Reducing sound pollution is an integral part of industrial workplace management. Excessive noise can lead to hearing loss, loss of productivity, and decreased overall well-being. Additionally, there are workplace regulations surrounding noise levels to consider. Singer Safety Company is the expert in industrial noise reduction. We understand the importance of noise barriers and how to determine the best noise barrier solution for any industrial environment.
What is Sound Pollution?
Noise pollution, unlike air pollution, is never visible. Sound pollution is considered any excessive or unwanted sound that can impact the health and well-being of humans or other living organisms. “Excessive” and “unwanted” noise can be subjective measures, but decibels are not. Decibels are how sound is measured. Anything over 85 decibels can cause harm with repeated exposure. Even everyday noises can reach that level – a lawn mower can average around 90 decibels, sirens can range from 120 – 140 decibels, and subway trains from 90 -115. Hearing protection is essential to everyone, but some environments are more prone to dangerous noise levels than others. Industrial environments such as warehouses, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers are prone to excess noise.
Industrial Sound Pollution
Every industry and every environment should understand potential noise pollution and what noise control solutions may be beneficial. Noise is unavoidable, but reducing sound pollution has a positive impact on the health, mentality, and general safety of employees, customers, and the general public.
In industrial settings, noise barrier solutions are necessary to reduce the impact of different types of equipment and machinery. Conveyor belts can produce around 110 – 119 decibels, forklifts operate between 85 – 100 decibels, and even a standard truck or a shouted conversation can reach 90 decibels, above the threshold for harm. Noise barrier solutions aim to reduce the impact of excess noise by muffling sound, reducing vibrations, and improving acoustics in an environment.
Importance of Noise Barriers
In everyday life, earplugs and earmuffs can help reduce sound pollution when doing yard work, attending a rock concert, or watching a fireworks show. Personal protective equipment, including hearing protection, is a vital asset to reduce the impacts of industrial noise pollution. However, PPE can only go so far. Implementing noise control solutions can improve the noise levels in the overall environment. Noise barriers play an important role in industrial workplace safety.
Noise barriers and noise reduction systems are vital parts of workplace and environmental safety. Not only is hearing loss a health concern, but there are also regulations in place regarding noise in the workplace. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employees to implement a hearing conservation program when noise exposure is at or above 85 decibels averaged over eight working hours. A workplace hearing conservation program can include the use of engineering controls and administrative controls in order to reduce the risk of hearing loss. Engineering controls include equipment modifications, installing sound barriers, and isolating sources of excessive noise. Administrative controls deal with changes in the schedule or space in an environment to limit exposure to harmful noise.
In addition to regulations and general health and safety, reducing noise pollution in an industrial environment can also improve productivity and efficiency.
Types of Noise Barriers
Noise barrier solutions come in different styles and are made from different materials. Different solutions and tools can be used to create a cohesive soundproofing system.
Acoustic Screens
Acoustic screens act as versatile barriers to isolate noise and protect workers in nearby work areas. Acoustic screens offer flexibility in installation and adaptability to fit the space and environmental needs. These screens are made from sound-absorbing materials 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 Noise Control Systems
Singer Saftey’s Sound Stopper Noise Control Systems offer flexible solutions to fit your environment, industry, and any necessary regulations. Our systems provide different methods to improve the acoustics of a space, providing noise and vibration control in industrial settings, and overall noise reduction.
The Sound Stopper Noise Control System includes modular acoustic screens, ceiling baffles, acoustic foams, and DIY materials, such as vinyl rolls and vibration-damping compounds, which can work together for the most effective noise reduction and sound control in any environment. Our expert team can help you determine which noise control products will work best for your business. Contact us today to purchase your own Sound Stopper Noise Control System!