PERPUSTAKAAN UMP

100 0 I0 Ifl 101111111 0000104489

NOISE EXPOSURE AND STRESS RESPONSES IN TEXTILE INDUSTRY

TSONGJIAYAN

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements

for the award of the degree of

Bachelor of Occupational Safety and Health with Honours

Faculty of Engineering Technology

Universiti Malaysia Pahang

January 2015

V

ABSTRACT

Textile Industries are developing rapidly to meet the necessities of human beings by supplying the basic needs of cloth for day to day needs. With the rapid development, there are several issues that occurring in the textile industry. Noise pollution is the most often severely exposed by the workers due to the machines used in the operations and may developed stress consequence among the workers. This study was conducted in a textile industry with fifty respondents to assess the relationship between noise exposure and its effect towards stress among highly exposed and low exposed workers. Environmental and personal noise level was measured using Sound Level Meter and Personal Noise Dosimeter respectively. Stress responses were obtained from the Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) questionnaire. It was found that there is a significant relationship (r = 0 .0864** , p<0.05) between personal and environmental noise levels. Besides that, there is also a significant difference (t = -6.045, p<0.05) on individual noise level between exposed and low exposed groups. However, there is no significant relationship between noise level and stress responses among the workers because of the effective periodically hearing conservation practice that applied in the textile industry.

Vi

ABSTRAK

Industri tekstil sedang mengalami pembangunan pesat untuk memenuhi keperluan manusia dengan membekalkan keperluan pakaian dari masa ke semasa. Dengan perkembangan pesat, terdapat beberapa isu-isu yang berlaku dalam industri tekstil. Pencemaran bunyi merupakan isu yang paling serius antara isu-isu yang terdedah kepada pekerja disebabkan oleh mesin-mesin yang digunakan dalam proses penghasilan yang mungkin menyebabkan impak stres dalam kalangan pekerja. Kajian im dijalankan dalam industri tekstil dengan lima puluh responden yang dipilih untuk mengakses hubungan antara pencemaran bunyi dan impaknya terhadap stres antara kumpulan terdedah and terdedah kepada pencemaran bunyi yang lebih rendah dalam kalangan pekerja. Data bunyi yang dihasilkan daripada alam sekeliling and bunyi individu telah dikumpul dengan menggunakan Sound Level Meter dan Personal Dosimeter masing-masing. Manakala, respon stres akan diakses dengan menggunakan Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) soal selidik. Berdasarkan kajian, walaupun wujudnya hubungan yang ketara (r = 0 .0864** , p<0.05) antara tahap bunyi daripada alam sekeliling dan tahap bunyi individu dan juga wujudnya hubungan yang ketara (t = - 6.045, p<0.05) antara perbezaan tahap bunyi individu dalam pekerja yang terdedah dan pekerja yang terdedah kepada pencemaran bunyi yang lebih rendah. Nanum begitu, tiada hubungan yang ketara antara pencemaran bunyi dan stres yang terdedah kepada pekerja industri tekstil kerana industri tekstil tersebut telah mengamalkan amalan pemulihara pendengran yang berkesan secara berkala.

VII

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

SUPERVISOR'S DECLARATION

STUDENT'S DECLARATION

DEDICATION iv

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS v

ABSTRACT vi

ABSTRAK vii

TABLE OF CONTENTS viii

LIST OF TABLES xii

LIST OF FIGURES xiii

LIST OF SYMBOLS xiv

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS xv

LIST OF EQUATIONS xvi

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.0 Introduction 1

1.1 Background of Study 1

1.2 Problem Statements 2

1.3 Research Questions 6

1.4 Research Objectives

1.4.1 General Objective 6 1.4.2 Specific Objectives 6

1.5 Hypothesis of study 6

1.6 Significant of Study 7

1.7 Scope of Study 7

1.8 Operational Definition of Variables 8

1.9 Conceptual Framework 9

VIII

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 Introduction 11

2.1 Background of Noise 11

2.2 Characteristics of Sound 12

2.2.1 Sound Wave 12 2.2.2 Sound Intensity 13 2.2.3 Sound Frequency 13

2.3 Noise Source in Textile Industry 14

2.4 Human Auditory System 15

2.5 Effect of Noise 17

2.5.1 Auditory Effect 17

2.5.1.1 Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) 18 2.5.1.2 Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS) 18

