REPORT NO : JBE002/8/2015/AfroIndiaNoise: August 2015 SUBJECT : Site noise survey DATE : 12 August Prepared for: AfroIndia Elsie River Industria

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1 REPORT NO : JBE002/8/2015/AfroIndiaNoise: August 2015 SUBJECT : Site noise survey DATE : 12 August 2015 Prepared for: AfroIndia Elsie River Industria. Prepared by: JBenviroservices CC P.O. Box 11056, Rynfield, 1514 Tel: info@jbenviroservices.co.za Copyright of this document vests in JBenviroservices. The whole or any part or extract of this document may not be reproduced in any manner or from published or adapted without prior written consent from JBenviroservices cc. This document is to be referenced as follows: BODENSTEIN, Noise Report AfroIndia/ JBenviroservices, Report no. JBE002/8/2015/AfroIndiaNoise: August 2015, Elsies river, Cape Town, 13 p. 1

2 Contents 1. Executive Summary 2. Scope of work 3. Methodology 4. Instruments used in the survey 5. Audible noise sources 6. Applicable noise standards 7. Measurement points 8. Results 9. Discussions of results 10. Conclusion/recommendations 11. References 12. Annexures 2

3 1. Executive Summary JBEnviroservices was requested by the company Jeffares & Green(PTY) Ltd to conduct a noise baseline of the ambient noise levels on the fenceline of the company called AfroIndia situated at number 2 14 th Street, Elsies River, Cape Town ( the Site ). It was further under stood that the noise sources inside the premises of AfroIndia be identified, measured and where required to provide recommendations on the reduction of noise levels on site and to ensure compliance with SANS of 2008 The Measurement and Rating of Environmental Noise With Respect To Annoyance and Speech Communication, with special reference to table two of the said standard that refers to the maximum acceptable rating level for ambient noise for industrial areas of 70dBA for day and night time readings. Reference is also made to the Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, promulgated (Government Gazette No 22499) under Section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 with regard to the noise sources and noise measurements obtained inside the factory. AfroIndia is the pioneer in the trading and recycling of ferrous, non-ferrous, and other scrap metals. Since its inception in 2001, AfroIndia is serving its customers with solutions and services in processing and export of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals and the growing demand of recycling and processing of ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metals. They specialize in loading and export of containers of loose scrap metals. The factory is situated at number 2 14 th Street, Elsies River, Cape Town and in an industrial zoned area surrounded by various small and medium size industries, residential areas. 3

4 2. Scope of work Determining the noise levels on the fenceline of the site as according to SANA of Determine the impacts from the identified noise sources from inside of the premises on the fenceline of the site as according to SANS 10083:2013 Edition Provide a noise assessment report. 3 Methodology The survey was conducted using a calibrated Casella X63, type 1, Integrated Sound level meter that is compliant with the IEC 61672: 2002 / EN (Electroacoustic - Sound Level Meters) IEC (Sound Level Meters), ANSI 51.4: 1983 (Specifications for Sound Level Meters). A windshield was placed over the microphone to prevent the impact of wind on the microphone and the batteries were fully charged. The acoustical sensitivity of the sound level meter was set at 94 db (A) and re-checked with an externally calibrated before and after the measurements. The acoustical sensitivity of the sound level meter was satisfactory since the two measurements coincided within 1 dba. "Sound level meter" means a device measuring sound pressure while it is set on frequency "F" time weighting and indicates the result in dba; The range of the sound level meter was set on a A weighted frequency band, on fast and between 20 db (A) and 100 db (A) to ensure that the low and high noise levels are measured. 3.1 The occupation noise has been done as according to the requirements under SANS 10083:2013 Edition 5.2 the measurement and assessment of occupational noise for hearing conservation purposes. The maximum exposure limits for noise are provided in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act No 85 of 1993). Employees who are exposed to noise rating levels higher than the specified limit (85 dba for a continuous 8 hour exposure) are at risk of developing noise induced hearing loss. Methodology continue In accordance with statutory requirements, an employee can be exposed to the 85 dba for 8 hours per day. Because noise intensity effectively doubles for every 3 dba increase, 82 dba is half the prescribed sound level pressure of 85 dba. As such, an employee can be exposed to 82dBA for 16 hours per shift without suffering any adverse health effects. In terms of the OHSAct, a baseline noise survey must be followed up by repeat noise surveys every two years (refer Statutory Requirements). 3.2 The environmental noise measurements were done according to the requirements as stipulated within the SANS code of "The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication". 4

