Conduct regular noise measurements

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 128 views

Introduction

Noise pollution is a significant problem in many industries, including the production of palm oil (CPO). PT. Sisiau, a private company engaged in the production of CPO, faces a serious issue with high noise levels produced by the dericafer machine at the seed processing station. This condition affects the operators on duty, who have to speak louder to communicate, resulting in reduced productivity and work efficiency. This study aims to measure noise levels in the area of seed processing stations and analyze the results to propose efficient solutions to reduce noise exposure.

Background

Noise pollution is a significant occupational health hazard that can cause hearing loss, stress, and cardiovascular problems. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 50% of the global population is exposed to levels of noise that can cause hearing loss. In Indonesia, the Decree of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia No. Per.13/Men/X/2011 sets the threshold for noise exposure at 85 dB for an 8-hour workday. However, many industries, including PT. Sisiau, exceed this threshold, posing a significant risk to the health of employees.

Methodology

This study measured noise levels in the area of seed processing stations at PT. Sisiau for five days, starting from 08.00 until 01.00 in the morning. The measurement results were analyzed using Surfer 11.0 software to create a noise map. The noise map shows that the area is in a dangerous zone due to high noise exposure.

Results

The measurement results show that the equivalent noise level at the seed processing station reaches 95 dB, which clearly exceeds the threshold set by the Decree of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia No. Per.13/Men/X/2011. This shows that the working conditions at the seed processing station are not safe for the health of the operators. The noise map using Surfer 11.0 software shows that the area is in a dangerous zone due to high noise exposure.

Discussion

Excessive noise in the work environment can not only interfere with communication between employees but can also have a serious impact on the health of the long-term listeners. Exposure to continuous noise can cause hearing loss, stress, and cardiovascular problems. Therefore, proper preventive measures, such as measuring noise periodically and barrier installation, are very important to create a healthy and productive work environment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study highlights the importance of noise reduction in the work environment. The measurement results show that the equivalent noise level at the seed processing station exceeds the threshold set by the Decree of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia No. Per.13/Men/X/2011. The noise map using Surfer 11.0 software shows that the area is in a dangerous zone due to high noise exposure. To overcome this problem, the company plans to handle noise through the installation of barriers. The barrier is specifically designed according to the shape of the machine and is made of metal which is combined with rubber. It is estimated, the installation of this barrier can reduce the noise level of 38 dB, thus creating a safer work area for operators at the seed processing station.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Conduct regular noise measurements: Regular noise measurements should be conducted to monitor the noise levels in the work environment and to identify areas that require improvement.
Install noise barriers: Noise barriers should be installed to reduce the noise levels in the work environment. The barriers should be specifically designed according to the shape of the machine and should be made of metal which is combined with rubber.
Conduct training: Training should be conducted to operators and staff regarding risks related to noise and ways to minimize the impact.
Implement noise reduction measures: Noise reduction measures, such as installing noise-reducing materials and improving ventilation, should be implemented to reduce the noise levels in the work environment.

Future Research Directions

Future research directions include:

Conducting a comprehensive noise survey: A comprehensive noise survey should be conducted to identify the sources of noise and to determine the effectiveness of noise reduction measures.
Developing a noise reduction plan: A noise reduction plan should be developed to identify the steps that need to be taken to reduce the noise levels in the work environment.
Evaluating the effectiveness of noise reduction measures: The effectiveness of noise reduction measures should be evaluated to determine whether they are effective in reducing the noise levels in the work environment.

Conclusion

Q: What is the main problem faced by PT. Sisiau in terms of noise levels?

A: The main problem faced by PT. Sisiau is the high level of noise produced by the dericafer machine at the seed processing station, which exceeds the threshold set by the Decree of the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration of the Republic of Indonesia No. Per.13/Men/X/2011.

Q: What are the effects of excessive noise in the work environment?

A: Excessive noise in the work environment can cause hearing loss, stress, and cardiovascular problems. It can also interfere with communication between employees and reduce productivity.

Q: What is the purpose of the noise map using Surfer 11.0 software?

A: The noise map using Surfer 11.0 software is used to identify areas with high noise exposure and to determine the effectiveness of noise reduction measures.

Q: What is the proposed solution to reduce noise levels at PT. Sisiau?

A: The proposed solution is to install noise barriers specifically designed according to the shape of the machine and made of metal which is combined with rubber. It is estimated that the installation of this barrier can reduce the noise level of 38 dB.

Q: Why is it important to conduct regular noise measurements?

A: Regular noise measurements are important to monitor the noise levels in the work environment and to identify areas that require improvement. It also helps to determine the effectiveness of noise reduction measures.

Q: What is the role of training in noise reduction?

A: Training is an important aspect of noise reduction. It helps to educate operators and staff about the risks related to noise and ways to minimize the impact.

Q: What are the benefits of reducing noise levels in the work environment?

A: Reducing noise levels in the work environment can improve productivity, reduce the risk of hearing loss and other health problems, and create a safer and healthier work environment.

Q: How can PT. Sisiau ensure that the noise reduction measures are effective?

A: PT. Sisiau can ensure that the noise reduction measures are effective by conducting regular noise measurements, evaluating the effectiveness of the measures, and making adjustments as needed.

Q: What is the social responsibility of PT. Sisiau in maintaining employee welfare and ensuring business sustainability?

A: PT. Sisiau has a social responsibility to maintain employee welfare and ensure business sustainability by providing a safe and healthy work environment, reducing noise levels, and promoting a culture of safety and health.

Q: How can PT. Sisiau be an example for other companies in the same industry in dealing with noise problems at work?

A: PT. Sisiau can be an example for other companies in the same industry by implementing effective noise reduction measures, conducting regular noise measurements, and promoting a culture of safety and health.

Q: What is the expected outcome of the noise reduction measures at PT. Sisiau?

A: The expected outcome of the noise reduction measures at PT. Sisiau is to create a safer and healthier work environment, improve productivity, and reduce the risk of hearing loss and other health problems.