A Study on Noise Environment near Rajindra Hospital and its Control

Abstract

Noise is one of the developing problems in our modern society. Traffic noise is the main source of noise problem. Noise has become a serious problem in the Rajindra hospital as complaints arise from people visiting the hospital. Noise studies and noise abatement standards are available to protect the health and safety of people visiting in the hospital. A – Weighted equivalent noise level (LAeq) in the area of hospital should not be more than 50 dB(A) because area of 100 m around the hospital is declared as silence zone by Central Pollution Control Board India (2000). But Sound pressure level more than recommended level in the area of hospital affects the health of patients as well as other staff members or people visiting hospital. These concerns have developed the use of barriers along the roadside to protect patients or other people in the hospital. Noise investigation was done at the emergency entrance inside the hospital and near the main entrance of hospital facing the emergency ward. Acoustical design of barrier having height of 6.4 m (21 ft) was obtained by using a nomograph to control the noise level inside the hospital Total achievable attenuation obtained from nomograph is 7 to 7.5 dB(A) including attenuation being already provided under the existing condition This attenuation is mainly provided by a wall of height approximately 3.6 m (12 ft) which already exists. As barrier height of 3.6 m (12 ft) is already existing, therefore additional 2.7 m (9 ft) barrier is required to get attenuation of 7.5 dB(A). Barrier is provided between the two entering gates of Rajindra hospital of about 215 m all along parallel to the highway. Certain regulatory measures will also be useful for attenuating more noise level. A strict implementation of smooth traffic flow would lead to a substantial improvement in the noise environment at the emergency ward entrance. Blowing of horn should be strictly prohibited, no overtaking of vehicles should be allowed in any circumstances. This would obviate of unnecessary acceleration, a speed limit zone be provided and make sure that people follow it strictly and the heavy vehicles like buses and trucks be rerouted, if possible will be very useful for attenuating noise if strictly implemented.