Noise of chain-saws a “health hazard”

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32838, 11 February 1972, Page 6

Noise of chain-saws a “health hazard”

Noise-levels experienced by chain-saw operators were a potential health hazard, but if ear-protectors were worn, saw operators would be safe from hearing damage, the annual conference of the Institution of Engineers was told in Christchurch this week.

Tests showed that chainsaws had noise levels up to 130 decibels above the [accepted safe level for continuous exposure of 90 I decibels, Mr J. L. Wilson said lin a paper on chain-saw noise.

Noise-level tests on a variety of chain-saws had shown that when idling the noise-level rarely exceeded 95 decibels and was often less than 90 decibels, but at this

level it was doubtful if times when the machine was idling could be regarded as ‘‘rest periods.”

To collect information on the effect of noise on those using chain-saws, it was essential that regular hearing tests be carried out on all forest employees, Mr Wilson’s paper said. It was suggested that these tests be carried out on all prospective employees, and repeated at one-year intervals.

If chain-saws purchased in future met suggested maximum noise-levels, and faulty or damaged mufflers on them were replaced, operators should not be subject to harmful noise-levels, the paper said. If reliable levels ' were to be provided, an independent test authority must be established, the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research or the Forest Service being obvious' organisations. Measurements of existing saws showed them to be from five to 10 decibels noisier than suggested maximums. As modifications were not practical, the operators must be provided with some form lof ear protector.