2.5.2 Non-auditory Effect 18

2.5.2.1 Annoyance 18 2.5.2.2 Sleep Interference 19 2.5.2.3 Cardiovascular Disease 19

2.6 Background of Stress 19

2.6.1 Definition of Stress 19 2.6.2 Stressors 20 2.6.3 Effects of Stress 20

2.7 Correlation between Noise and Stress 22

2.8 Noise Measurement 23

2.8.1 Noise Dose, D 23 2.8.2 Equivalent Continuous Sound Level, Leq 23

2.9 Noise Exposure Limit and Regulations 24

CHAPTER 3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.0 Introduction 25

3.1 Research Design 25

3.2 Study Area 25

3.3 Study Sample 26

3.4 Sampling Strategy, 27

ix

3.5 Data Collection Techniques 28

3.5.1 Walk-Through Observation and Interview 29 3.5.2 Area Noise Level Monitoring 29 3.5.3 Personal Noise Level Monitoring 30 3.5.4 Questionnaires 32

3.6 Data Analysis 33

3.7 Quality Control 33

3.8 Study Ethnics 34

CHAPTER 4 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.0 Introduction 35

4.1 Background of the respondents 35

4.2 Environmental Noise Monitoring 37

4.2.1 Noise Mapping 37

4.2.1.1 Weaving Department 38 4.2.1.2 Spinning Department for Wool and Cotton 40 4.2.1.3 Finishing Department 43

4.3 Personal Noise Level 44

4.3.1 Personal Noise Monitoring 44 4.3.2 Comparison of the individual noise level between exposed and low

exposed groups 45 4.3.3 Correlation between environmental and personal noise level 46

4.4 Stress Responses 47

4.4.1 Stress Level of the respondents 47 4.4.2 Comparison of the stress level between exposed and low exposed

groups 48. 4.4.3 Correlation between stress level and personal noise level that

exposed by the workers 49

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

5.0 Introduction 51

5.1 Conclusion 51

5.2 Recommendation 52

5.2.1 Recommendation to Noise Problem 52 5.2.2 Recommendation for further researcher 53

54 REFERENCES

APPENDIX

A Noise Exposure Questionnaire

B Stress Exposure Questionnaire

C Personal Noise Monitoring

D Factory Layout

E Pictures

F Gantt Chart

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62

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LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page

1.1 Noise Level in Textile Industry 4

2.1 Symptoms of Stress 22

3.1 Populations of Workers 28

4.1 Background of the respondents 38

4.2 The noise levels for each department 39

4.3 Equivalent Continuous Sound Level of the respondents 46

4.4 Comparison of the individual noise level between exposed and low exposed groups 47

4.5 Correlation between environmental and personal noise level 48

4.6 Stress Level of the respondents 49

4.7 Comparison of the stress level between exposed and low exposed Groups 50

4.8 Correlations between stress level and personal noise level that exposed by the workers 51

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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

