Kunz, Clara

Diploma Thesis:
1997

Topic:
Investigations into noise emissions on interior construction sites

Editor:
Clara Kunz

University Professor Responsible:
Univ.-Prof. Dr.-Ing. Dipl.-Wirt.-Ing. Jens Otto

Supervisor:
University Supervisor: Dipl.-Ing. Veit Klopfer

Editing Period:
06.06.2024 until 19.09.2024

Abstract:
Noise can lead to mental and physical illness, generally reduces performance and can endanger workers by putting them at risk of overhearing warning signals. This paper examines occupational health and safety on a construction site, focussing on noise as a disturbing and noisy factor, and looks at ways of reducing the noise hazard. After an introductory look at occupational health and safety and the problems of noise in the working environment, the basics of noise are discussed. This includes definitions, acoustic principles and the effects of noise on health, both physiological and psychological. The legal requirements for noise protection are also discussed. During the course of the project, sound level measurements were taken for selected activities and trades, focussing on interior work, which were then evaluated with regard to their intensity and the necessary protective measures. The critical value of 85 dB was exceeded several times, resulting in mandatory noise protection measures. The exceeding of the limit is not attributable to specific trades, but to specific methods/activities. Subsequently, based on the so-called STOP principle, there is a detailed discussion of which measures are suitable for improving noise protection. It was found that only personal hearing protection is feasible. All other strategies fail for cost reasons or are impractical. Estimates of the cost-effectiveness of personal hearing protection were added. Finally, recommendations were drawn up for the development of new technologies as well as for regulations and rules, in each case with the aim of further improving noise protection.