5 4. Instruments used in the survey A calibrated Casella x63, type 1, Integrated Sound level meter was used for all the measurements. 5. Audible noise sources identified during the time of the measurement. Table 2: Audible noise sources Noise from the inside of the factory, electric motor fan of the pressing units, impulsive noise from the handling of Ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Road traffic noise from 14 th road and Epping roads Air craft noise 6. Applicable Legal Standards 6.1 The Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, promulgated (Government Gazette No 22499) under Section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 are of reference to this survey. In particular, the following regulations apply: Regulation 3: states that no employer or self-employed person shall require or permit any person to enter any workplace under his/her control within which the person will be exposed to noise at or above the 85dB (A) noise rating limit. Regulation 6: requires an employer or self-employed person to assess his/her undertaking in order to determine if any person may be exposed to noise which is at or above the noise rating limit. Such an assessment must be undertaken within 6 months of starting the operation and must be reviewed at intervals not exceeding two years. Regulation 9: requires that an employer or self-employed person ensure that: (a) where the exposure to noise is equal to or in excess of the noise rating limit, that workplace or part thereof is zoned as a noise zone (b) a noise zone is clearly demarcated and identified by a notice indicating that the relevant area is a noise zone and that hearing protective equipment must be worn (c) no person enters or remains in a noise zone unless he/she wears the required hearing protective equipment (d) the reason is identified why noise exposure is equal to or in excess of the noise rating limit and that action is taken, as soon as reasonably practicable, by means other than hearing protective equipment, to lower the noise levels below the noise rating limit. Applicable Legal Standards continue 5

6 6.2 SANS of "The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication". The standard refers to the measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect annoyance and speech communication with specific maximum acceptable noise levels for noise districts as per table 2 of the SANS. In this case the site is situated within an industrial area with the maximum allowable ambient noise of 70dBA during day time and 60dBA during night time. Noise from a point source attenuates at a rate of 6 dba per doubling of distance from the source- inverse square law. The sound level meter was placed on a tripod at 1.5 above the ground level and at least 3, 5 meters from walls and other reflective barriers and or materials. Atmospheric conditions such as precipitation, wind fluctuations, temperature, relative humidity and wind gradients (with altitude) may have an effect on the sound levels and how it s perceived by the residents the nearby residential area. The said conditions have been measured with a kestrel handheld metrological analyzer and the conditions as measured at the time of the assessments was recorded as follows: Table 1 Meteorological data Temperature C Wind speed m/s Barometric pressure kpa Relative humidity % Day time Night time Although precipitation was experience in the late afternoon after the readings for the day time has been done, the abovementioned meteorological conditions did not had any negative impact on the measurements and readings of the noise survey. Day time as according to SANS of 2008 is set from 6h00 to 22 h00 and night time between 22h00 and 06h00 the next morning. The decibel is logarithmic therefore the decibel levels cannot be added together in the normal arithmetic way, for example, two sound sources of 50dB each do not produce 100 db but 53dB, nor does 50 db and 30 db equal 80 db but remains 50 db. Applicable Legal Standards continue 6