1.1 Occupational noise exposure levels among industries in Malaysia 4

1.2 Type of industries of the occupational noise-exposed workers in Malaysia 5

1.3 Conceptual Framework 11

2.1 Pattern of Sound Wave 14

2.2 The types of Sound Waves 15

2.3 Structure of Human Ear 16

2.4 Essential Structure of Human Ear 17

3.1 Sampling Strategy 29

3.2 Data Collection Techniques 30

3.3 Sound Level Meter 32

3.4 Personal Noise Dosimeter 34

4.1 Noise Mapping for Weaving Department 41

4.2 Noise Mapping for Spinning Department (Wool) 43

4.3 Noise Mapping for Spinning Department (Cotton) 44

4.4 Noise Mapping for Finishing Department 45

LIST OF SYMBOLS

D Noise Dose

dB Decibel

dBA Decibel in A-weighting Filter

Hz Hertz

M Meter

n Number of Sample

LP Sound Pressure Level

Leq Equivalent continuous sound level

T Time Period

XIII

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

FMA Factory and Machinery Act

OSHA Occupational Safety and Health Administrative

SPSS Statistical Package for Social Science

PEL Permissible Exposure Limit

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

PTS Permanent Threshold Shift

US Temporary Threshold Shift

SPL Sound Pressure Level

SLM Sound Level Meter

WHO World Health Organization

FEA Federal Environmental Agency

DASS Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale

xiv

LIST OF EQUATIONS

Equation No. Formula

2.1 D=100C/T

2.2 D = (C 1 /T 1 + C2/T2 + ... + CN/TN)

2.3 TWA = 16.61 log (D/100) + 85

2.4 Leq = 10 + log 1ff (ti x 10L1/10 + t2 x 10 L2/10)

3.1 n0(t)2(p)(q)/(d)2

3.2 ni = 384 / (1+384 / population)

xv

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.0 INTRODUCTION

In this chapter will discuss about the background, problem statements, and

research objectives. Besides that, hypothesis of this study will be develops. Next, will

discuss about scopes of study, significance of study, operational definition of study and

expected results.

1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Noise is one of the most important environmental factors, which affects the

workers' health and efficiency (Noweir and Zytoon, 2013). Noise pollution is now

considered one of the main problems in urban areas: actually noise is one of the major

pollutants in both workplaces and living space (Tomei et al., 2000). This is due to the

increasing number of noise sources, such as the technological and industrial progress

(Caciari et al., 2013). Exposure to occupational noise, that is, unwanted sound, has been

linked with variety of adverse effects upon well-being over and above its obvious

relationship with hearing loss (Leather et al., 2013)

Stress defined as the acceptance resources of an individual, social system or

tissue system had been exceed or tax by any event in which environmental demand,

internal demand, or both (Victoria, 1993). Stress can be caused by unpleasant or

dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic

problems (Keshavarz and Mohammadi, 2011). According to Neely (2007), workers are

daily exposed to several factors such as noise, vibration and stress that can adversely

2

affect the performance of work, for example, the sound being produce from a piece of

equipment maybe be so loud and distract the worker and cannot hear an important

signal, by this may lead to a higher risk for accidents and injuries.

McDonald (1989) reported a dose-response relationship among blue collar

workers between occupational noise exposure and symptoms of psychological distress.

Based on (Bigert et al., 2004) statement, they mentioned that there 30 previous studies

regarding the interaction between stress and noise exposure, the studies include various

types of noise, such as occupational noise, traffic noise or aircraft noise. Psychological,

physiological, behavioral stress in people can be cause by the noisy environment and

influence sleep, work efficiency, performance, communication abilities (Sheeladevi et

al., 2006). In the blue-collar environment, noise can be a particular work stressor

(Tennant, 2001).

To protect the workers, Malaysia had established regulation to govern the noise

exposure that will be exposed by the workers, which is Factory and Machinery (Noise

Exposure) Regulations 1989, under Factory and Machinery Act 1967.

1.2 BACKGROUND OF PROBLEM

Textile Industries are developing rapidly to meet the necessities of human beings

by supplying the basic needs of cloth for day to day needs, for decoration purposes and

in the world's fashion. The growth of textile industry in accelerated in the early 1970s

when the country embarked on export-oriented industrialization. Malaysia's

manufacturing focus has resulted in the continued growth of the textile and apparel

industrial, according to Malaysian Industrial Development Authority (MIDA), the

government's industrial development promotion and coordination agency. While, based

on the information by Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), in 2011,

the textile industry was the 10th largest export earner, contributing approximately 2.3

per cent to Malaysia's total exports of manufactured goods. Exports of textiles and

textile products for the year 2011 were RM1 0.8 billion while imports amounted to

RM6.6 billion. Currently, the textile industry employs more than 68,000 workers.

