Office Noise Control With Acoustical Soundproofing Products

Operable Walls
Operable walls are a set of panels which are interlocked and suspended from an overhead track on the ceiling. They are extended up to the floor and fixed with seals at the floor to provide acoustical separation. When they are retracted they can be stacked against the pocket in the ceiling. Extra rooms can be created by using an operable wall. Your available space can be divided by an operable wall for creating meeting rooms, function areas, extra offices, and even outdoor dining areas. They use a system of individual interlocking panels. Once these are in place they give the same aesthetics, quality, and sound reduction like a permanent partition wall. Noise reduction of up to 56dB can be achieved by having seals at the top and bottom of an operable wall, multiple infills having high performance, and a good panel assembly design. Each panel has vertical channels that have polymer inserts which act as an acoustic seal when the panels act as a wall. Panels are available in three thicknesses, 100mm, 85mm, and 110mm. It is dependent on acoustic rating (from 37dB to 56dB). Also, there are many ways of configuring or stacking the individual acoustic wall panels for giving full versatility on how the area is utilized.
Applications
The operable walls can be used wherever full utilization of room space is needed such as conference centers, hotels, offices, educational establishments, restaurants and cafes, training areas etc.
Operations
Retraction of operable seals make the panels glide quietly and easily along the unique aluminum overhead track system. For completing the acoustic sealing, the telescopic end panels will make it possible for the wall to be locked off. Easy operation and directional flexibility is provided by the track and carrier system. This allows stacking of panels in innumerable configurations.
Benefits of Operable Walls
• Individual panels can be stored away for maximum space utilization.
• For increasing acoustics, isolated aluminum frame construction is used.
• Unique track and carrier system ensuring easy and quiet operation
• For effortless operation, top and bottom seals can be operated.
• It has numerous panel stacking options for complete flexibility.
• High performance multiple infills for maximum sound attenuation.
• It is available in three panel sizes for accommodating a wide range of acoustic requirements.
• No floor track ensuring free threshold without obstruction.
• Extensive range of surface finishes can be applied.
• Suspension of movable, interlocking panels from an overhead track system.
• Sound rated panels for controlling noise effectively.
• It is available in individual (omni-directional) and paired (folding) and configurations.
• It can include access doors for easy entry and exit.
• Blends with the aesthetics of a room, similar to a permanent wall when extended.
• Available in a wide range of colors and finishes, including vinyl, fabric, veneer, chair rails, wood moldings, etc.
The above benefits of operable walls make it an obvious choice where permanent walls cannot be used.

Office Noise Control by acoustical Soundproofing Products

What’s that Noise? Office Environments

Millions of people all over the world spend more than 40 hours per week working in their office buildings. Unfortunately, a good part of this time is not spent productively by the employees because of disturbance caused by unwanted noise from inside and outside. It will be evident for anyone who has either worked in or even visited an office building, that the noises encountered there like clicking of keyboards, talking over phones with clients or between employees and blaring music are quite disturbing. But more disturbing are the noises from sounds transmitted from one room to another. This is the real problem to be tackled.

Sound and Building Design

It may be surprising to know that the real reason for sound transmission is the design and construction of the building itself. It can be seen that some buildings are designed such that the water pipes and parts of HVAC (heating and cooling) systems are laid along the ceiling. Also, to conceal these components a ‘drop-ceiling’ is added after walls are built. And then doors are fitted followed by finishing of the rooms. No thought is given to acoustics of the building. It is generally assumed that the main origin of sound transmission is the walls. The fact is that the speed of sound is so great that it is impossible to determine its exact location. Irrespective of location, anyhow, such sounds do disturb the work in an office and productivity apart from causing confusion.

How to Resolve the Problem?

To solve the problem, the first step is to identify the area where the problem generally exists. The selection of sound control materials and method will depend upon the nature and size of the space. For controlling echo and reverberation inside a room we can start with the ceiling. Tiles which can absorb sound on one side and with a sound barrier on the back side for blocking sound from outside and to stop sound leaving the room are considered ideal. There are several products available for sound absorption and for blocking. Door seals are to be used for office doors. Adjustable door seals are preferred. Door seals are the best solution to prevent sound leakage through gaps under the doors. Door seal kits are also available and they are easy to install and are durable. Flooring plays an important part in improving office environment. There is a wide variety of flooring acoustic materials and underlays to choose from. Acoustic adhesives and seals are used to treat corners and joints of walls, floors, doors, windows, and ceilings. Fabric-wrapped fiberglass panels made as per your requirements are best suited for sound reduction anywhere in the office. These panels with heavy vinyl core can be used to block sound.