7 Distant source a sound source that is situated more than 500 m from the point of observation equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq, T), in decibels the value of the A-weighted sound pressure level of a continuous, steady sound that, within a specified time interval T, has the same mean-square sound pressure as a sound under consideration whose level varies with time. It is given by the equation L Aeq T, 10 log t 1 t 2 1 t t pa ( t) 2 p o dt Where LAeq, T is the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level, in decibels, determined over a time interval T that starts at t1 and ends at t2; Po is the reference sound pressure (po = 20 μpa); and PA (t) is the instantaneous A-weighted sound pressure of the sound signal, in Pascal s. Impulsive sound characterized by brief excursions of sound pressure (acoustic impulses) that significantly exceed the residual noise initial noise the component of the ambient noise present in an initial situation before any change to the existing situation occurs. Impulsive noise was experience on the inside of the factory only. Intelligible speech that can be understood without undue effort low frequency noise sound, which predominantly contains frequencies below 100 Hz nearby source a sound source that is situated at a distance of 500 m or less from the point of observation. No specific noise source with a frequency below 100Hz could be identified during the time of the assessment. Residual noise the ambient noise that remains at a given position in a given situation when one or more specific noises are suppressed. The residual noise as measured for the area at SP1 of 56dBA. Specific noise a component of the ambient noise which can be specifically identified by acoustical means and which may be associated with a specific source NOTE Complaints about noise usually arise as a result of one or more specific noises. Ambient sound level means the reading on an integrating impulse sound level meter taken at a measuring point in the absence of any alleged disturbing noise at the end of a total period of at least 10 minutes after such meter was put into operation. 7

8 7. Measurement points Table 2 Noise measurement points NOISE MEASUREMENT SAMPLING POINTS: AFROINDIA SP '1.14"S 18 34'5.60"E 14th st infont of gate SP '0.89"S 18 34'6.36"E Inside factory SP '59.74"S 18 34'5.88"E Infront of factory SP '2.88"S 18 34'4.62"E Next to Epping St. at residential area SP '57.94"S 18 34'6.31"E Cnr 14th and 8th Rds SP '0.30"S 18 34'7.21"E 16th Rd behind factory SP '58.97"S 18 34'6.94"E Inside factory 8

9 8. Table 3: Noise levels L Aeq during day and night time AFROINDIA PTY LTD 14th Street, Elsies River, Cape Town M/point Date Time LAeq LAmax LAmin Address Noise Cal Dev Limit SP :10:59 AM th st infont of gate Ambient noise with plant closed SP :12:35 AM th st infont of gate Ambient noise with plant running SP :08:19 AM th st infont of gate Ambient noise with plant running SP :10:58 AM Inside factory Noise from press and grap excavator running SP :01:21 AM Inside factory Noise from press and grap excavator running SP :15:02 AM Infront of factory with door open Noise from press and grap excavator running SP :35:15 AM Next to Epping St. at residential area Road traffic noise and air craft noise SP :00:51 AM Inside factory Noise from handling of materials SP :08:57 AM Inside factory Noise from handling of materials SP :12:36 AM Inside factory Noise from handling of materials SP :18:36 AM Inside factory Noise from press SP :30:36 AM Infront of factory Ambient noise with plant running SP :45:36 AM Cnr 8th and 14th rd Road traffic noise and noise from adjacent factories SP :02:36 AM Cnr 8th and 14th rd Road traffic noise and noise from adjacent factories SP :12:36 AM th Rd behind factory Road traffic noise SP :12:36 AM th st infont of gate Night time noise level SP :25:36 AM th st infont of gate Night time noise level Notes: LAeq is the equivalent noise rating level measured in A Weight and is the only measurement rating level with a legal requirement as per applicable noise act and Regulation, in this case for industrial areas maximum of 70dBA during daytime and 69 dba during night-time. LAmax is the maximum noise rating level during the period of measurement. LAmin is the minimum noise rating level during the period of measurement Graph 1: Day and night time noise levels inside factory. 9

10 . Note: Noise level inside the factory are less than the 85 legal limit. Graph 2: Fenceline ambient day time noise levels. Note: No exceedance of the acceptable noise level for industrial were found. Graph 3: Fenceline ambient night time noise levels 10

11 Note: Ambient night time noise level of 45dBA is slightly exceeded but not due to the plant activities Picture 1: Google earth picture with noise levels super imposed over picture to indicate the possible noise attenuation. Note: The graph illustrates the possible attenuation of the noise from the source taken in to account that sound pressure is reduced with 6dB with every doubling from the source. The nearest residential area is approximately 50 meters from the fenceline of the premises. Noise reduction over of 12dBA for every 25 meters is estimated. No noise impact from the current site operations can be expect on the nearest residential area. 9. Discussion of results: 11

