This article will discuss the importance of noise control in factories and other industrial settings, particularly focusing on acoustic curtain benefits and the ways in which you can utilize them to their fullest potential. Noise pollution is incredibly harmful, and sound absorption can be a game-changing preventative measure.
What Is Noise Pollution?
Before beginning our discussion of acoustic curtain uses and ways to reduce noise pollution, it is important to first understand what noise pollution actually is.
Noise pollution is known as an invisible danger that can cause serious harm to both the environment and people. Sound is measured in decibels (dB), and when a sound becomes louder than about 85 decibels, it can be harmful to a person’s health. Sounds like power lawn mowers (90 dB), rock concerts (110-120 dB), and sirens (120-140 dB) can all be severely damaging. In industrial workplaces like construction sites, manufacturing plants, and more, noise pollution can be a serious concern.
Dangers of Excessive Noise In The Workplace
So, what kinds of harm can be caused by noise pollution in the workplace? These hazards are part of the reason why noise control efforts can become so vital. Here are just some of the hazards of excessive sound in the workplace:
- Hearing Loss: Prolonged exposure to noise pollution can cause serious hearing damage, either temporary or permanent, depending on the decibels.
- Stress: Excessive noise can cause a lot of stress or anxiety, especially if there is no way to get away from it or stop the sound from occurring.
- Reduced Productivity: Noise can also be severely distracting in the workplace; it can be difficult for workers to focus or work together when the noise is too loud, leading to reduced productivity.
- Impaired Communication: Additionally, when noise pollution is too high, workers can have difficulty communicating with each other, which can lead to other safety hazards and even damaged equipment.
These hazards are just a few of the reasons why sound dampening curtains are so valuable in industrial settings like factories.
How to Reduce Noise Pollution
The benefits of soundproofing materials and acoustic curtains are extensive; specifically, they are some of the best ways to reduce noise pollution in your workplace. In addition, you can ensure that your workers are wearing the proper PPE, like earplugs and headphones, when working with heavy machinery. However, typically, PPE is not enough on its own. Additional soundproofing equipment will be a serious help.
Types of Commercial Soundproofing
So, what kinds of noise control are at your disposal for commercial soundproofing? Here are some of the best soundproofing products for an industrial setting and how they can help your business.
Acoustic Panels
Acoustic panels are, as the name suggests, large panels made of a variety of different materials like foam, fabric, or even cork. They help diffuse and absorb excess sound to protect hearing and improve sound quality.
Ceiling Baffles
These are sound-absorbing tools that are hung from the ceiling; they are typically used in conjunction with other soundproofing equipment but help reduce bounce and improve sound quality.
Acoustic Blankets
These sound-proof blankets can be draped over loud machinery as a means of trapping noise before it spreads into the air and contributes to noise pollution.
Acoustic Foams
Singer Safety Acoustic foams are panels made of foam that can be set against the walls or ceiling to help absorb sound; they are also typically used alongside other sound-reducing tools.
Acoustic Curtains
Acoustic curtains are large, industrial curtains that can hang from floor to ceiling as an excellent sound barrier and absorption tool. These curtains are heavy-duty and incredibly beneficial for a variety of reasons.
Acoustic Curtain Benefits
Sound dampening curtains have many benefits for factories and other industrial workplaces. Here are just a few of the ways acoustic curtains can help improve industrial safety and productivity:
- Soundproof Enclosures: Acoustic curtains can act as walls, closing off a specific area; you can trap sound inside a given area and prevent it from spreading, or you can create an enclosure isolated from the sound of the rest of the workplace, like a break room or office.
- Preventing Reverberations: You can hang curtains against the walls to prevent sound from bouncing off hard surfaces and increasing noise pollution; these curtains can help absorb excess noise before it gets worse.
- Increased Productivity: Reduced noise levels overall lead to reduced stress levels and a safer work environment, which can lead to better worker communication, fewer distractions, and overall increased productivity.
Additional Acoustic Curtain Uses
In addition to using industrial curtains as a solution to reduce noise pollution, there are a variety of other ways you can utilize these curtains. Here are just a few other ways they can benefit your factory space.
Temperature Control
The strength and durability of industrial curtains help prevent air from escaping certain areas. If you need to keep a given space in your workplace at a specific temperature, warmer or cooler than the rest of the facility, curtains can help trap the air.
Protection from Elements
The strength of industrial curtains can help protect your facility and employees against debris, moving objects, and even strong winds or rain.
Sustainability
In addition to temperature control, which helps reduce your heating or cooling expenses, curtains are also made of recyclable materials, which helps with your sustainability efforts.
Industries In Need of Noise Control
What industries are most susceptible to noise hazards? Here are just a few industries that might benefit strongly from acoustic curtains:
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Automotive repair and manufacturing
- Welding
Get Sound Dampening Curtains at Singer
With so many acoustic curtain uses beyond just noise control, the benefits of this type of equipment make it extremely cost-beneficial and worthwhile for your facility. At Singer Safety, we specialize in soundproofing equipment and industrial curtains and can help you find the right fit for your business. Contact us today to get started!
