Bafail, A., Noweir, M. (2004). Study of Noise Exposure at the Ground Operations of King Abdul Aziz International Airport. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 34(1), 155-168. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2004.191310
Abdullah O. Bafail; Madbuli H. Noweir. "Study of Noise Exposure at the Ground Operations of King Abdul Aziz International Airport". Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 34, 1, 2004, 155-168. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2004.191310
Bafail, A., Noweir, M. (2004). 'Study of Noise Exposure at the Ground Operations of King Abdul Aziz International Airport', Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 34(1), pp. 155-168. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2004.191310
Bafail, A., Noweir, M. Study of Noise Exposure at the Ground Operations of King Abdul Aziz International Airport. Journal of High Institute of Public Health, 2004; 34(1): 155-168. doi: 10.21608/jhiph.2004.191310
Study of Noise Exposure at the Ground Operations of King Abdul Aziz International Airport
Industrial Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah, King of Saudi Arabia [KSA]
Abstract
Airport ground service operators are oftenly exposed to unsafe noise levels. The Saudi Arabian Airlines [SAUDIA] has been aware of this problem among their air Traffic Control Coordinators [TCC] and urged this study with the objectives of assessing the magnitude of the problem of occupational noise exposure of TCC in King Abdul-Aziz International Airport [KAAIA] during the travel peak season of the summer vacation of 2003G, and recommending noise control strategy and remedial actions. Noise was measured around "large planes" and "small planes" work stations and in other locations used by TCC, and their Time weighted Averages [TWAs] were computed. Noise levels higher than the recommended TLV of 85 dB[A] exist around planes, particularly at airplane's rear right side, due to operation of servicing vehicles and auxiliary air conditioning equipment. However, the computed TCC-TWA noise levels indicate that the shift-work-schedule which was recommended to be implemented by SAUDIA has successfully reduced their noise exposure to acceptable levels. Even though, it has been recommended to encourage SAUDIA operators to wear ear protectors where noise level higher than 85 dB[A] exist, and to subject them to periodical audiometric testing to detect the extra- auditory-sensitive individuals and to protect SAUDIA from false claims.