Especially for people working in the manufacturing business, controlling noise can be difficult. Our ears are very sensitive and an important organ in the body, but it is such practices as exposing ourselves to massive levels of noise that have adverse effects on it. Noise is an occupational hazard, causing noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus, lack of sleep, reduced productivity, and many more.
Additionally, excessive noise affects our cardiovascular system as it may trigger blood pressure among other health issues.
So, what are the measures to put in place to reduce noise?
Noise Reduction Strategies
There are various strategies company owners can use to reduce noise from different industrial and commercial equipment.
Let us delve into specifics.
- Installing sound walls
Engineers and contractors need to install a sound wall. Sound walls have a variety of benefits to both the workers and the community at large. This is especially true for people living near construction works or manufacturing industries.
Sound walls prevent hazardous levels of sound from disrupting the activities of nearby residents. Additionally, these sound barriers allow people to sleep better, be more productive, and prevent them from developing hearing difficulties.
As such, sound walls are a necessary precaution for noise pollution. They come in concrete walls or easily installable panels. Apart from their soundproofing, they also offer privacy and security to workers. For added curb appeal, sound walls come in different designs to suit your aesthetic needs.
- Enclose noisy machines
All machines have a legally acceptable noise level they should emit. So, to ensure your industrial machines are producing noise that is below the recommended levels, it is important to enclose the machines.
Depending on the commercial or industrial equipment you want to enclose, you might need a full acoustic enclosure or something less expensive. Acoustic barriers for less noisy pieces of equipment are also available.
- Re-evaluate the mounting of machinery
During construction and industrial processes, the use of machinery and other equipment may emit noise. The noise may be as a result of vibrations and sounds being emitted from places where the equipment is mounted.
How a machine is stored may play a huge role in the noise levels it emits. Whenever possible, introduce damping materials between the areas where the machines come into contact with the storage material.
If exhaust outputs are causing a noise problem, increasing the sizes of the pipes goes a long way in reducing noise pollution in the workplace.
- Employee protection is a must
Productive employees are a company’s most invaluable asset. To ensure an increase in productivity and for the employees to work in a safe environment, protecting your employees against the adverse effects of noise pollution is imperative.
Employees working in noisy environments should wear ear defenders. The same applies to anyone accessing the area.
To get an appropriate ear defender, evaluate the level of noise first. Ear defenders come in different qualities, with high-quality ones used in protecting the employees against harsher levels of sound.