3

With the rapid development, there are several issues that occurring in the textile

industry. Textile workers are exposed to cotton fiber, dust, noise and many hazardous

chemical by this the major occupational health issues had been raised in the textile

industries (Lu et al., 2013). Noise pollution is often most severely exposed by the

workers in textile industry (Lee, 1986). Low frequency large amplitude noise was been

chronically exposed by the textile workers (Cardoso et al., 2009). In the textile industry

have several work stations, which are from blow room to carding, spinning, winding,

warping, sizing, weaving, grey checking, desizing, bleaching and scouring, dyeing, and

lastly fmishing. An occupational noise survey had been carried out found that the sound

levels were highest in the weaving and spinning sections (Talukdar, 2001). According

to Lee (1986), ring spinning frame is one of the major noise sources in the textile

industry, the noise levels is range from approximately 90dBA to 1 OOdBA. Based on the

survey, the main cause of high noise level in the weaving and spinning section are likely

due to outdated old machinery, poor design and construction and crowding of the

workplace (Ashrafet al., 2009).

From Table 1.1, the report by (Basu, 2000), a retired General Manager from

Reliance Industries Ltd, the noise level in weaving department in textile industry is 100

- 120 dBA. While for spinning department, there are four types which are ring spinning

(90-100 dBA) , Schubert saizer spincomet rotor spinning (84 dBA), schlathorst

autocoro rotor spinning (85 dBA) , open end rotor spinning (100 dBA) . The rest of the

work stations just around 80 dBA to 100 dBA. According to Lee (1986), ring spinning

frame is one of the major noise sources in the textile industry, the noise levels is range

from approximately 90 dBA to 100 dBA. Although the sound exposure level is lower,

but still exceeding the limit the stated in the regulations.

4

Table 1.1: Noise Level in Textile Industry

Process in Textile Factory Noise Level (dBA)

Spinning:

Ring spinning 90-100

Schlathorst Autocoro Rotor spinning 85

Schubert Saizer Spincomet Rotor spinning 84

Rieter M2/1 Rotor spinning 86

Two for one twister 100-110

Open End Rotor spinning 100

Weaving 100-120

Source: Basu, 2000

Based on the data from (Tahir et al, 2014), noise exposure levels among

industries were 28% for 91-140 dBA and 72% for 86-90 dBA, it shows that all

workforces were at high risk (Figure 1.1). Among the industries, occupational noise-

exposed workers were known to be highest in the metal industry (2091) followed by

textile (631) and food (439), textile industry is the second largest industry that expose to

noise pollution (Figure 1.2).

091-140dBA

•86-9OdBA

Figure 1.1: Occupational noise exposure levels among industries in Malaysia

.

Source: Tahir et al, 2014

2500

2000

1500

1000

500

[I]

• Occupational Noise-

exposed workers

5

Metal Industry Textile Food

Figure 1.2: Type of industries of the occupational noise-exposed workers in Malaysia

Source: Tahir et al, 2014

"Stress" this term used today was invented by Hans Selye in 1936, who

described it as non-specific response of the body to any demand for change, everyone

react differently to stress and there is no specific definition of stress that everyone agree

on and is highly subjective (Marisa, 2008). Stress can be caused by unpleasant or

dangerous physical conditions such as crowding, noise, air pollution, or ergonomic

problems (Mohammadi, 2011). If noise exposure does interact with stress, then any

negative effect should be greatest under conditions of both high stress and higher noise

levels (Matthews et al., 1987). Occupational stress is a serious health hazard and will

affect the efficiency of operation in any company; higher level of stress at work will

have negative impacts on the immune system, exacerbating various medical conditions

including low bowel syndrome, headache, and musculoskeletal pain (Lazuras, 2009).