Offices are enclosed areas that need a quiet environment for facilitating intelligible communication between employees and with customers as well as to ensure better employee health and productivity. To ensure this the best possible acoustic treatment of the office space is the solution.

Office Automation with Raised Access Flooring Office

Office Automation with Raised Access Flooring
Office automation with raised access flooring is the current trend in many business organizations and public offices which use extensive computer and telecom equipment. A raised access floor is an elevated floor above a solid substrate creating a hidden space for the passage of electrical and mechanical ducts cables, and channels for telecommunication and other services. Modern offices need automation of its activities and are dependent on supporting information technology and communication. The under floor service space provided by the raised platform facilitate power supply, data, voice, and HVAC, to the location where they are needed. This makes it possible for quicker layout alterations in offices and adapts to possible future occupier and new technology demands.
Areas where Raised Access Flooring can be used:
• General office area, Conference rooms/Auditoriums, Meeting rooms.
Raised access flooring is economical and provides flexible viable solutions for a wide range of business areas either in new build or renovation situations. Because of this raised access flooring solutions are often used in situations where there is demand for significant application of computer/telecom eqpt.
• Data Processing Centers and Call Centers.
Large computer facilities installed for processing of electronic data like financial information, customer information, etc.
• Telecom exchanges, Educational facilities, Distribution centers and Light and specialized industries where it is advantageous to have flexible under floor services.
Factors that Influence Raised Access Flooring
In the case of modern style of offices any future development is around the open offices and workstations. Frequent changes in the desk layout becomes necessary and this necessitates modifications in services. That means that the initial cable design and layout will have to be modified substantially. Every time such changes become necessary the distribution system will also have to undergo changes. Office automation with raised access flooring can save up to 50% in costs. The alterations required for implementing the changes in services is not complicated. You just have to lift a panel, make the changes in the cables and then replace the panel. This would not have been possible with the old system. The job of creating new floor trunking in the concrete sub floor, re positioning the slabs etc., are time consuming and messy.
Advantages
They are cheaper to build, flexible space, increased tenancy opportunity, lower operating costs with superior quality.
Occupier and Tenant Benefits are: Building obsolescence is avoided, improves quality of air and improves employee absenteeism, adapts to any technology changes and occupier needs because it is ‘future proof’. It improves productivity by a better working atmosphere.
Other benefits are: Generally most of the office space need anti-static carpet tiles but natural finishes can be used inside public areas and lobbies. Office automation with raised access flooring is amenable to any kind of floor finishes, including floor carpet tiles, natural material finishes and laminates.

Noise Pollution How to control It?

Noise Pollution
Noise pollution or noise disturbance is the troubling or excessive noise which will damage the balance or activity of human or animal life. The origin of most outside noise worldwide is principally caused by machines and transportation systems, aircraft, motor vehicles, and trains. The word environmental noise summarizes outside noise. Poor urban planning might bring about noise pollution, since side-by-side residential and industrial buildings may end up in pollution within the residential areas. Outdoor noise will be caused by building activities, machines, and music performances, particularly in some workplaces. Noise-induced deafness will be caused by outside (e.g. trains) or within (e.g. music) noise.
Causes of Noise Pollution
1. Industrialization: Industries mostly use huge machines that are capable of producing great deal of noise. Besides that, varied equipment like generators, compressors, grinding mills, and exhaust fans also participate in producing huge noise. Hence, you more likely have seen employees in these industries and factories wearing ear attachments to minimize the impact of commotion.
2. Poor Urban Planning: In developing countries mostly, poor urban planning also play a significant role. Crowded homes, fight over parking, huge families sharing small house, frequent fights over basic amenities ends up in sound pollution which can disturb the environment of society.
3. Social Events: In many social events noise is very high. Whether it is parties, wedding, disco, pub, or place of worship, people commonly break rules set by the native administration and create nuisance within the space. Folks play songs on full volume and dance until midnight that makes the condition of individuals living close pretty worse. You can see people in markets selling garments by making loud noise for attracting the attention of people.
4. Transportation: Sizable amount of vehicles on roads, underground trains, airplanes flying over homes, make significant noise and people find it difficult to accustom with it. The high noise ends up in a state of affairs whereby a standard person loses the ability to listen to properly.
5. Construction Activities: For activities in progress like construction of bridges, mining, dams, roads, stations, buildings, flyovers occur in practically all aspects of the world. These construction activities occur every day as we want a lot of buildings, bridges for accommodating a lot of people, and reduction in traffic congestion. The drawback is that construction equipment makes a lot of noise.
6. Household Chores: People use gadgets extensively in their daily life. Gadgets like mobile, TV, pressure cooker, mixer grinder, vacuum cleaners and more are minor contributors for producing the amount of noise.
Effects of Noise Pollution
In humans high noise levels will contribute to cardiovascular issues, hearing problems, sleeping disorders, health issues, and trouble in communication. Animals will be forced to leave their usual habitat due to the impact of noise pollution resulting in usable habitats becoming unusable, endangered species may become extinct due to this.

