RR651 - Glass recycling
Noise exposure from simulated roadside collection of recyclable glass - Follow-up measurements
This report describes the results of trials carried out relating to the noise exposure of workers engaged in kerbside collection of glass for recycling. Previous tests under controlled conditions had established the dominant sources of noise when glass is collected in to metal troughs on a kerbside collection vehicle, and identified working factors likely to affect noise exposure. The trials described here were carried out to assess the effect of modifications to the design of the troughs on the noise levels produced.
The results of the trials show that lining collection troughs with a suitable resilient material, and providing a flap to partially cover the opening of the trough, can significantly reduce the noise levels produced compared to a standard metal trough. Within the context of the reductions in noise that have been shown, working factors such as the speed and method of depositing glass in to the collection troughs remain a factor in the noise levels produced, with rapid depositing producing the highest noise levels and also preventing the full benefits of the modifications to the collection trough being realised.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the author alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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