Controlling noise in the factories

In the USA, workers are safeguarded against the negative health effects of high level noise exposure through the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHSA) noise standards.

The standards prevent the workers from being exposed to noise levels surpassing an 8-hour time weighted average. Moreover, the application of a hearing conservation program is necessary for staffs whose 8-Hour noise exposure levels crossed 85 dBA.

Factory workers can be exposed to excessive noise levels due to working near high noise machinery. It is not uncommon for the workers in some factories to work in the areas where the noise level exceeds 100 dBA.

The use of personal hearing protection to accomplish the noise standards of OSHA is considered a last resort to be sued only after viable engineering and administrative noise control measures have failed to lessen the sound sufficiently. Hence, engineering and administrative controls are of basic essence.

Noise control measures for factories should meet the following criteria:

They should not block workers or substantially impact the way operators use the equipmentNoise enclosures and machine barriers can be an efficient way to lessen noise. Nonetheless, their design should not substantially impede workers or lessen productiveness. A challenge in factories can be designing efficient noise barriers that don’t block forklift paths or walkways.

They should be able to withstand working conditions in the factory

Any type of noise controlling measures should be designed for the environment in which they are placed. The materials from which the sound control is made should not be impacted by oil, dirt or water if these are prevalent in the factory. The material should be able to withstand impacts if placed in areas with high traffic.

They should maintain the dependability and productiveness of the machine and not cause malfunctions or engineering issues

Factory equipments should work as designed after any changes have been made to the equipment. The modifications should not lessen productiveness.

Enclosing the machines with acoustically rated sound enclosures can be a very efficient way of controlling noise. Nonetheless, this technique can limit airflow to the equipment and introduce overheating issues. Cooling systems might be necessary, which might themselves require noise controlling systems.

They should maintain visibility to the factory areas and equipments where necessary

Workers frequently have to visually inspect equipments while in operation. Noise controlling measures should not prevent visibility to the critical areas. Managers should be able to see into areas where staffs are working. Transparent noise control materials must be considered in areas where visibility is necessary.

The noise consultants specialize in estimating sound levels and designing noise control systems and sound blankets. A proper noise consultant will be able to design noise control measures while satisfying the above criteria. For that, you will be able to discuss your noise controlling requirements with the consultant to get the ideal solution.

Since 1998, O’Neill Engineered Systems has been specializing in the custom design and installation of noise control products and systems to help you control noise. We can provide on-site acoustic analysis,