Noise Pollution Solutions Tips and Gudiance

Noise Pollution Solutions
Noise pollution solutions are needed since noise pollution is risky and in modern life escaping from noise is impossible. Noise pollution causes many health problems like hypertension, annoyance, tinnitus, hearing loss, sleep disturbance, high stress levels, aggression, etc. You can soundproof your home if needed for getting some peace and calmness. You and your family can be healthier and happier if you take measures for preventing noise pollution.
Different Noise Pollution Solutions
Tree Plantation
Noise pollution can be effectively controlled by planting trees and shrubs around the sources creating sound. The dense trees and shrubs block the passage of sound. For living peacefully trees can be planted in the enclosing locality.
Soundproof Homes
For blocking undesirable noise from outside, soundproof windows and doors can be installed. In the event that you stay in populous city locality these soundproof alternatives are significant for complete unwinding.
Loudspeaker Prohibition
In public areas loudspeaker is the main reason for noise pollution. For the welfare of the general population it ought to be banned at any expense. Strict laws ought to be enforced against individuals who violate the law and play loudspeakers in populous localities and public places.
Factory Location
Industries and factories must be located at distant places from the residential areas. Sound detectors should be installed for helping in analyzing the frequencies of sound regularly.
White Noise Machine
For defeating the impacts of noise pollution the most recent technology is utilizing white noise machine. This device changes the intolerable noise into a pleasing sound. A white noise machine is put between the receptor and source of noise. It creates soft sound like that of a fan, waterfall, and soft music.
Machine Quality
There should be an optimization of the quality of machines for reducing sound production. The machinery needs to be lubricated and serviced for minimizing noise generation.
Other Noise Pollution Solutions
At home noise pollution is due to usage of television sets and music systems with high volumes. Rather than playing these devices with the high volume; keeping it at moderate level is better.
Noise can be effectively managed by wearing ear protection during work in noisy conditions. There must be proper maintenance and checking of factory machines and vehicles from time to time. There will not only be an increase in noise levels due to lack of maintenance but also the efficiency of these machines will be decreased.
Aircraft noise will be reduced if the top of the roof has sound insulation.
A layer of wood or plasterboard has to be added to the dividing wall for protecting yourself from the noise caused due to neighbors.

By following the noise pollution solutions mentioned above you can control noise pollution to a great extent.

Noise Control Solutions – The Best Outcome For Everyone One of the major reasons of hearing loss is noise at work,

Noise Control Solutions – The Best Outcome For Everyone

One of the major reasons of hearing loss is noise at work, and contributes to higher turnover of staff, increase in absentee rates, and lower productivity. Thus if noise at work is not resolved it will become very expensive for the employer. All the applications available for control of noise at the workplace can be considered cheaper than what your business will cost you if left unattended. Around the world in many countries Workplace Health and Safety Laws need that noise levels are assessed, and where they have to take appropriate steps for reducing or completely eliminating the problem. And once again, for excess noise levels not being addressed and non compliance with the relevant laws cost would be high in comparison to the cost of fixing everything.

Noise Levels

A busy road creates a noise level of around 85 dBA. In many countries where legislation exists, in the workplace the allowable exposure to 85 dBA per day is 8 hours. The problem is that any level of sound around that must be considered as unacceptable noise, for example a disco emits approximately 100 dBA, a chainsaw 110 dBA and a jet engine 1120 dBA. Only exposure of 4 hours is allowable at 88 dBA and half an hour at 97 dBA. In a day considering all the noise created in your workplace or factory, almost it is certain that noise control of some form will be needed.

