Controlling Noise in Factories
In the United States, there are noise standards e.g., Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to protect workers from harmful health effects of exposure to high level noise. The standards are meant to safeguard workers from getting exposed to high level noise above an 8-hour time weighted average of 90 decibels (dBA). In addition to this, workers are also required to go through a hearing conservation program (including monitoring of hearing). It is necessary for employees whose noise exposure levels in 8-hour exceed 85 dBA. This type of safety standards are enforced in other countries as well. Factory workers are exposed to harmful levels of noise due to closeness to noisy machinery. It is known that in some factories noise level is higher than even 100 dBA.
Resorting to the use of ear plugs for hearing protection is to be the last attempt only if all other efforts to control noise within the accepted standard after implementing all other noise control measures have failed. That is why engineering and administrative steps to control sound are important.
Noise Control – Factories must Satisfy the Following Conditions
They must not cause any obstruction for workers in the use of the machine. Machine enclosures and noise barriers are effective methods for reducing noise; but their presence must not seriously hamper workers or affect productivity. Designing effective barriers for noise control without obstructing workers, for lift movement and walk ways is a challenge. They must be resistant to the rigors of working conditions in the workplace. Any noise control method selected must suit the environment in which they are going to function. The materials for noise control must withstand exposure to dirt, water, or oil which are common in the factory. Also they should resist the impacts of high traffic if they are placed in such areas. They must not affect the productivity and dependability of the machine and not lead to malfunctions or other technical problems.
Acoustic Enclosures
Though acoustically approved enclosures of machines can effectively control noise, there may be some airflow problems which may cause overheating of machines. To overcome this, you may need cooling systems, which in turn may need cooling systems themselves. Enclosures should not cause visibility problems near machines and other factory areas where visibility is important. In order to ensure visibility for managers to oversee work areas transparent materials may be used for noise control.
Conclusion
Noise consultants may be hired for assessing sound levels and advising on noise control systems. A competent noise consultant should be capable of designing the appropriate systems for noise control which will meet all the above conditions. Noise monitoring services are available to measure sound and vibration levels.