NOISE POLLUTION IN MAIZE MILLING SMES

Abstract

Maize milling SMEs emit high levels of noise which can have adverse effects on human
beings and therefore require controlling. This paper reports on a study that involved
assessment and measurement of noise level in maize milling SMEs in DSM and Morogoro
urban, gathering opinions of workers and the neighbouring population on noise problems,
and suggesting solutions for noise control. Noise measurements in 41 SMEs were recorded
from 89-103 dBA in DSM and 92-103 dBA in Morogoro near the milling machines. These
values were higher than the safe level of 85 dBA for 8 hours working shift. Measurement
also indicated high noise in the immediate neighbourhood of the milling plants. Machine
operators and neighbours indicated health problems which could be a result of machine
noise. Causes of high noise were identified to include loose or untightened machine parts,
improper installation of machine system, use of worn out machine bearings, and the use of
improperly designed and unbalanced milling hammers. Possible administrative and
technical solutions for these problems were suggested. It is concluded from this study that
most of maize milling SMEs produce high noise which is indeed pollutant to workers and
the neighbouring population. Therefore, it is important to implement the suggested
administrative and technical solutions to minimise this problem.