Nowadays, noise is a significant occupational hazard (Rachiotis, 2006). Therefore, this

study is conducted to assess the noise exposure and stress responses in the textile

industry.

1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1) What is the environmental noise level in various work stations in textile industry?

2) How is the correlation between environmental noise level and individual noise

level?

3) How the noise exposures interact with the stress response among the workers?

1.4 RESEARCH OBJECTIVE

1.4.1 General objective

1) To assess noise exposure and its effect towards stress among workers in textile

industry.

1.4.2 Specific objectives

1) To determine the environmental noise level in various work stations in textile

industry.

2) To compare individual noise level between highly exposed and low exposed

workers.

3) To assess the correlation between environmental noise and individual noise level.

4) To evaluate relationship between personal noise level and the stress responses

among the workers.

1.5 RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

1) The personal noise level among the highly exposed workers is significantly

higher than the low exposed workers.

2) There is a significant direct correlation between environmental noise and

personal noise levels.

3) There is a significant relationship between personal noise level and stress

responses.

7

1.6 SIGNIFICANCE OF STUDY

In general, this research provides information on the noise level that exposed by

the workers in the textile industry and its effects towards stress among the workers.

Besides that, this research also provides the information on the stress level among the

workers. Specifically, this research is beneficial to the following groups:

1) Textile Industry

The industry will have information on how much noise level that exposed by the

workers among the work stations in the industry and also the information on the

possible effeëts of noise towards the workers. Besides that, the information on

the stress level that faced by the workers also will be provided. Therefore,

the industry will be aware on the control of noise exposure to minimize the

adverse effect and to keep workers as far as practicable from the noise hazards.

2) Workers

The workers will have more knowledge on the effects of noise exposure and be

aware to protect themselves by following the safety work practices and wear the

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that provided by the industry.

3) Future Researchers

This research can be serveas another source of reference for the future research

studies on occupational noise exposure. More research study , in this field will

help to strengthen the findings and this research will be able to bring benefits to

others.

1.7 SCOPE OF STUDY

A comparative cross-sectional study carried out in a textile industry located in

Kuala Kangsar to assess noise exposure and stress responses among the workers. The

study focused on weaving and spinning process work station that produced highest

noise from the machine. Workers employed in weaving and spinning department have

been classified as highly exposed groups while those in administrative office as

8

comparative group. The monitoring were conducted using sound level meter and

personal dosimeters. Questionnaire been given to know the mental and physical status

of the workers towards the noise exposure exposed to them and measure their stress

level.

1.8 OPERATIONAL DEFINITION OF VARIABLES

1) Noise

Noise is generated from technological and industrial progress in textile industry.

The main sources of the noise for technological and industrial progress include

weaving and spinning work station.

2) Stress

According to Herroro (2012), stress is defined as a "complex phenomenon

involving stimuli, responses, and psychological processes that mediate between

them, it assumes that the stat of the organism is characterized by overexertion.

Stress level will be measured by using questionnaire, DASS.

3) Personal Noise Exposure

A measure of the total noise 'dose' received by the workers during the working

day, expressed in decibels (dBA) measured by using personal dosimeter within

hearing zone.

4) Environmental Noise Exposure

WHO defines environmental noise as "unwanted or harmful outdoor sound

created by human activities, including noise from road, rail, airports and from

industrial sites". It is measure by sound level meter. The reading will be record

by A-weighted decibels (dBA).

5) Physical Stressors

Physical stress is suffering by the body as a result of a stressful situation.

Physical stressors include pollution, excessive noise, physical injury, lack of rest,

drug use, and excessive dieting or exercise.

6) Psychosocial Stressors

Psychological stress is what you feel when you are under pressure or having

difficulty coping with a situation or stimulus. Psychosocial stress is the result of

a cognitive appraisal of what is at stake and what can be done about it. Source of

psychological stress can be any situation that produces an emotional response,

whether it is an actual experience or one that you perceive to be real.

7) Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms are a perception, feeling, or even belies about the state of our

body (Pennebaker, 1982). The symptoms included anxiety and tension,

uncontrollable worrying, insomnia and headache.

8) Psychosocial symptoms

Human emotions and the context of change in the life-pattern of an individual

referred as psychosocial symptoms. Difficulty in sleeping, loss of appetite or

excessive appetite, fatigue, and aches and pains included as physical symptoms.

9) Behavioral symptoms

Behavior is an action or reaction to the environment or to internal thoughts and

emotions. Behavioral symptoms include overeating or not eating, increased or

decreased sleeping and increased drinking or smoking.

1.9 CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Figure 1.3 demonstrated the conceptual framework for this research which

intended to study the noise exposure and stress responses in textile industry. The

subjects were based on the workers that exposed to the excessive noise. The

environmental and personal noise level was measured by using sound level meter and

personal dosimeter. While the stress responses were assessed by using questionnaire.

Besides, it contributed the idea on the effect that results from the excessive noise

exposure. The effects were categorized into auditory and non-auditory effect. The main

effect that study in this research is stress responses that occurred among the workers.

10

Noise Exposure in Textile Industry

Non-auditory Effect I I Auditory Effect

Sleep Interference F_ Hearing Loss

Annoyance I Cardiovascular

Disease

Stress [--->] Symptoms [-T-1 Physical

StressorsPsychosocial

Behavioral

Physical I I- Effect I

Psychosocial I L1 Low Productivity

I Job Dissatisfaction I

Costly to company]

Depressions

I I Studied variables

I I Variables did not study

Figure 1.3: Effects results from the excessive noise exposure

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.0 INTRODUCTION

This chapter will discuss on the background of noise, the human perception of

noise, how the human auditory system is and how human ears detect sound, the

characteristics of sound, the effect of noise, background of stress, the correlation of

noise and stress, and lastly the noise source in the textile industry.

2.1 BACKGROUND OF NOISE

Sound is a pressure variation, wave that travels through air and is detected by the

human ear while noise is excessive or unwanted sound which potentially results in

annoyance and hearing loss that can be from occupational or non-occupational sources

(Breysse and Lees, 2006). According to Hansen (2010), sound or noise is the result of

pressure variations, or oscillations, in an elastic medium generated by a vibrating

surface, or turbulent fluid flow. Sound propagates in the form of longitudinal as

opposed to transverse waves, involving a succession of compressions and rarefactions

in the elastic medium. When a sound wave propagates in air which is the medium

considered in this document, the oscillations in pressure are above and below the

ambient atmospheric pressure. A sound wave which consists of a pure tone only is

characterized by the amplitude of pressure changes, the wavelength, the frequency and

the period.

12

Human exhibit great ability to utilize sounds to recognize and monitor events in

their environment (Pastore et al., 2008). In hearing, human tend to systemize sounds

into auditory objects or stream and apply the principles of categorizing to separate those

components that are interested in from others (Department of Physics, 2002). Human

hearing depends on the competence of the ear and the neural system to perceive and

process variation in sound pressure. Frequency is sense by human as pitch. While, what

human can hear is the sound intensity and generally only a specific range of sound,

usually from 20 Hertz to 20000 Hertz. The factors that go into a sound are its intensity,

frequency and overtones.

2.2 CHARACTERISTICS OF SOUND

2.2.1 Sound Wave

Propagation, transmission, and reception of waves in some medium, most

commonly air is defined as sound (Brauer, 2006). A sound wave is produced when the

areas of compression and rarefaction travel in a medium; sound wave is the pattern of

fluctuation in the air pressure over a specific distance or time, is the pattern of changes

in air pressure (Talty, 2005). The pattern is shown in Figure 2.1. Sound wave may vary

in intensity and frequency, sound intensity measure the loudness of the sound while the

sound frequency determines the pitch (Wentz, 1998).