Noise Control Feasibility Study in Meat Packing Plants

Numerous operations performed in the meat packing industry generate excessive noise levels. The size of the plants and the large number of employees involved create a severe problem if the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 are to be met. The poor acoustic qualities of the buildings and the restrictions put by the Department of Agriculture on construction materials used in food‐processing plants limit the number of solutions available to the noise control engineer: acoustical materials generally contain dangerous substances such as lead, fiberglass, and asbestos and have physical characteristics which are incompatible with health regulations. A complete noise study of a large meat packing plant has been performed and noise sources have been identified and classified according to the noise generating mechanisms involved and to the severity of their impact. The noise control measures compatible with the processing of meat have been investigated and recommendations have been made for their implementation. Particular attention has been devoted to the noisiest machines, such as choppers, peelers, and injectors.