Noise Control

Many sources have guidelines for helping you in deciding if there is a noise problem in the working environment. If you decide that there is need for undertaking proper assessment, for going about this, one of the most efficient ways is hiring an acoustic consultant for undertaking a comprehensive Noise Assessment. Many suppliers and manufacturers of noise control products are qualified for undertaking noise assessments. A very efficient way to do this is to hire the services of an organization. After the assessment has been done, the supplier or manufacturer can then recommend what actions to take and also supply any solutions for acoustic control. The equipment and techniques available presently for helping in noise reduction does not end: soundproof window, acoustic curtains, attenuators, acoustic foam, and baffle silencers, for mentioning a limited few. Suppliers and manufacturers of noise control products can supply you with equipment that can be installed by yourself or a complete service will be provided, of quote, supply, and fit according to whatever suits you.

Considering all this, it can be easily concluded that ensuring that all possible action has been taken by your workplace in reducing noise levels is a cost effective and sensible step in the right direction.

Noise Control Requires High Quality Acoustical Rubber Components

Noise Control Requires High Quality Rubber Components

Noise control plays an important part in several different applications. Noise dampening is a critical factor in ensuring that the customers can experience the best outcome, but many manufacturers find it difficult to achieve it. Generally, controlling noise will amount to controlling vibrations as well. This is where rubber parts of high quality will be highly valuable.
The Right Rubber Is Important
Obviously, all rubber parts are not of the same quality. The market is full of rubber parts of different quality and types. The specific function of the part within your machine or application will determine the type of rubber most suited for your requirement. For example, the two most commonly used materials for manufacturing rubber parts for control of noise and dampening of vibration are natural rubber and neoprene. However they are different in the sense that though they both can isolate sound, natural rubber is considered better for situations where the temperatures less than 150 degree Fahrenheit. Also natural rubber is more prone to damage in the presence of oil or other corrosive fluids. On the other hand, Neoprene is capable of withstanding temperatures higher than 180 degrees Fahrenheit, and can also resist the attack of corrodible liquids like oil.
The Right Design
Vibration produces noise; but it is not easy to control vibration because it involves complicated process. You have to know full details about what forces are acting in your application or mechanism so that the right control method can be chosen. For instance, there are designs that withstand compression better, whereas there are others which can withstand and dampen shearing load better. There are others that are good for both situations. The right design is important whether it is cylindrical, pads, compression, strips, conical mounts, square mounts, grommets or plate mounts. All of them work well for vibration dampening and noise control but in different ways.
Custom Design Possibilities
Using a pre-manufactured rubber product for your noise control and dampening requirements may not meet your specifications and may lead to failure. With custom design you are sure about the shape, design and size. Therefore choose reputed manufacturers of such products and entrust them with the job of supplying your needs. You may need rubber-to-steel or stainless steel-to-rubber bonded products apart from various other forms and sizes. Another advantage of working with a reputed firm is that their experience in the industry will help you in choosing the right solution that will meet your expectations.
As may be clear from the above choosing the right manufacturer for noise control rubber components of high quality will ensure long standing performance of the products besides enhancing productivity, employee welfare, and cost savings.

Noise Control in the Workplace is Essential and a Legal Requirement

Noise Control in the Workplace is Essential and a Legal Requirement

Noise control products can be used to control noise easily in the work environment where there is operation of machinery. At work noise can be a danger to safety in many ways. First of all noise exposure in the workplace can cause irreversible loss in hearing for those who work in the area. Secondly, exposure to noise constantly in the workplace contributes largely to stress. Thirdly, a loud noise can cause hindrance in communication between people, there can be instructions not heard or misunderstood, fire alarms not heard, and warning signals from machinery. The other dangers are exposure to too much noise and vibration levels can severely affect hearing and touch. If there is difficulty in people hearing what others talk, or for being understood have to shout at a one meter distance, there is likely to be damaging levels of noise.

Reduction of Noise in the Workplace

Every situation is unique and assessments are needed for being able to get the best results for reduction in noise for every situation. For example, presently you may have staff that wear personal hearing protection since nearby a loud piece of equipment is operational. An acoustic enclosure could be used with the right assistance and assessment from noise control experts. The piece of equipment has to be surrounded with sound absorption panels. This may create an environment where there is a comfortable noise level and at a personal level there is no longer need for staff to protect their hearing. When the acoustic enclosure is designed, temperature control, air exchange, and other necessary factors that enable your equipment to work best have to be considered.

Answers to be Found

Whether there is a noise problem in your workplace is worth considering, and these simple questions must be asked for you to be able in determining if steps have to be taken for eliminating the noise from your environment.
1. Is there an intrusion of noise like a busy restaurant or a vacuum cleaner for most of the day into your environment?
2. Does your voice have to be raised most of the day for carrying out a normal conversation around 2 meters away?
3. Whether your industry is one that is known to be noisy. E.g. Engineering, plastics processing.
4. Are noises there from operations like pneumatic tools, hammering taking place?
If your answer to any of these questions is yes, then noise control experts should properly assess noise in your environment. They will be able to manufacture, advise, supply, and install noise control products like soundproof doors, flexible noise control barriers, acoustic enclosures, baffle silencers, attenuators, modular acoustic panel, and much more.

