Noise control systems play a critical role in workplace safety. Noise can often be overlooked as a workplace hazard, but an average of 22 million American workers are exposed to potentially damaging Noise at work each year. Awareness and education are the first steps to reduce the risk of hearing damage. Understanding noise control myths vs facts and noise control benefits is crucial to creating and maintaining a safe work environment. Singer Safety Company understands the importance of noise control systems across every industry. We can easily distinguish noise control myths from facts and work to create the ideal noise control systems for any environment.
Deep Dive: Noise Control Myth vs Fact
The world is a noisy place, and job sites are no exception. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented the hearing conservation standard before some of the chemical exposure regulations became standard. Even though OSHA’s noise exposure regulations have been in place for over 40 years, there are still a lot of misconceptions about Noise and the need for noise protection. Here are some common noise control myths vs facts.
Noise Control Industries
Myth: Only manufacturing of construction workplaces are at risk for excessive noise exposure.
Fact: All industries are noise control industries. Even daily life poses risks of excessive noise exposure. Mowing the lawn, concerts, baseball games, a baby crying, constant phone ringing, and conversational chatter can all be part of annoying and even dangerous noise exposure. Noise control impacts all industries. While some industries and environments, such as construction sites, factories, and aircraft hangers, are at higher risk, even office spaces are not risk-free. Prolonged exposure to Noise over 85 decibels can cause hearing loss. A leaf blower and snow blower average around 105 decibels, trucks or even loud shouted conversations can be around 90 decibels, and a car horn is 110. Heavy machinery and equipment found in specific industries and environments increase the risk of excessive noise exposure.
Impacts of Exessive Noise
Myth: Hearing loss is the only health impact of loud noises
Fact: Loud noises can negatively impact mental health and lead to physical problems, including increased heart rate, blood pressure, reproduction issues, and sleep deprivation. The negative impacts on physical and mental health caused by noise exposure also lead to an increased risk of workplace accidents, injuries, and mistakes.
Common Misconceptions About Noise Control Systems
Myth: All noise control systems work for any environment
Fact: A Common misconception about noise control systems is that any noise control method will work interchangeably for any workplace or environment. However, noise control systems and materials are designed for specific environments and desired outcomes.
Different products and configurations are used together to create the most productive noise control system for the specific environment. The acceptable level of Noise also varies across environments. A recording studio needs to be practically silent, while noise control systems in a warehouse are intended to simply reduce and muffle the amount of Noise.
Personal Protective Equipment
Myth: PPE offers enough noise reduction
Fact: Depending on the level of noise exposure, PPE may be required in addition to noise control systems. Limiting noise exposure at the source is the first step in ear protection. PPE should be used in addition to sound isolation and absorption as needed to ensure compliance with noise level regulations.
Types of Noise Control Systems
Noise control technology and methods include sound absorption through foams, noise barriers to isolate sound at the source, and tools to reduce vibrations causing Noise. Singer Safety Company is a leader in manufacturing noise control systems, and understands the noise control benefits in any industry.
Acoustic Foam
Acoustic foam is one of the most versatile pieces of noise control technology. The foam absorbs Noise, preventing excessive Noise from reaching employees and customers. Foam paneling is used to line machines, equipment surfaces, and enclosures. Acoustic foam is also used to line walls, doors, and other surfaces. Singer Safety offers high-quality convoluted (cone-shaped) and fat surface foams.
Ceiling Baffles
Ceiling baffles are ideal for environments such as warehouses with high, open ceilings. Ceiling baffles are installed suspended from the ceiling to absorb sound and reduce noise levels. Singer Safety manufactures ceiling baffles with quilted fiberglass materials or poly-covered fiberglass. Both options are proven to minimize Noise.
Acoustic Screens
Acoustic screens are also called sound-absorbing panels or dividers. They absorb sound waves to reduce echo, revertabration and overall Noise within a space. Singer Safety’s soundproof modular acoustic screens are versatile barriers used to isolate Noise and protect workers in nearby work areas and protect them from hearing damage. The screens can be easily rearranged and connected for maximum flexibility.
Fiberglass Panels
Fiberglass panels are sound-absorbing panels made from fiberglass material. They offer noise absorption, noise cancellling capabilities, and help to reduce Noise. Fiberglass panels care be used to isolate noisey machinery and devived sections of a workspace. Fiberglass panels are often used to supplement acoustic screens and ceiling baffles. Singer Saftey Company manufactures both one-sided and two-sided panels to provide the level of protection you require.
Additional Noise Control Tactics
Noise control systems are not the only way to reduce Noise and protect employees and customers. Administrative adjustments, personal protective equipment (PPE), and proper maintenance of machinery and facilities all contribute to the overall noise control benefits.
Administrative Adjustments
Employers and managers can implement administrative changes to help reduce the impacts of excessive Noise. Adjusting schedules so louder machinery operates during lighter shifts, or rotating employees to limit noise exposure for individual employees can help reduce excessive Noise.
Personal Protective Equipment
Employers should provide PPE, such as earmuffs and ear plugs, to employees as extra protection. PPE should be used in addition to noise control systems and administrative adjustments, and not as a stand alone level of protection.
Maintaining Machinery
Proper maintenance of machines, equipment, and facilities can work to reduce excessive Noise. Maintaining, cleaning, and lubrication of equipment can reduce the friction and vibrations that cause excessive Noise. Proper organization and cleanliness of the facility work to improve overall safety in the workplace. When possible, consider purchasing newer machinery designed to operate on a quieter level.
Singer Safety Company
Singer Safety Company has been manufacturing industrial safety equipment since 1950. Singer Safety has national recognition and a focus on the niche area of “Industrial Barrier Protection.” Our products are most often used in retrofit applications and are designed to protect against industrial hazards such as heat, dust, flak, sparks, flash, molten metal, and unwanted Noise. Singer understands noise control myths vs facts, as well as the common misconceptions about noise control systems. Our knowledgeable team is ready to help all noise control industries determine the best methods for their specific needs and noise requirements.