12 In accordance with statutory requirements, an employee can be exposed to the 85 dba for 8 hours per day. Because noise intensity effectively doubles for every 3 dba increase, 82 dba is half the prescribed sound level pressure of 85 dba. As such, an employee can be exposed to 82dBA for 16 hours per shift without suffering any adverse health effects. Several noise readings at measurement points SP2 and SP7 inside the factory has exceeded the 82dBA that triggers a warning of excessive noise inside the factory due to the noise from the pressing units, the handling of the ferrous and non-ferrous material and the grab excavator. Measurement points SP1, SP3, The results in front of the factory did not reveal exceedances of the acceptable rating level for the day time noise level for industrial noise zoned areas of 70dBA. It also did not reveal any significant impact of the noise levels inside the factory on the ambient noise levels. Measurement point SP, 4 was measured at less than the 70dBA but did provide an indication of the impacts of the road traffic noise during day time. The two night time readings also revealed no impact from the activities on site and the acceptable ambient noise rating level of 70dBA for industrial area. Measurement point SP5 on the corner of 8 th and 14 th road was also within the acceptable noise rating level of 70dBA during day time. The main audible noise sources at the time of the measurements was from the road traffic noise in 8 th road, air craft noise and noise from the adjacent industries. Measurement point SP6, behind the factory and next to 16 th road did not reveal an exceedance s of the acceptable noise rating level of 70dBA. The main noise source was that of heavy traffic on 16 th road. 10. CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATIONS The noise measurements were conducted to determine if there is an exceedance of: 10.1 The maximum allowable noise limit of 85dBA as stipulated under the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 The noise measurement levels measured inside the factory revealed that there is not an exceedance of the legal maxima of 85dBA and no impact on the hearing loss of the workers is expected. However several noise readings at measurement points SP2 and SP7 inside the factory has exceeded the 82 dba noise level that triggers a warning of excessive noise inside the factory due to the noise from the pressing units, the handling of the ferrous and non-ferrous material and the grab excavator. It is a recommended all the workers are provided with ear plugs. It is also recommended that the necessary warning signs be provided at the entrances of the factory. CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATIONS continues 12

13 However the attention that the current operations as is will be change to that of an aluminium foundry. Measurements results received from the applicant with regard to noise level as measured at a similar plant situated in India are as follows: Table 3 Noise measurement levels India site Noise from factory in India Current noise levels as measured by the client sorting melting dross processing bailing 76 to 86 inside, 76 outside the yard on road Comparing the noise results of table 3 with regard to the maxima legal requirement for occupation noise the noise levels at the sorting, melting, dross processing and bailing processes may be exceeding the maximum legal limit for occupational noise at the different process. This measurements as mentioned in table has been received from the client and is disputable since the methodology used and variable taken in consideration is unknown. The 92dB reading is also disputable and will have to be verified after the installation and commissioning of the plant. However declaring the factory as a whole as a noise zone area will be imperative to ensure compliance with the OHS act. All entering the plant will have to be provided with the required hearing protection and the necessary safety information boards must be provided at all entrances. All workers will have to submit to an annual hearing tests as part of a hearing conservation program. All staff must be trained in the aspects of noise impacts and safety requirements The SANS of "The measurement and rating of environmental noise with respect to annoyance and to speech communication" with an acceptable day and night time noise rating level for industrial areas of 70dBA. The ambient noise levels as measured at measurement points SP1, SP3 revealed compliance with the acceptable rating level of 70dBA during day time and no negative impacts from the existing operations inside the plant. The measurement result at point SP4 also revealed that the adjacent residential area is also not negative impacted by the noise generated from the inside of the factory. The two night time noise readings at measurement points SP1 revealed that the current operations during night time is not negatively impacting the acceptable ambient noise level. The baseline for the ambient noise levels are well within the acceptable ambient noise level for industrial noise districts and under the current conditions no addition noise mitigation is required. CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATIONS continues As explained the current operations as is will be change to that of an aluminium foundry. Measurements results received from the applicant with regard to noise level as measured at a similar plant situated in India are as follows: 13

