INTRODUCTION

The relationship between noise assessment and human factors engineering is important in the design and
optimization of environments that promote human performance and well-being. Human factors
engineering aims to design products and environments that are compatible with human capabilities and
preferences. Noise assessment is critical to this framework because it allows engineers to quantify and
reduce the impact of noise on cognitive function and overall comfort. Case studies that investigate this
relationship are essential because they provide real-world proof of how noise affects human experiences
and behaviors. In order to informing evidence-based design strategies to create more productive and
comfortable environments.

The findings of the Assessment of Noise are invaluable to ergonomists and human factors professionals
as they provide quantitative data on the impact of noise on human performance and well-being. With
this information, professionals can make informed decisions about the design and optimization of
environments to reduce the negative effects of noise. Understanding how noise levels affect cognitive
function and overall comfort allows ergonomists to implement targeted interventions such as
soundproofing, redesigning workspace layouts. Finally, they can create more conducive environments
for human occupants.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this case study are:

(i) To measure the noise level (dBA)

(ii) To analyze the noise level data
(iii) To propose engineering solutions to reduce noise level
METHODOLOGY

This case study is conducted using the following steps and the guideline from “The Industry Code of
Practice for Management of Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing Conversation” to fulfil the
objective of this study.

Figure 1: The flow chart of the instruction for using the dosimeter.

Start

The dosimeter is removed from

the casing.

The stabilizer is attached with

the dosimeter.

The dosimeter is switch on and

putting on the floor.

The dosimeter needs to be

mounted on the top of the
shoulder.

The dosimeter value is taken

with 1 meter within the
machine.

The data is taken and

recorded on the data
table.

End
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i. Area monitoring
a) Determining the noise sources
1) This study must determine the noise source that must be observed.
2) By using Table 7.1 in the guideline, we devised a plan to observe the Automotive
lab at FTMK. The noise source came from the machine that removed the paint on
the car.
3) This observation will be taken in 4 different locations. The value from different
locations must be taken and recorded.

b) Noise mapping (zoning)

1) The noise mapping is important to find the area that exposes the noise.
2) The experiment will measure the average sound pressure level by spot
measurement of each machine following the guidelines provided. The experiment
uses Table 7.2 to prepare the noise mapping in the form of colour zone.

Table 2: Noise mapping colour zone.

c) Type of noise (steady, impulse, fluctuate, etc)
1) Using the guideline, there are a few types of noises in Table 7.1. the pattern needs
to be investigated. Most of the noisy machine generates noise similar to the
patterns listed in Table 7.1.
2) The Noise Risk Assessment Report (NRA) needs to record the noise level
according to the sampling method.

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 3) The noise level must be measured in different areas during the trial with the same
machine, so that, the variation of noise level is recorded.

Table 3: Type of noise.

ii. Personal monitoring

a) For personal monitoring, the experiment needs to test the worker’s exposure to machine
noise during his entire work shift.
b) Following the noise and sound standards, it is necessary to accurately determine the
worker's engagement to or possibility of exposure to excessive noise.
c) The NRA study must involve all employees who is probably going to be near noise. This
may be classified as producing similar exposure groups (SEGs) out of people who share
comparable exposure, such as working in the same location, conducting the same task, or
having a similar job scope.
d) NRA shall ensure the most exposed employee in each SEG is selected based on the
following selection criteria:
1) work directly with the noise source such as tools and machinery.
2) work near or pass through areas with noise exposure.
3) work in a noisy area for a long time.

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RESULT

Figure 1 shows the Makmal teknologi Lab 2 noise map, with the numbers in the squares indicating the
areas of measurements were taken.

Figure 2: Makmal teknologi Lab 2 noise map.

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Result of the noise.

Table 4: Result at asisstant engineer room.

Table 5: Result at paint workshop.

Table 6: Result at outside lab.

Table 7: Result at worktable.

Statistical Analysis Data using average.

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Table 8: Statistical analysis at asisstant engineer room.

Table 9: Statistical analysis at paint workshop.

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Table 10: Statistical analysis at outside lab.

Table 10: Statistical analysis at worktable.

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DISCUSSION

In this discussion part, the result will be analyzed and explanation of the causation of the result
will be discuss. This case study has four locations that its noise level has been determined by using dB
(C) level of measurement. For each location, a total of 4 recording is taken with maximum and
minimum decibel level is taken.

In assistant engineer room, out of four reading taken, the maximum decibel level is 77.9 dB and
the minimum is 74.4 dB, and the average is 76.2 dB. The range is 2.85. In this assistant engineer room,
the noise level 76.2 dB has the same average noise level as office noise.

The next location is paint workshop, where the maximum decibel level is 92.3 dB and the
minimum noise level is 61.6 dB. The mean decibel level is 79.4 dB and the range of the noise level is
13.3. In the paint workshop, the noise level is relatively high, where the average noise level almost
reached 80 dB. This happens because work is done during the recording of noise level in the workshop.
The high noise taken happens because the sound of people working in painting.

After that, the next location is outside lab. The maximum decibel level out of four recording is
70 dB and the minimum noise level is 66.45 dB. The mean noise level is 68.26 dB and the range is 3.55.
At the outside of the lab, the noise level is the same as normal conversation or background music. This
happens because there are no direct noise happening outside of the lab. The device is picking up the
noise from inside the lab which is far from the noise pickup range.

The last recording was taken at worktable, where it has a maximum noise level of 74.5 dB and a
minimum is 81 dB. The mean noise level is 78.75 dB and the range is 6.5. At worktable, the noise level
is similar to that average radio. In this case, this is because the noise levels were obtained from the
machinery in the lab, human conversation and other noise in the surrounding area.

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 The maximum and minimum noise levels in each room exhibit different range for each
measurement taken are due to several factors that affect the sound propagation and measurement. The
number and type of sound sources vary over time. When people are talking or machine is operating, the
noise can fluctuate causing variation in noise levels when recording. The occupancy and the activity
significantly influence noise level. Activities that have people having conversations will increase noise
level. Another factor is the measurement equipment sensitivity and placement will cause variations.
Sensitivity of an equipment is different and thus some equipment will obtain a different reading even
when recording in the same location. The placement of the equipment is crucial as well as it determined
the noise level whether it will high or not depending on the placement.

Figure 3: Noise level

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REFERENCE

(1) Guidelines On Ergonomics Risk Assessment At Workplace 2017

(https://www.dosh.gov.my/index.php/competent-person-form/occupational-health/regulation/
guidelines/ergonomic/2621-01-guidelines-on-ergonomics-risk-assessment-at-workplace-2017?
path=guidelines/ergonomic).
(2) Industry Code of Practice for Management of Occupational Noise Exposure and Hearing
Conservation 2019, Department of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia.
(3) Guidelines on Occupational Safety and Health for Lighting at Workplace 2018, Department of
Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH), Malaysia.

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