Monday, December 16, 2013

Basic Facts 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.

Sound blankets or sound curtains are some of the most popular choice of masking these environments. The blankets are fitted in the affected areas. They may be affixed onto the walls or the ceilings. They can alternatively be used to wrap equipment such as compressors, pumps and other heavy equipment. They have the main advantage of being effective and easy to use

Sound enclosure is said to be very effective as well. This method uses a number of steel panels that are fitted into the affected room. The panels are fitted in a manner that allows access of the affected environment by the workers. They are fitted with ventilation to allow for free flow of air. The floor of the room is usually left to be used for other purposes. Users may request for customised designs depending on their specifications.

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.

Silencers are another option that one may wish to consider. These are also known as mufflers or attenuators. They are used when the cause of the problem is excessive airflow. They are fitted inside the ductwork or mounted on the equipment itself. Related to the same is the use of composite foam which is also fitted inside the cabinets of machines and other noisy equipment. They are fairly simple to use.

There are many other options that can be used some of which require some improvisation. Duct lagging is a simple yet quite effective measure. In this method a noisy pipe or duct is wrapped using composite material. This material controls sound transmission through the walls of the pipe or duct.

The alternative to modification of equipment and structures is the creation of a quiet room. The quiet room or test enclosure is an important requirement of quality control departments. It helps keep the room free from noise pollution even when no other measures have been undertaken.

When noise pollution is not well controlled, it makes the working environment uncomfortable and poses a health hazard to the people who work in the environment. Proper personal equipment and environmental modification are needed. Affected persons need to undergo regular check-ups to ensure that they have not suffered hearing defects. The measures aimed at industrial noise control need to be assessed regularly to ascertain that they are indeed working.




About the Author:



No comments: