Hygienic Assessment of Noise and Vibration Affecting Workers at Mining Operations

A.G. Chebotarev, N.N. Courierov
Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, The Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №1 / 2020 pp.148-153

Abstract: Based on research results, noise and vibration play a leading role among the adverse operational factors affecting workers in the mining industry. Rated parameters at key workplaces often exceed hygienic noise regulations by 15-18 dB and vibrational acceleration by up to 5-8 dB. Performed assessment of such upgraded mining machines as EKG-8, EKG-10, BELAZ dump truck made it possible to establish that their vibration and noise levels are by 3-5 dB lower than those of previously manufactured and still operating mining machines. The improvement is achieved through better sealing of the cabin, the use of vibration-proof seats, installation of controls on the armrests of the operator seats and covering the handles with a layer of foam rubber. Underestimation of the noise and vibration impact creates preconditions for professional noise and vibration pathologies, reduces performance and has an adverse effect on the human body as a whole. In underground ore mines, the incidence rate of vibratory diseases among workers is 30.3, while the sensorineural hearing loss stands at 24.1 cases per 10,000 workers examined. The rates of such diseases in the open-pit mines are much lower. In underground conditions, the noise and vibration pathologies are mainly diagnosed with shaft and stope miners, while in the open pits they are typical of dump truck, back shovel and bulldozer operators.

Keywords: noise, vibration, vibration and noise pathologies, hygienic assessment of mining equipment, occupa-tional diseases, occupational health and safety, preventive measures

For citation: Chebotarev А.G., Kurierov N.N. Hygienic Assessment of Noise and Vibration Affecting Workers at Mining Operations. Gornaya promyshlennost = Russian Mining Industry. 2020;(1):148-153. (In Russ.) DOI: 10.30686/1609-9192-2020-1-148-153.

Article info

Received: 27.12.2019

Revised: 15.01.2020

Accepted: 21.01.2020

Information about the author

Alexander G. Chebotarev – Doctor of Medicine, Leading Research Fellow, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, The Russian Federation; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Nikolay N. Courierov – Candidate of Science (Biology), Leading Research Fellow, Izmerov Research Institute of Occupational Health, Moscow, The Russian Federation.

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