Noise

It was decided to carry out further measurements in 2007, to take statutory changes into account (Decree n° 2006 dated 19^th July 2006 and the Order dated 29^th July 2006).

This was carried out in partnership with the Occupational Health Department, and included:

-         identification of work stations where measurements were necessary,

-         carrying out noise measurements

-         identification of workers exposed to noise

-         seeking solutions in collaboration with crane drivers, particularly in the choice of individual protective gear (collective protection having already been set up where possible).

Measurements of the following positions were made by an occupational health inspector:

-         crane driver’s cabin

-         storage hoppers

-         tractors

-         workshops using drills, grinders, milling machines, etc

-         on board the tugboat (in the cabin and in the machine room).

The results of these measurements, which were made between April and October 2007, are summed up in the table below.

After the results had been analysed and solutions sought (including Occupational Health Department), each port employee was equipped with personal hearing protection:

-         that is customised to the person’s morphology, the earplugs being made from ear moulds.

-         that has customised acoustic filters according to the activity of the wearer, his need to communicate, the type of noise, his earplug wearing habits and his hearing capital as established by audiogram.

A training programme is given by the service provider in order to make the team aware of the mechanics of hearing, the detrimental effect of noise, legislation and the use and maintenance of the hearing protection supplied.