Noise and frequency propagation in natural stone processing plants

In this study, 510 noise measurements recorded in eight natural stone processing plants operating in Sivas City, Turkey were evaluated and the noise levels and dominant frequency bands of 11 different processing machines used in these plants were determined. The daily equivalent noise level of all natural stone processing plants was around or above the exposure limit value (87 dBA) specified in relevant regulations. Considering the machines and plant environment, the frequency ranges for the highest noise levels were mostly between 630 Hz - 5000 Hz, centering around 3150 Hz. Variations in the noise level of the processing machines in separate plants where similar processes were carried out was primarily related to the plant size and machine layout, the number of machines operating simultaneously and the type of natural stone processed. While the difference between the noise levels of gangsaws, bridge cutting, ST cutting, head/side cutting, trimming, cement filling, slab polishing, narrow polishing, chamfering and splitting machines were statistically significant, aging machines generated similar noise levels.