Noise Reduction in a Plastic Recycling Plant a Case Study in Lebanon

The aim of this study is to investigate the noise levels in a plastic recycling plant representing the medium sized industries in Lebanon in order to generalize the case in Lebanese industry. No prior study has been done on industrial noise exposure in Lebanon. The occupational Health and Safety rules in Lebanon states that handling high noise levels, watching individual exposure and reducing long shifts are the responsibility of the employer. It was noted that in this company none of the regulations are being followed. Being exposed to high noise level can cause different health problems such as stress, speech interference, high blood pressure, temporary or permanent hearing loss and sleeping problems. Sound level meter was used to measure sound in the factory. Questionnaires were distributed to workers as well and their structure was designed to determine the hazards of high noise levels on workers. Occupational Health and Safety standards were used as a guiding reference in the analysis. The data was analyzed using statistical package for the social science program (SPSS). The data obtained from the distributed questionnaires confirmed the noise levels measured inside the plant. Workers have proved being annoyed by the high noise levels.Future studies can be applied by using a dosimeter to a check the noise level in the plant or in many other plants in Lebanon and therefore generalize the case of industries in this country