Noise assessment of motor-manual felling of poplar plantations using MASHOUF PSI 9700 chainsaw

Document Type : Research article

Authors

1 Ph.D. Student of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Someh Sara, Iran

2 Corresponding author, Professor., Department of Forestry, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Guilan, Someh Sara, Iran

3 Associate Prof., Department of Occupational Health, School of Health, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

4 Assistant Prof., Lab of Forest Utilization, Faculty of Forestry and Natural Environment, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece

10.22092/ijfpr.2023.362992.2112

Abstract

Background and objectives: Globally, chainsaws are extensively used for motor-manual tree felling and processing, making them a significant part of wood harvesting. However, this can pose a threat to the sustainability of forest operations from an ergonomic perspective. Chainsaw usage in logging operations is recognized as strenuous work, exposing workers to safety risks and harmful factors. The MASHOUF PSI 9700, a new chainsaw model, has gained popularity in the wood harvesting sector. However, the extent of ergonomic effects during its operation remains unexplored. This study aims to evaluate the noise exposure levels during tree felling using this specific chainsaw model in a poplar plantation in the western part of Guilan province, Iran.
Methodology: This study was conducted in Tanyan forest district number 2, located around Soumesara, Guilan province. The felling operation was performed using the MASHOUF PSI 9700 chainsaw in a poplar plantation. The forest worker involved had over 20 years of experience in poplar plantations. Field data collection spanned one working day, during which a total of 133 trees were felled. Sound level measurements during the tree felling operations were taken at 5-second intervals using a TESTO 815 sound meter, in accordance with the ISO 1996-1 standard. The sound was measured along the arm and at the height of the worker’s ear using the A-weighting filter with Fast time setting enabled, within the range of 80-130 dB. The sound levels recorded at each stage were averaged to obtain the average pressure level.
Results: The majority of the time consumption was attributed to tree felling, accounting for 46.02% of the total production time. The highest average sound levels were observed during the undercut (102.01 dB(A)) and backcut (100.46 dB(A)) work elements. The sound levels during the work elements of walk to tree, quire for felling, chainsaw refueling, technical delays, operational delays, and personal delays were 69.43, 72.62, 69.32, 87.10, 78.19, and 67.20 dB(A), respectively. Additionally, an increase in the diameter of the trees also led to an increase in the felling duration and the forest worker’s exposure to noise. Upon comparing the normal data related to the leveled sound curve and the permitted exposure times to these sound intensities, it was observed that the equivalent sound levels and the duration of exposure, in most cases, were below the allowed limits. This was evident for undercut, backcut, and the overall felling duration.
Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the MASHOUF PSI 9700 chainsaw exposes cutting workers to high noise levels. To mitigate the adverse effects of exposure to chainsaw noise, it is necessary to equip workers with personal safety equipment such as ear protection, consider taking breaks between tasks, and ensure timely maintenance of chainsaws. Furthermore, organizing on-the-job training courses focused on ergonomic topics and subjecting chainsaw operators to regular health checks may be crucial for early identification and prevention of hearing loss.

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References

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