Reducing Noise Levels Reduces Problems For Transport Drivers
Truck drivers face numerous risks on the road; however, one risk that is often overlooked is the impact of noise levels on a driver’s health. Drivers with prolonged exposure to noises from the engine, exhaust system and traffic have reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, fatigue and hearing damage.
Gasoline and distillate transport drivers face unique noise exposure risks not experienced by over-the-road drivers, according to a recent study reported by the American Society of Safety Engineers. Unlike the majority of studies which focused on noise exposures for over-the-road drivers, this study was conducted specifically on gasoline and distillate transport drivers. Its goal was to determine which tasks and work conditions resulted in noise exposures above or below the 10-hour OSHA action level of 83.4 dBA.
Based on the results, the authors of this study offer the following recommendations to reduce noise exposure for drivers.
- Drivers should stand 20 feet from the truck product pump when it is operating. Ear plugs should be worn if the driver has to stay close to the transport’s shut-off valves during pumping operations.
- Drivers should not stand near the truck grill for any longer than it takes to complete their inspection duties.
- The maximum amount of noise-attenuating cab insulation should be specified by each transport manufacturer when ordering the transport.
- Additional noise monitoring should be conducted when different manufacturers and/or models of cabs are introduced to the workplace
- Each workplace using transports should have a written policy establishing the driver’s responsibility to maintain window and radio configurations at safe levels to protect hearing.
- AM/FM radio, company radio, CB or cell phone should not be operated at volumes greater than the appropriate action level.
- Windows should be closed or not opened more than one inch when driving on the highway at speeds of 55 mph or greater.
TYPICAL NOISE SOURCES
| Truck idling (front of cab grill) | 86-87 dBA |
| Radio on at maximum volume | 105 dBA |
| Connecting/disconnecting hoses | 80-94 dBA |
| Standing near product flow in hoses | 82-84 dBA |
| Opening/closing lid covers to underground storage tank fill caps | 80-98 dBA |
| Loading/unloading fill helmetsat cabinet | 86-89 dBA |
| Driver window down; 55 mph; no traffic | 86-91 dBA |
