Millions of Americans report a wide range of adverse health effects because of noise exposure, from hearing loss to heart disease. If you run an industrial facility, you are required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to provide a safe and healthy working environment for staff. If you do not, there is a risk of getting severe penalties, such as hefty fines and even loss of operating license. This brings us to the main question, “How do you reduce the noise levels from equipment and machinery such as speed reducers and motors to make your workplace healthy for staff?”

A Closer Look OSHA: What Does It Say about Noise in the Workplace?

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and OSHA, noise levels should be maintained below 90dBA for any session of eight hours. The Center for Disease and Control (CDC) estimates that about 22 million workers are exposed to the damaging noise levels in their workstations every year. So, at what point is noise considered a problem?

If you were to raise your voice when speaking to another person standing about three feet away, it implies that the noise levels in that room might be too high. In particular, noise might become a serious challenge if:

• It causes a humming or ringing sound in your ears when you leave work.
• You have to shout for your partner to hear you at work.
• There is a sense of temporary hearing loss when leaving work.

Some of the main health problems associated with too much noise levels include sleep disturbances, annoyance, cognitive impairment, tinnitus, cardiovascular disease, and total hearing loss.

One way of determining the noise levels is using the NIOSH Sound Level Meter App for iOS devices. You might also want to use sound level meters, octave band analyzers, and noise dosimeters. To help you address the problem of high noise levels in your manufacturing facility, here are the four best methods that you should consider:

Machinery Shields

Using machinery shields is one of the common methods of cutting down noise levels in industries. The shields act as a barrier between the source of noise and workers. When erected well, shields can help to reduce noise levels by up to 10 dB. Consider using machinery shields in the following conditions:

• When your workers have to operate near the source of noise.
• If the smallest dimension of the shield is more than three times the wavelength of the noise in the workplace.
• The ceiling above the machine has a sound-absorbance material.

When selecting noise shields, it is advisable to go for the model designed with easy to clean and durable material. Good examples include models designed from safety glass, wood, or ¼-inch clear plastic.

Partial Enclosures

A partial enclosure is any series of walls installed around a machine, but the top is left open. They are considered very effective when used inside the machine area, primarily if it is located close to the wall. Because the top is left open, some noise is expected to still radiate and contribute to the noise levels in the room. To reduce the noise getting into the working area via the top, consider using a sound-absorptive ceiling.

Using Protective Equipment

Even as you adopt other methods of noise reduction, such as the use of partial enclosures, the chances are that the noise levels will still be more than the recommended levels. This is why you should include hearing protective equipment in your noise reduction strategy. Again, the type of protective gear will depend on your industry and noise levels. Some of the best protective items to consider for your workers include earplugs or earmuffs. If your workplace is not very noisy, the earplugs might be all that you need.

Repairing or Replacing Noisy Machinery

One of the reasons why your workplace might be noisy is because the machines are poorly maintained or old. For example, if your motors are old and conveyor belts poorly maintained, there is a risk of elevated friction resulting in extreme noises. Therefore, you might want to consider adopting a good maintenance program, which includes following the recommended maintenance routines for your machine and regular lubrication.

If your industry uses machines such as gears fans, impact processors, internal combustion engines, vibrating panels, and electric motors, they can become major sources of noise when they start malfunctioning. So, review their status carefully, and if they are damaged beyond repair, buy new, more efficient, and quieter models.

High noise levels in your workplace can be a serious health risk and cause of poor productivity. However, you can avoid the risks by following the recommendations we have highlighted in this post and adhering to OSHA guidelines.