Industrial industries are known for being loud, but noise reducing curtains can help reduce the effects of noise pollution and lower the volume to a safe decibel level. In this article, we’ll discuss how sound absorbing curtains work and why they might be the solution your facility needs.
What is Noise Pollution?
Noise pollution is any sound that interferes with normal activities. That could include things like forklifts beeping in a warehouse to people yelling across a production floor. When you’re constantly exposed to high noise levels at work, it can interrupt your focus and, in some cases, can actually be dangerous. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to loud noises both increases the risk of accidents and can lead to things like hearing loss, which affects up to 16 percent of people who work in noisy settings. Noise reducing curtains can make a big difference in these figures by creating boundaries between loud areas and quieter ones.
What Are Noise Dampening Curtains?
Noise dampening curtains are a type of hanging curtain made from dense, multi-layered materials that absorb sound rather than letting it bounce around a room. They’re typically constructed of heavy-duty fabrics like vinyl, polyester, and fiberglass, sometimes with added insulation layers in between.
How Do Sound Absorbing Curtains Work?
Sound is a vibration that travels through air in the form of waves. When those waves hit a hard surface like a wall or a floor, they bounce back and create an echo. In an industrial space filled with hard surfaces, this creates a noisy environment of bouncing sound waves.
Sound absorbing curtains work by interrupting this process. Their thick, porous material helps trap and dissipate the energy from sound waves, which lowers the overall volume in the room. The more surfaces you cover with these curtains, the greater the sound dampening effect, and they can reduce noise to safe decibel levels.
Why Decibel Levels Matter
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the safe decibel level for an eight-hour workday is 85 dB. Anything above that, and you’re putting your hearing at risk. For context, a typical conversation is around 60 dB, a vacuum cleaner is about 70 dB, and industrial machinery can easily hit 100 dB or more.
If your facility consistently exceeds safe decibel levels, your health and safety could be at risk. Noise dampening curtains can help lower the ambient noise to safer levels.
Where Can You Use Noise Reducing Curtains?
Noise reducing curtains are versatile and can be used in many settings. Install them in warehouses to block off noisy equipment areas or separate work zones, in factories to create quieter work areas without building walls, in offices to reduce echo in open-plan spaces, or in any type of facility to add privacy. They’re easy to install, usually on tracks or rods, and they’re also easy to reposition by sliding the curtains out of the way or into new places. This flexibility makes them ideal for settings where things change frequently.
Why Do You Need Noise Pollution Curtains?
Many facilities struggle to control noise levels from things like equipment and machinery. Here are some reasons why your facility might need noise pollution curtains.
To Meet Regulations
OSHA enforces permissible noise exposure levels to keep workers safe. If your facility exceeds these levels, it can result in penalties and put employees’ hearing at risk.
To Improve Productivity
Studies have shown that exposure to noise can disrupt concentration and lead to decreased productivity. Installing noise reducing curtains can help reduce the effects of noise pollution to improve productivity.
For Safety Reasons
Exposure to high noise levels over time can cause stress and hearing loss. Installing noise reducing curtains in your facility can help keep workers healthy and safe.
To Improve Morale and Focus
Facilities that have both noisy and quiet operations, like offices near manufacturing zones, can benefit from heavy-duty sound curtains, which separate noisy areas from quieter ones. For example, if your industrial facility has an employee break area, noise reducing curtains can create a buffer between that space and the noisy shop floor. Employees get peace and quiet, which can improve morale and focus.
For Privacy
Beyond noise, these curtains also provide a physical visual barrier. That’s great if you want to separate work zones, hide cluttered storage areas, or create a sense of privacy.
How to Choose Sound Absorbing Curtains
Ready to get started with sound absorbing curtains for your facility? Here are a few tips to help you choose the right curtains.
Look at Current Noise Levels
You should start by assessing the decibel levels in your facility, which you’ll use to choose curtains that provide enough noise reduction.
Consider the Material
Look for curtains made from high-quality materials like mass-loaded vinyl and fiberglass. These curtains will hold up over time.
Review Installation Requirements
Consider how and where your curtains will be installed. You will likely need to choose between ceiling-mounted tracks and freestanding frames, though if you’re in a facility with unique requirements, there are also customizable options.
Consider Customization
If your facility has unusual dimensions or noise challenges, opt for customizable curtains that are made for your needs.
Set a Budget
Determine your budget. While sound absorbing curtains are more affordable than permanent options like building walls, the price will vary depending on how many curtains you need and their material.
Learn More About Singer Safety’s Noise Pollution Curtains
If your facility is producing a lot of unwanted noise that’s affecting your workers’ health, safety, and productivity, sound absorbing curtains are a great tool. They reduce noise in a wide range of settings, are cost-effective, and can give you the flexibility you need for many projects.
At Singer Safety, we take pride in helping our customers create quieter, safer facilities that benefit both their workers and operations. Ready to get started? Our experts can help you determine which system is best for you. Contact us today to learn more.
