Noise Protection: Ensuring a Quieter Workplace

 

22.07.2024

 

 

Noise-induced hearing loss remains one of the most common occupational diseases. Despite this, the dangers of noise in the workplace are often underestimated. This need not be the case if those responsible follow some key rules. Even in loud factory halls, noise sources can be precisely identified.

 

 

 

 

The Impact of Continuous Noise Exposure

Continuous noise exposure is not only perceived by employees as the greatest disturbance, but it also negatively affects concentration and performance.

In Austria alone, at least half a million employees are regularly exposed to noise in the workplace. Since noise often leads to stress reactions, this also means a higher risk of work accidents.

High noise levels over a long period can leave permanent hearing damage. Employees who work with loud machines and equipment do not immediately realize these impairments.

Hearing damage develops gradually, with affected individuals often noticing the first impacts only after a few years.

 

 

Legal Requirements for Noise Protections

Employers are obliged to identify, evaluate, and document the noise pollution and its risks in the workplace.

The legislation distinguishes between annoying and hearing-damaging noise in the regulation on protecting workers from hazards due to noise and vibrations (VOLV).

Annoying noise occurs at a sound pressure level of 50 decibels during predominantly mental activities and 65 decibels during normal office work.

Hearing-damaging noise becomes noticeable at 70 to 80 decibels. In such cases, the employer should provide hearing protection. From 85 decibels, hearing protection must be worn by employees in the designated areas.

 

 

3 Common Mistakes in Workplace Noise Protection

 

1. Ignore Noise Problems

Employees may be exposed to harmful noise without it being particularly noticeable. However, these issues should be discussed with employers. Their task is to identify hazards and regularly conduct risk assessments.

 

2. Uncalibrated Sound Pressure Level Meters

Using a calibrated sound pressure level meter provides accurate results regarding which workplaces exceed limit values. If the measuring device is not properly calibrated, the measurements are incorrect.

This is especially true when falsely low values are measured, exposing employees to high health risks.

 

3. Misidentifying Noise Sources

Sound pressure level measurement provides information on whether limit values are exceeded. However, these measurements are often insufficient for an acoustic sound field in the workplace, especially if the sound pressure level is close to or above the limit.

In such cases, instruments for sound visualization should be used. Once the causes are identified, appropriate measures can be taken.

 

 

Optimizing Noise Protection in Production

Potential improvements in noise protection can also be achieved through adjusted working hours, noise protection walls, or noise-absorbing coatings. Here are some key tips for quieter workplaces:

• Devices with the “Blue Angel” seal are particularly quiet.
• Special coatings give walls a sound-absorbing surface.
• Sound-absorbing floors absorb noise, while tiles and hard panels amplify it.
• Alternative work procedures can reduce noise.
• Introducing earplugs or hearing protection helps employees.

 

 

 

Manufactures Guidelines and Noise Level

Manufacturers’ information on mechanical systems or devices is often unclear or incomplete. Therefore, it is crucial to know the actual noise levels.

Absolute certainty can only be achieved through measurements. Often, several noise sources come together in production, creating a “noise carpet.”

The key value is the daily noise exposure level, calculated from the average noise level that impacts employees throughout the day and the time they are exposed to the noise.

 

 

Reducing Noise Sources Before Using Hearing Protection

Before distributing hearing protection to employees, noise sources resulting from room acoustics should be reduced as much as possible.

Encapsulations can often be attached to machine parts. If this is not possible, boundary surfaces that absorb rather than reflect noise can be set up.

Additionally, organizational measures can reduce the general noise level in a hall. The same applies to noise-intensive work processes, which should be performed sequentially rather than simultaneously to avoid unnecessarily increasing the noise level.