Noise Control at School – Are Our Kids missing their Education?

Noise Control at School – Are Our Kids missing their Education?
This article is about acoustical problems related to educational buildings, how things have gone wrong and how to mitigate the situation by noise regulations. To give a simple example, assume that you are preparing for an important subject and the textbook that you are reading has several serious omissions which leave you in despair. Of course, you will go to the book seller and demand a refund. Similar situations exist in acoustically poorly designed classrooms. Every day this problem is faced in numerous schools all over the nation. Words of teachers do not reach the students and they miss out important words of their teachers in classrooms and lecture halls. There is no ‘refund’ possible in such cases and year after year students continue to suffer.
Noise Control Problems
Problems due to high noise levels could be because of student indiscipline but there are other reasons also for high levels of noise in classrooms. Two main acoustic problems are discussed below:
Excessive Noise and Reverberation
Both these problems are direct causes for speech interference – and speech is the critical element in teaching necessary to be preserved in education. Even the smallest of whispers can get magnified due to too much of reverberation creating a mess of sound caused by continuous reflections off the surfaces of the classroom. This raises the overall sound level of the classroom forcing the teacher to raise his or her voice even more so that he or she is heard. The raised voice of the teacher further makes the situation worse causing more reverberations and further loss of clarity of speech. Using a microphone can worsen the reverberation problem. If classrooms are not properly isolated, it can also lead to excessive noise. Open classrooms are not a solution either, because disturbing sounds from an adjoining classroom can easily enter the neighboring class.
Noise Control and Young Students
Noise control is important for hearing impaired students as well as normal ones especially young students. In the formative stages of a child this is all the more detrimental. Missing even one word in the class can affect the child’s learning progress. Even older students need better noise control. For foreign students studying in universities with English as medium of instruction it is very important that the lecturer’s words are intelligible and for that noise control is important.
One of the reasons why the classrooms are in such bad state is because those responsible like architects and educators are unaware of noise problems and the solutions. The problems would not have arisen if proper materials and methods for noise control were used at the early construction stages of the buildings. Our students would have been benefitted with better learning environment and quality of education paving way for undisputable benefits both socially and economically.

Noise at Work As we become old our hearing gradually gets worse

Noise at Work

As we become old our hearing gradually gets worse however what if working in an environment that is noisy make this occur quicker. Hearing loss and damage due to work is generally preventable and it is the responsibilities of the business owners to safeguard workers from the dangers due to noise at work. As soon as hearing has been damaged it’ll never return and the outcomes on the individual and their family may be damaging.

There is estimation from the Health and Safety Executive that about a million workers in the UK work with levels of noise that put their hearing in danger. Also it is reported that there was suffering from hearing problems for over 20,000 people in the last year and there is a belief that most are work-related.

The measurement of noise is in decibels (db) and begins from silent 0 db to 120 db or more in some industries. Exposure to noise levels that are low or moderate will possibly not cause much harm but there can be damage to the ear through continuing exposure to loud noise and therefore lessen hearing ability.

Noise Reduction

A duty is placed on business owners by the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 for taking action when the levels of noise reach particular limit. As is the usual practice in UK Health and Safety law you must finish a risk assessment and if there is possible exposure of your employees to harmful levels, for controlling the risks you have to implement an action plan. This means looking at alternative processes, making equipment quieter, or reduction in the exposure time of the staff to the noise. It is not just sufficient to give ear protection to staff and allow them to carry on as usual since this would be a violation of the regulations unless nothing else could absolutely be done.

Stopping damage to hearing will possibly work only if there is cooperation between business owners and staff and reduction of noise is made a priority. A noise reduction program is probably to consist of considering plant and machinery to see if it could be made quieter, provide instruction and information to staff on the way to safeguard their hearing and a scheme for health surveillance for monitoring staff hearing.

Periodic hearing checks are important for monitoring the effect noise has on staff and the employer will be given an opportunity for identifying any problems at the earliest and ensure appropriate support needed.

Conclusion

Hearing loss caused due to noise is yet a main health issue not being addressed by employers sufficiently. Being a business owner, providing ear defenders and a hearing test occasionally is not sufficient to restrain staff from hearing problems and for action lacking in your legal duties you being taken to court.