A Fuzzy Approach for Modelling the Effects of Noise Pollution on Human Performance

Abstract

In this paper, an attempt has been made to develop a fuzzy model for determining the work efficiency of humans as a function of noise level, exposure time, and the type of task. The modelling technique is based on the concept of fuzzy logic, which offers a convenient way of representing the relationships between the inputs and outputs of a system in the form of IF-THEN rules. It has been established on the basis of surveys that the impact of noise on work efficiency depends to a large extent on the type of tasks. The complex tasks get significantly affected even at much lower noise levels whereas the simple tasks remain unaffected up to very high noise levels. In addition, the duration of noise exposure is an important factor in determining the work efficiency. Finally, we have compared our model results with the deduction based on the criterion of Safe Exposure Limit recommended for industrial workers.