Noise Control Measures Prioritization and Job Groups Identification Exposed to Hearing Impairments to Implement a Hearing Conservation Program in the Azar Oil Field

 Noise is the industry's most common occupational harmful factor. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify and prioritize occupational groups exposed to noise in an oil field.

 This cross-sectional study was started in the winter of 2021 by examining the job description of employees and performing dosimetry using the CEL-360 device. The sound pressure level distribution was measured using the Casella CEL device and based on ISO 9612-2009 (E). Using Surfer 21 and AutoCAD 2020 software, an isotonic map was prepared, and priority occupational groups and primary noise sources were identified using Noise Control Priority Index (NCPI). In stations with more than 85 dB sound pressure levels, noise frequency analysis was performed, and in the last stage, appropriate corrective action was presented according to the production process.

 The findings of this study showed that 16% of the area has the priority for control measures in the danger area, and 23.56% is located in the precautionary area. Operations were identified among the occupational groups with the highest NCPI score (1.5) to be prioritized in the hearing protection program.

 The present study results show that the combined sound pressure level, duration, and the number of exposed people can provide a suitable model for prioritizing voice control and identifying occupational groups in need of care in the hearing protection program.