Tariffs. Talent sourcing. Rising facility costs. Interest rates.
There is a lot to juggle for modern manufacturing plants.
Add noise control to the list.
More than an annoyance, cutting the noise isn’t just a “common courtesy” for contemporary facilities. It’s more than an imperative for complying with local ordinances and avoiding municipal fines.
Proper noise levels are crucial for protecting worker health and safety. In turn, they can directly impact company performance.
With this in mind, keep reading as we explore the various sources and challenges of industrial noise and look at some practical tools for how manufacturing plants can create a more tranquil work environment.
Common Sources of Industrial Noise
Mechanical processes likely come to mind when thinking of noise sources in manufacturing plants.
They certainly top the list. However, there are myriad culprits that can contribute to the din. Four broad categories include:
- Mechanical impact and processing – The “big ticket” noise pollution in manufacturing plants. Think heavy machinery. Stamping. Grinding. Drilling. Metal-on-metal impact. These all create high-decibel noise.
- Air and ventilation systems – Compressors. Fans. Blowers. Steam valves. All contribute to continuous, high-frequency noise, even if it is “background” to the mechanical processes.
- Transportation and conveyance – Conveyor belts. Forklifts. Heavy equipment moving materials across hard flooring surfaces. Delivery vehicles arriving and departing from the facility.
- Electrical and utility infrastructure – Power generators. Transformers. Industrial pipes. All can create consistent humming and buzzing sounds.
Each of these sources have the potential to generate noise pollution greater than 85 decibels.
Complications Arising from Unmitigated Noise
Proper noise levels ensure compliance with codes. Both local and industry-specific.
With that said, breaking ordinances is just one of numerous concerns that arise from unmitigated noise.
Worker health and safety is at the forefront. Decibels over 85 cause tinnitus (ringing of the ears). It is an early symptom of permanent hearing loss, which will occur with prolonged exposure to these dangerous noise levels. Excessive noise also triggers anxiety in some workers. As many as 15% of adults have noise-related anxiety that causes:
- Rapid heart rate
- Panic
- Sweating
- High blood pressure
These types of responses may leave at-risk workers vulnerable to major health episodes. For these reasons, OSHA has safe noise standards and requires employers to provide adequate ear protection as part of their normal PPE.
Productivity also suffers in noisy environments. Workers may take more frequent breaks and/or time off to escape the din. This threatens throughputs in manufacturing facilities. Distracting sounds may also increase the likelihood of worker error. Furthermore, when noise detracts from quality communication, team bonds will suffer. Worker engagement will be jeopardized. Collaboration becomes difficult.
Finally, while fines and sanctions are costly, they may be a drop in the bucket compared to damaged goodwill. Residents living and working near the manufacturing plant will probably be unwilling to support concerns that interrupt the peace and tranquility of their everyday lives.
Practical Sound Control Tools
Although the sources of manufacturing noise are many and the drawbacks serious, there are many innovative ideas for industrial noise control. Some of the tools available include:
- Industrial silencers (exhaust silencers) – Play a central role in many manufacturing plants. They are placed wherever high-velocity airflow creates tonal noise and broadband sound. Think generators, compressors, blowers.
- Acoustical sound enclosures – Ideal for containment style soundproofing. They are built around machinery and motors and can be equipped with absorptive lining for additional sound containment.
- Acoustical louvers – The choice where both sound mitigation and ventilation are necessary. Commonly found at intake and discharge openings. As well as within the walls of mechanical rooms.
- Generator enclosures – Modular systems. Designed to support industrial sites needing noise reduction for continuous-duty power.
Noise control methods can be used anywhere in the facility. However, they are commonly found in some specific locations. HVAC systems. Mechanical equipment rooms. Ductwork. Engine-driven equipment.
Case Studies of Industrial Noise Control
Let’s take a look at some real-world examples where manufacturing facilities have successfully incorporated sound reduction methods.
The 3M Alexandria plant was recognized for successfully reducing employee noise exposure. They did this via comprehensive noise controls and interventions. This included quieter equipment and mindful work practices. It resulted in a noise reduction of 12-14 across various departments.
Ford Motor Company used acoustic partitions and sound-absorbing barriers in its manufacturing plant. These were primarily placed around noisy production equipment. It resulted in significantly lower workplace noise levels. There were fewer employee complaints about noise after the sound mitigation tools were implemented.
Keep It Under Wraps: Industrial Noise Control for Manufacturing
Industrial noise is one of the many challenges modern manufacturing plants must address. More than a simple annoyance, proper workplace decibels are critical for the safety and productivity of the work environment. Consider any of the innovative sound mitigation ideas listed above to help make your manufacturing facility as tranquil as possible. For more of the latest trends in industrial construction and renovation, explore the content at CCR Magazine for additional thought leadership!
By Sam Willis
Author Bio:
Sam Willis is a freelance writer that loves sharing his knowledge and expertise in engineering, construction, and business. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia where he enjoys spending time with his wife and family in his free time. Sam’s work as a freelance writer can be found on Building Product Advisor, a construction industry resource site.
