Noise Levels in a South African bank cash centre

Abstract

Noise induced hearing loss remains a concern within the employment sector, in spite of the preventability there of. In order to effectively prevent this debilitating disorder the risks need to be fully understood. One such area that requires investigation is the cash centres within the financial, banking industry. The aim of this research study was therefore to determine whether employees within the cash centres are exposed to noise levels that could be damaging to the auditory system and warrants the implementation of a hearing conservation programme. In order to investigate the noise levels emitted during cash management processes, the researcher obtained noise level recordings, with the use of the Cirrus CR110: A doseBadge Personal noise Dosimeter. Measurements were conducted to determine Lex8h dBA minimum and maximum as well as the peak SPL levels expressed in dBC. These measurements enabled the researcher to compare the noise levels to current legislation regarding noise exposure within the work place. The results revealed a mean Lex,8h of 75.87 dBA (SD=6.09) during the coin processing procedures, compared to 72.91 dBA (SD=8.79) during note processing. The maximum Lex,8h measured was 85.8 dBA. A mean peak sound pressure level of 133.4 dBC (SD = 9.81) was obtained during coin processing, compared to 129.3 dBC (SD = 8.27) during note processing. The maximum peak sound pressure level measured was 142.5 dBC. The data reveals that the noise levels in the bank cash centres do not exceed the SA legislative guidelines, but do still pose a risk for the development of NIHL as the noise levels exceed 75 dBA. As limited information is available regarding the noise exposure within the cash centres, this study highlights the need for further investigation, improved awareness regarding the noise exposure in the cash centres and the possible implementation of hearing conservation programmes within this industry.