Important Aspects On Industrial Noise Control

By Eugenia Dickerson


Excessive noise in the work place is a common problem that is not just a bother but a health hazard as well. Noisy equipment in the workplace includes vacuum pumps, blowers, compressors, stamping presses and air handling equipment. There are a number of options of industrial noise control that are currently available for use. The choice of method is dependent on the amount of masking that is desired. It is common for two or three of these methods to be used in combination.

One of the measures that can be put in place is the use of sound curtains. Specially designed curtains or sound blankets can be fitted in areas that are identified as being excessively noisy. Heavy machinery, compressors and pumps can be wrapped in the blankets of appropriate sizes. The main advantage of blankets is that they are effective and easy to work with. They also make access of noisy environments easy for the workers.

Sound enclosure has been established to be one of the most effective methods of bringing unwanted noise under control. Enclosure is done using several steel panels. These panels are fitted in a manner that permits access to the environment by the worker possible. They also make it possible for fitting of ventilation. The floor is usually left free for other uses. It is possible to request for customised designs from most designers.

Sound barrier walls are some of the few options that can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are the best solution for buildings in which roofed sound proofing is impossible or impractical. The materials that are used are mainly made of steel. Both panels and sheets are used here. Baffles are another simple solution for areas where sound enclosure is not possible. These are mounted onto the ceiling where they greatly enhance absorption.

Different designs of silencers are currently available. These are also termed attenuators or mufflers. They are used to control noisy environments related to airflow. Mufflers are mounted into the ductwork or onto the equipment. Composite foam is used in more or less the same way. The foam is fitted inside the cabinets of machines. Both silencers and mufflers are very easy to use.

There are many other solutions that are available. At times, one simply needs to do a bit of improvisation. A procedure known as duct lagging is a simple technique in which noisy pipes and ducts are wrapped in composite materials. The wrapping helps control sound transmission through the walls of the pipes.

Apart from targeting the specific equipment or the entire building, an easier option is to create a quiet room. The room, also known as test enclosure is masked to ensure that it is independent of the noisy environment. It is especially important for the quality control, QC, department where parts of production have to be tested.

Noise pollution causes great discomfort in the work place. It also poses a huge health risk to the people who work in such environments. The affected persons need to have proper protective gear to minimize the risk of suffering from hearing impairment. At the same time, they need to undergo regular medical check-ups to ensure that they are not affected. Measures that have been put in place for industrial noise control should be checked regular to ensure that they are always in a good state.




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