Noise is a serious problem. As we have already explained in other posts, living with noise above adequate levels or being subjected to sound repeatedly and constantly can cause health problems for those who suffer from it.. According to the WHO, noise exposure is one of the environmental factors that causes the most illnesses.
To tackle this problem, we are focusing on the design of new, more pleasant city models, where citizens are not subjected to noise such as from road traffic or industrial activity. There are also constant campaigns to raise awareness about the noise we generate and its consequences for others, and to encourage responsible exposure to noise during leisure time or hobbies.
When noise is experienced in an industrial environment, it can cause a range of issues, including hearing loss, stress, and decreased productivity.
But what happens when noise is suffered in the workplace? The truth is that industrial noise often goes unnoticed due to its constant nature, but it presents a health risk. This is usually revealed in two ways: continuously, as a hum, caused by running engines or machines; and as an impact, when caused by the banging of a hammer or presses.
Worker protection against noise is enshrined in labour legislation, and it is the employer's responsibility to arrange the working environment in such a way that their employees are not exposed to noise levels above those stipulated by the regulation.
How can noise be reduced in industry?
The reality is that the machinery and work equipment in practically any industry is noisy, both from its operation and the process it performs. But Are there any solutions or measures to adopt to reduce noise problems in industry, beyond providing workers with basic protective equipment?
- Equipment and machinery that comply with legal technical requirements. It seems obvious, but ensuring that the machinery acquired for industrial activity complies with current regulations and has been verified by a control body is the first step towards creating a quieter workplace. Among the technical requirements requested for these teams, there is also a section regarding the levels of noise and vibration they may emit.
- Capture the noise of a specific piece of equipment. There are various solutions to reduce noise, depending on its known cause and origin. For example, the machines can be fitted with shock absorbers which reduce vibrations and consequently noise. Enclosures, screens or encapsulations can also be built to contain the emission and reduce the perceived noise at the receivers.
- Gaps to ventilate engine rooms or evacuate gases can cause noise to escape and be amplified. In these cases, silencers allow air to escape but neutralise the noise.
- To know the noise in order to avoid it. Having information about the enemy to evade it can be a great solution. By carrying out noise mapping inside industrial plants, sound levels can be assessed and their exposure delimited by zones and locations.
The complexity of the food industry means that acoustics problems are on the rise.
There is one sector where acoustics and noise problems are particularly complex: the food industry. These facilities have clean rooms or white rooms for processing food in a controlled and sterilised environment to prevent contamination. One of the characteristics of these spaces is that they have smooth walls, to prevent particles from settling and to make cleaning easier. This condition causes them to not absorb sound, and the noise is amplified, making the din in these facilities considerable.
In these cases, an acoustic study can be used to design tailor-made solutions depending on the machinery used and the processes carried out. Systems that do not interfere with the controlled atmosphere required by this type of installation, but which provide peace and a pleasant working environment for the employees within it.