14 Table 3 Noise measurement levels India site Noise from factory in India Current noise levels as measured by the client sorting melting dross processing bailing 76 to 86 inside, 76 outside the yard on road Table 3 is measurements obtained from an aluminium foundry situated in India. The owners of the site attend to replace the current process on the site from a ferrous and non-ferrous scrap metal dealer to that of an aluminium smelter. The measurements results received revealed that an ambient noise levels of 76dBA can be expected on the outside of the building that will bring about an exceedance of 6 dba of the maxima legal requirement of 70dBA during day time and an exceedance of 16 dba on the maxima of 60dBA during night time. Comparing this exceedance with table 2 of SANS with regard to the estimated community response it is most likely that complaints during the night time can be expected (ref. to table 4 hereunder) and noise mitigation will be required. Table 4: Table 2 of the SANS10103 of 2008 on Community response Excess (ΔL Req,T ) a dba >15 Little Medium Strong Very strong Estimated community or group response Category Description Sporadic complaints Widespread complaints Threats of community or group action Vigorous community or group action The said intrusion will have a definite noise impact on the night time since the measured ambient noise levels during nigh time has been measured at between 38 and 47 decibels Comparing this results to table 2 above strong community response noise can be expected and mitigation will be required to reduce the noise level at source. Variables to take in to account is that it is not known under which conditions the said measurements were taken, the distances from the source, meteorological and topographic conditions that could have impact in the noise measurements. However for the purpose of this study and to make sure that the ambient noise levels will be manage within acceptable limits the aspects of noise mitigation with the aim of noise reduction is imperative. CONCLUSION/ RECOMMENDATIONS continues Considering the acoustically properties of the building the following preventative noise mitigation measures are recommended to ensure that the activities inside the factory will not have a negative impact on the ambient noise levels: 1. Any night time operations may only be done indoors with the entrance doors closed that will result in a 3dB 14

15 noise reduction. 2. All doors must be fitted with rubber seals at the bottom part to ensure that the door and floor service is acoustically sealed, expected noise reduction of 3dBA. 3. All windows must be provided with acoustical louvers with a noise reduction of at least 6dBA. The abovementioned mitigation measures will provide a noise reduction of 12dB that will ensure that the ambient noise levels will be within acceptable levels. As mentioned under point 10.1 it is recommended that a follow-up noise assesment be conducted after installation and commissioning of the new plant. The following additional noise mitigation inside the plant is recommended should the follow-up assessment requires it. 4. DAMPING providing of rubber floor sheeting with a noise reduction coefficient of 40% in the areas where aluminium will be handled and sorted. All bailing equipment and presses must be fitted on rubber padding to reduce the vibration and noise impacts from the units. There are many types of off-the-shelf anti-vibration mounts available, for instance rubber/neoprene or spring types. The type of isolator that is most appropriate will depend on, among other factors, the mass of the plant and the frequency of vibration to be isolated 11. References SANS of 2008 The Measurement and Rating of Environmental Noise With Respect To Annoyance and Speech Communication. The Noise Induced Hearing Loss Regulations, promulgated (Government Gazette No 22499) under Section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of ecommendations.pdf 12 Annexures: Annexures A 15

16 DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE - PRACTITIONER Name of Practitioner: Jan Adriaan Bodenstein Name of Registration Body: Health Professions council of SA SAIOH (Occupational Hygiene Assistant) Professional Registration No.: HI HI SAIOH: 1241 Declaration of independence and accuracy of information provided: I, Jan Adriaan Bodenstein, declare that I am independent of the consultant. I have the necessary expertise to conduct the assessments required for the report and will perform the work relating the application in an objective manner, even if this results in views and findings that are not favourable to the applicant. I will disclose to the applicant and you ever is authorised with all material information in my possession that reasonably has or may have the potential of influencing any decision to be taken with respect to the application. The information provided in this noise assesment report is, to the best of my knowledge, in all respects factually true and correct. I am aware that the supply of false or misleading information is a criminal offence in terms of section 51(1) (g) of the Act. Signed at Benoni on this 4 day of September 2015 SIGNATURE Member CAPACITY OF SIGNATORY Annexures B: Calibration Certificate 16

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19 Annexure C: Pictures of noise measurements conducted. SP1 SP2 SP3 SP7 SP5 SP4 SP6 19