Evaluation of noise measurement and effects on operators during cutting operations with chainsaws

Determining the noise levels generated by chainsaws used in forestry production activities and evaluating their effects on operators is an important risk assessment issue in terms of forestry operations. The research was conducted within the boundaries of the Karacabey Forest Enterprise Directorate, Güngörmez Forest Enterprise Chiefdom, under the Bursa Regional Directorate of Forestry. In the field studies, three different chainsaws small, medium, and large were used, and noise measurements were taken at one-second intervals during tree cutting from the operator’s ear level. A total of 30 trees were cut with each chainsaw, and the data from the first 60 seconds of each cutting operation were analyzed. The data were evaluated using descriptive statistics, ANOVA, multiple comparison tests, correlation analyses, and the Fine-Kinney method. According to the results, the average noise levels of all chainsaws were above the legal warning limit of 85 dB(A) and, in most cases, above the 90 dB(A) danger limit. In particular, the large chainsaw produced higher noise levels. Previous studies have reported that exposure to high noise levels may pose health risks such as headache, balance disorders, and permanent hearing loss. Therefore, the use of hearing protection, limiting exposure duration, and preferring equipment with lower noise levels are recommended.