Every year noise is costing Americans millions of dollars. This
comes in many forms: decreased production rates due to the
physical stress of a noisy workplace; down-time from employee
sick leave days caused by Tinnitus or Industrial Deafness; and
legal claims and litigation against employer’s not meeting
government regulations.
Once a noise assessment has been
carried out, and the need to reduce exposure to noise is
established, the task of controlling the noise may be addressed.
Noise exposure levels should be reduced to or below, the
national standard, whenever practical. Even if the national
standard cannot be physically met, all practical measures to
reduce noise levels must be carried out. In cases where
acoustically treating the noise source is still insufficient in
reducing the exposure to noise to or below the National Standard
for Occupational Noise, employees should be supplied with and
wear effective personal hearing protectors.
There are two basic engineering noise control
measures for controlling noise levels:
- Engineering acoustic treatment of the source; and
- Engineering acoustic treatment of the noise transmission
path (including enclosure of the source and or operator and
the use of Mobile Acoustic Screens).
Studies have shown that excessive noise causes an increased
level of stress and a lack of concentration. Too much noise also
seriously disturbs communication in the workplace which can lead
to mistakes and decreased efficiency and effectiveness of
operations. Research also supports that noise pollution whilst
training leads to gaps in knowledge and educational errors. Not
only is noise dangerous to the ears but the inability to
communicate/hear machinery or warning signals is a potential
danger itself.
In the design of engineered acoustic treatments much
consideration is taken to ensure that the treatment is viable
and will not hinder production in any way. A Sound Stop
flexible acoustic curtain can also provide for access needs
while delivering required attenuation of noise levels.
By creating a quieter workplace employers will
benefit from::
- Increased employee morale
- Increases in productivity and efficiency
- Improved workflow
- Cost savings
The STEPS of noise control
The Hierarchy of Noise Control is a series of measures, set
out in priority of action that can be used to eliminate the risk
of Noise Induced Hearing Loss in the workplace. This order of
action is the backbone of almost all Health and Safety
legislation, guidelines, and standards, in America. Yet the
process constantly fails to be followed. Why is this so?
Simply, the concept starts with elimination of the hazard as
the preferred or number one option. The final or least preferred
action is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Elimination of the hazard is the ideal control situation. PPE is
the least desirable action as the hazard still remains and there
is considerable reliance on having the right PPE for the
requirement and ensuring its correct and consistent use.
There are many success stories supporting the elimination of
hazards. Unfortunately today, industry still mostly relies on
PPE as the first step of control. The consequences of this are
being felt today.
NOISE CONTROL
RDD Enterprises offers Noise Control solutions and advice for
all industrial sectors, specialising in Noise Control for
Manufacturing, Mining and Plant Equipment.
RDD's range of Noise Control products are carefully selected
to suit the exact Noise Control requirement, in most situations
Noise Control applications are all unique, requiring access,
vision, ventilation and other individual needs.
RDD is familiar with the regulations of Government Bodies and
Workplace Safety laws and can design the most practical and cost
effective noise control solution to meet the requirements of
these standards.
Noise control products include but not limited too.
- Noise Control Enclosures
- Noise Control Barriers
- Noise Control Curtains
- Noise Control Foams and Baffles
- And many other Noise Control solutions
Noise Control products are suitable for indoor
and outdoor applications. Common uses include,
- Machinery Enclosures,
- Generators,
- Pumps
- Press’s
- Saws
- Compressors
- Test Cells
- Many other items of plant and equipment