A SURVEY OF THE PHYSICAL AGENTS IN THE FOOD PROCESSING PLANTS

Abstract

The intensity of noise, heat and light were measured in 10 different groups of food processing plants with 3820 employees. Noise was measured in 265 working places and if the over-all noise was more than t.L.V. (90dbA), the octave band analysis was carried out. Effective temperature (E.t) or corrected effective temperature (C.E.t) were measured in 183 working places and air velocity relative humidity, radiant heat and worker's comfort were calculated. Illumination of 632 tasks was measured. Comparison of noise, heat and light measurements with the recommended standards by ISO, WHO, IES showed that 21% of the measured noise levels were above t.L.V., only E.T. or C.E.t. in 8% of the measurements met the standards. Illumination met the standards in only 3.5% of the measurements, 50% were less than 100 lux and 66% less than the recommended value for the specific tasks. Results are discussed and control measures are recommended.