Characteristics of noise hazard in a nuclear power station / 中国职业医学

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the characteristics of noise hazard in a nuclear power station. METHODS: The workplaces and working posts which exposed to occupational noise from two 1 000 MW power units in one nuclear power station in Guangdong Province was selected as study subjects using the convenience sampling method. Occupational health survey, noise measurement in the workplace and personal noise dosage measurement were used to monitor noise exposure, and to analyze the characteristics of occupational noise in the nuclear power station. RESULTS: The noise sources of the nuclear power plant were mainly distributed in the nuclear island, conventional island, and peripheral workshops. A total of 237 points of noise intensity were measured in the workplace. The intensity of noise ranged from 66.0 to 99.6 dB(A). The noise intensity in 62.4%(148/237) of points was equal or greater than 80.0 dB(A) and 34.2%(81/237) equal or greater than 85.0 dB(A). The percentage of detection points with noise intensity was equal or greater than 85.0 dB(A) from low to high were nuclear island, conventional island, and peripheral workshops with 22.0%, 37.5% and 53.8% respectively(P<0.01). The personal noise intensity of three positions including inspectors of operation department, preparation and main engine positions of mechanical department exceeded the occupational exposure limit(OEL), and the percentage of positions whose noise intensity exceeded the OEL was 9.7%(3/31). CONCLUSION: High-intensity noise sources of the nuclear power plant are widely distributed in the workshop areas of nuclear island, conventional island, and peripheral workshops. The noise level of some positions exceeded the standards of noise intensity. The prevention and control measures of noise hazards in posts with excessive noise should be strengthened.