Occupational noise and solvent exposure in the printing industry

Abstract

The effects on hearing from occupational noise and solvent exposure in the printing industry were studied by measuring a selection of workers' personal daily noise dose and exposure to solvents and conducting audiometric tests before and after their shifts for the detection of hearing threshold shifts. Audiometric tests were inconclusive due to inadequate testing areas provided in each workplace. The results confirmed that where solvent exposure occurs high noise levels are usually also present. Of the noise dose measurements 53~0 exceededthe Statutorylimit of L~q,8h85dB(A). A further 9 % exceeded 140 dB Peak (Lin). Of the analysed solvents 22% revealed the presence of benzene of which 5% exceeded Worksafe Australia's exposure standard of 16m#m]. The lack of essentialinformationin MaterialSafety Data Sheets(MSDS'S)for substances used in the printing industry was highlighted. Manufacturerdsuppliers are required to provide accurate MSDS'S so that employers can discharge their obligation to provide information to their workers and enable them to use the hazardous substances safely.