Gwangju School Cafeterias to Reduce Noise...Improving Kitchen Environments

Measurement at 118 Public Schools by June
Measures for Hearing Loss Prevention and Kitchen Equipment Improvement Also Planned

Gwangju Office of Education is taking steps to reduce noise in school cafeterias. This is a measure to ensure the health and safety of workers in the kitchens.

The Gwangju Office of Education will conduct noise measurements at school meal facilities until June.

The Gwangju Office of Education announced on the 17th that it will conduct noise measurements in cafeterias at 118 public schools by June.

The measurements will focus on work areas with high noise exposure, such as cooking, dishwashing, and food serving. A specialized institution certified by the Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency will visit the schools to conduct a detailed noise analysis. If the noise level exceeds the standard, noise reduction measures will be established for each school.

For cafeteria workers exposed to noise levels of 85 dB(A) or higher, the office will cooperate with the Gwangju Regional Employment and Labor Office Workers' Health Center to provide education on the prevention of noise-induced hearing loss, health counseling, and guidance on the use of protective equipment.

The working environment in cafeterias will also be improved. The city education office plans to gradually supply electric cooking appliances such as electric induction cooktops and electric ovens, as well as dishwashing equipment, by 2027.