenuation can be put in place directly at the receiver. In this case, the individual worker exposed to hazardous noise would be considered the receiver. There is a wide array of personal protective equipment available for shielding workers from hazardous occupational noise, but there are also problems that may arise in doing so.

It is therefore necessary to take into consideration the inherent limitations of any particular piece of personal protective equipment and to determine the best fit for a specific person in a specific environment.



Misuse of protective devices is generally a result of poor compliance with recommended usage, usually due to the discomfort of wearing the device or due to hindered communication resulting from the use of the device. Both reasons for misusing personal protective equipment are understandable.

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In many cases the devices can be uncomfortable, so it is important to ensure proper training in how to wear and use such devices effectively. They may also hinder communication between workers as well as between the worker and the environment. It is imperative that workers be able to communicate with each other to ensure safety, and for the workers to be able to hear alarms and warnings, like conveyor pre-start signals and loader-reversing alarms. Providing high-quality personal protective equipment in the workplace along with training on appropriate use and the strategic placement of signs warning of noise hazards can aid in compliance and help reduce the impact of high noise levels at the receiver.

When it comes to noise-induced hearing loss in the mining industry, prevention and early detection are key to ensuring the health and safety of workers.

Mining Noise Monitoring

Typically, the best protection results from a comprehensive noise control program that addresses noise at the source, interrupts noise on its path, and shields receivers from the noise. By addressing all three points of contact throughout the lifecycle of a mining project, it is possible to ensure that hazardous noise is effectively controlled and that noise-induced hearing loss among workers is prevented.

Because wind affects noise measurements, the New Zealand standards require that for all outdoor measurements an approved wind shield is used. Similarly the standards acknowledge that measurements cannot normally be made if the wind speed exceeds five metres per second. While the conditions vary depending upon what work is being carried out, and the time of day that the activity is taking place, the permitted conditions abridged relating to hours of work and noise are:.

Mining Publication: Noise Control in Underground Metal Mining

Noise control We make every reasonable endeavour to control noise and the effects of noise, employing measures such as:. Noise What is noise? Response to noise is determined by a variety of factors such as: Noise levels are affected by a number of factors: While the conditions vary depending upon what work is being carried out, and the time of day that the activity is taking place, the permitted conditions abridged relating to hours of work and noise are: L max is the maximum noise level. L min is the minimum noise level. Noise control We make every reasonable endeavour to control noise and the effects of noise, employing measures such as: Normal mining operations, including underground and open pit mining, conveying and waste disposal.