A noisy workplace can cause lots of issues for employees. Distractions can mean a loss of productivity and even lead to accidents. In addition, the noise can be damaging, resulting in hearing loss and other problems. Businesses need to be aware of their responsibilities here and the impact if they don’t tackle industrial noise. We want to help by providing some details about different ways to reduce exposure. Then, if you need an expert to design a bespoke industrial silencer for you, speak to us.
Administrative strategies
Sometimes noisy work environments are really difficult to tackle. If you can’t make many physical changes, you can look at ways to reduce the amount of time workers have to spend in loud areas.
One of the things you can try here is job rotation. For example, you could design the schedule so workers only spend a short amount of time in a noisy area before rotating out with a colleague. Break up the work day by ensuring they have periods working on tasks in quieter areas. It can reduce overall exposure and ensure it is less likely for workers to suffer permanent hearing damage.
Another thing you can do on the administrative side is schedule tasks carefully. For example, if possible the nosiest things should be done when there are fewer people on site. It means you expose as few workers as you can to the sound.
Engineering solutions
Modifying equipment or the structure are the most effective ways to tackle noise problems. For example, getting a bespoke industrial silencer can work wonders. You can design them for various needs, including different types of machinery and processes.
Acoustic enclosures or blankets can be really good at reducing industrial noise. You can use them to isolate equipment, preventing the sound from breaking out into other areas. There are many options here, including products that absorb sound and prevent transmission.
Finally, if the whole workplace is noisy, it can be a really good idea to install noise havens. This can be the best option if it is sites or facilities with limited space for other solutions or where there is so much machinery it would be impossible to silence it all. What you can do here is create havens where workers can go for respite and to do quieter tasks.
Maintenance
Thirdly, you can often reduce exposure to industrial noise by ensuring you have a proper plan for maintaining everything. Equipment and tools can get noisier over time because of wear and tear. Simple things like lubrication and replacing parts can make them quieter. Calibration to ensure alignment is important too, especially with rotating parts. At the end of the day, you should inspect and test the noise levels regularly.
Talk to Ventx if you need a reliable industrial silencer
Tackling industrial noise has been our goal for decades. We work with clients to ensure facilities are quieter, protecting their employees, other stakeholders, and the environment. It is more important today than ever before because of stricter regulations. Luckily, our wealth of acoustic and engineering knowledge means we are the ideal partner.
One thing you get with us is the guarantee we’ll provide a bespoke industrial silencer for each application. We use cutting edge acoustic modelling software to get an accurate idea of the noise level. Then, we determine the size and configuration of the silencer. This is vital because problems with sizing or design can actually make noise louder.
So, speak to us if you have a problem with industrial noise or want to ensure it isn’t an issue with a new facility.
