When it comes to industrial noise, the challenges are more than just “noise.” Commonly thought of as a community nuisance, loud plants and manufacturing facilities create real issues for worker safety and overall productivity of the company.
As such, don’t let factory operations turn into noise pollution. Keep reading as we dive deep into the most common sources of industrial noise and explore innovative solutions for how to curtail them.
Major Sources of Industrial Noise
Heavy machinery often comes to mind when discussing industrial noise. While it tops the list, it is far from the only culprit. Some broad categories include:
- Machinery and equipment – Engines. Motors. Fans. Compressors. Pumps. Blowers. Think continuous noise sources that generate significant vibration and mechanical friction.
- Manufacturing processes – Stamping. Forging. Riveting. Pressing. Sawing. Grinding. Metal-on-metal impact. It all creates high-decibel noise at industrial sites.
- Ventilation and HVAC – Commercial A/C. Cooling towers. Ductwork. Exhaust systems. The din from these systems is often continuous and high-pitched, even if it is “background” noise to the heavy operations at the site.
- Material handling – Conveyors. Hoists. Loaders. Cranes. Forklifts traveling on hard flooring surfaces can also pollute the acoustic environment. As can delivery vehicles arriving and departing from the facility.
Keep in mind that noise sources may vary between business niches. There may be greater water-generated noise sources at food and agricultural facilities, electrical capacitors and power-source cooling at tech-centric sites.
Issues Associated with Unmitigated Noise
Noisy industrial facilities are a nuisance. Without a doubt. However, the drawbacks to uncontained noise pollution are far more expansive than a simple annoyance. A fine for breaking local ordinances may be the least problematic issue.
Excessive noise detracts from worker health and safety. Exposure to decibels over 80 can cause tinnitus (ringing of the ears). Tinnitus is a precursor to permanent hearing loss. Noise can increase anxiety. As blood pressure rises along with stress, some workers may be at greater risk of acute health episodes. OSHA has codes in place to protect workers from noise-related risks.
Clamorous work environments may also hurt productivity. Workers may request more frequent breaks or time off to escape the din. This will obviously threaten throughput. The distraction caused by excessive noise could also result in worker error. Moreover, if noise inhibits clear communication, breakdowns in operational processes may follow. It will hurt worker engagement, camaraderie, and collaboration.
On top of local and industry-wide regulations, there is community goodwill to consider. Overly noisy facilities are a blight on the localities in which they reside. Citizens will be unlikely to support concerns that detract from the peace and tranquility of their everyday lives.
Effective Noise Control Tools
While the sources of industrial noise pollution are many and their challenges equally diverse, there is hope for a more tranquil industrial site. There are many innovative tools and materials that can help facilities keep sound pollution under wraps.
An acoustic enclosure is a structure built around machinery to contain and absorb noise. Enclosures are not temporary. Nor are they lightweight. They are purpose-designed systems tailored to meet the specific footprint and performance needs of a facility. The best enclosures reduce the amount of machinery noise that travels to adjacent areas and extends the usability of high-value equipment by protecting people and processes.
Acoustical louvers control noise in areas where ventilation is necessary. They use sound-absorbing baffles that allow airflow while blocking sound waves. Louvers are commonly found in mechanical rooms to keep noisy equipment from disturbing neighboring work areas or residential properties.
Acoustic panels absorb airborne sound within a space. They reduce reverberation and overall noise levels. By limiting reflected sounds off concrete and metal, they promote improved communication within the facility for a safer, more productive work environment.
Duct silencers (sound attenuators) are installed within HVAC and ductwork. They reduce noise generated by fans, air handling units, and turbulent airflow. They use baffles and sound-absorbing materials to attenuate specific frequencies to limit the spread of mechanical noise through ductwork.
Why Partner with an Industrial Noise Specialist?
Although there are many practical solutions for industrial noise control, that does not mean they are easy to implement. Each facility will have unique needs. Many enclosures and louvers will have to be customized to fit the specific machinery and/or space in which it will serve. Furthermore, a professional noise control specialist will guarantee that the system complies with all pertinent ordinances and conforms to OSHA safety standards.
More Than a Nuisance: Keeping Industrial Noise in Check
Although noisy industrial facilities are a major annoyance, the disturbance is just one of many concerns. From worker safety to company productivity, consider the various challenges of industrial noise and explore the practical ideas for controlling them. For more of the latest trends in architecture and commercial construction, explore the content at Sumer Innovations for additional thought leadership!
