Date of Award

5-1973

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the maximum reduction of A-weighted noise produced by operations of woodworking power tools and machines on various materials by stringent implementation of proper machine maintenance practices within the woodworking laboratory.

Literature was surveyed to determine the depth and scope of the problem of hearing loss resulting from exposure to excessive noise produced by woodworking power tools and machines. An overview of studies in the areas of physiological and psychological effects of noise on humans and the control of machine noise were included.

The data were gathered and analyzed from operations of machines within the industrial arts woodworking laboratory at the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, North Dakota. Data were presented in tabular form accompanied by narrative summaries.

Conclusions drawn from the findings were that: (1) cherry produced the largest percentage (93. 8) of significant reductions when altering blade and maintenance conditions; (2) the table saw produced the largest percentage (97. 8) of significant reductions when altering the blu.de and maintenance conditions; (3) a majority of the machines and materials tested produced sound pressure levels in excess of the 8 hour exposure limit set by the Occupational Safety and Health Act; (4) alteration of blade condition produced a higher number of significant reductions than alteration of machine condition; (5) fifty-six (66. 6 percent) of the 84 tests reached or exceeded a level of significant reduction.

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