Conducting a noise control assessment in the workplace is the first step in identifying the risk of excessive noise exposure. Occupational noise exposure can cause temporary and permanent hearing damage, increased stress and fatigue, and sleep issues. Understanding noise control results leads to implementing proper noise reduction tactics, procedures, and training.
How to Tell if You Need a Noise Control Assessment
Noise control assessment should be completed every two years. If it’s been over two years since an assessment, or the results from the last assessment cannot be found, it’s time to complete a new assessment. Employers should also contact noise audits after rearranging the workplace, installing new machinery, expanding the facility, or any other changes that can impact noise levels.
Other indicators of needing a noise level assessment include ringing or humming in your ears after leaving work, or more frequent cases of tinnitus (constant ringing sound in the ear). If employees need to constantly shout or raise their voices to talk to a coworker less than an arm’s length away, the environment may be too loud.
If any employee reports temporary hearing loss, especially without a clear outside cause, it is time for an assessment. Similarly, if any employees bring up concerns about the work environment being too loud, it is time to conduct a noise audit and make adjustments. The time and effort needed for a noise assessment is better than paying fines for being out of compliance with OSHA noise regulations or dealing with workers’ compensation for injured employees. Regular noise control assessments create and maintain a safety-focused environment.
Basics of a Noise Control Assessment
The specific noise control procedures depend on the industry and workplace specifics, such as the structure and organization. If your facility has a designated health and safety officer or similar position, they are the best people to conduct the assessment. The basics of any noise risk assessment include:
Identifying Noise Sources
The assessment should list and identify sources of high noise levels. This list can include specific machines or equipment or areas and zones of the workplace. Note where and when noise sources are at their loudest.
Exposure Levels
After identifying noise sources, the assessment needs to determine who is at risk for excessive noise exposure. The assessment should include what employees work with that equipment or in that zone and for how many hours. Noting what personal protection equipment is used is also important.
Noise Control Tools
A noise control assessment needs to include any noise control procedures and methods that are in place. Is noisy machinery isolated with acoustic screens? Are acoustic foam lining machines reducing vibrations? Does the facility have ceiling baffles installed to absorb noise?
Noise Control Results
The results of a noise assessment include the risk levels, current noise reduction tactics, and suggestions for improved noise control. Ranking noise sources and risks by priority based on noise level and exposure level can help employers determine what to adjust first. Assessment results should be shared with employees, and stored somewhere easily accessible for future reference, and future assessments.
Noise Control Tools for Assessment
Employers do not even need any fancy or expensive equipment to conduct a noise control assessment.
Noise Meters
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) sound level meter app is available for iOS devices. Professional, highly accurate sound meters can cost multiple hundreds of dollars, but simple, basic sound meters are available for under fifty dollars. These may not give the most accurate noise control results, but they can provide a close guess and a starting point for your workplace noise control procedures. Exposure to any noise at or more than 85 dB over an 8-hour period can be damaging. OSHA requires the implementation of a hearing conservation program when noise exposure reaches those levels.
Noise Assessment Checklists
In the day and age of the internet, there are a variety of noise control assessments and noise exposure risk checklists available for employers. Many of these checklists are general and designed for all industries, but there are some specific for environments that may have a higher risk of noise exposure such as construction.
SafetyCulture’s checklist is based on the Health and Safety Executive from the UK’s recommendation and advice but is universal across continents. Depending on the environment and needs, employers and managers can adapt or develop their own checklists based on specific risk areas in the industry.
Implementing Noise Control Systems
After completing a noise assessment and identifying areas needing noise reduction, the next step is implementing noise control systems. This might include installing new noise reduction methods, rearranging current ones, or upgrading a current one. Combining noise control systems with employee education, training, and personal protective equipment is the best way to maintain compliance and workplace safety. Singer Safety Company manufactures a variety of noise reduction tools.
Acoustic Screens
Acoustic screens act as versatile barriers to isolate noise and protect workers in nearby work areas from excessive noise and potential hearing damage. Acoustic screens offer flexibility in installation and adaptability to fit the space and environmental needs. These screens are made from sound-absorbing material and can be used around noisy machinery to limit the sound.
Ceiling Baffles
Ceiling baffles are designed to absorb sound in large, open rooms such as plant and warehouse floors. Ceiling baffles are manufactured with quilted fiberglass material or poly-covered fiberglass and are proven to control noise. Ceiling baffles reduce even more noise when used in conjunction with other products.
Quilted Fiberglass Panels
Sound-reducing panels, made from fiberglass with a quilted outer layer, offer excellent noise absorption. Quilted fiberglass panels provide noise-canceling capabilities for machinery, walls, and doors. Typically, the panels are used to supplement acoustic screens and ceiling baffles. These panels are lightweight and semi-flexible and best used as a suspended barrier.
Acoustic Foams
Acoustic foam is a versatile noise barrier solution that focuses on noise absorption. Acoustic foam can be used to line machine surfaces, walls, doors, and enclosures in order to absorb industrial noises. Acoustic foam can adhere to a variety of surfaces, making it a flexible option for noise reduction.
Singer Safety Company
Singer Saftey is your partner in noise control. Once you identify your workplace’s risks, our team is ready to help you determine the best solutions. Our knowledge of occupational noise extends across different industries and environments, from manufacturing facilities, marine docks, the food industry, automotive repair shops, and even airplane hangers.