NOISE – OHS ISSUE

Every year noise is costing Australians millions of dollars. This comes in many forms: decreased production rates due to the physical stress of a noisy workplace; down-time from employee sick leave days caused by Tinnitus or Industrial Deafness; and legal claims and litigation against employer’s not meeting government regulations.

Australian law stipulates that the maximum safe level of noise exposure is 85dBA across an eight hour time period. An industry trend led by Europe points towards further reductions in the levels and there is general consensus that Australia will be soon to follow. The National Code of Practice for Noise Management and Protection of Hearing at Work [NOHSC: 2009(2004)]3rd Edition, (which may be downloaded from the governments website), states that: it is an employer’s prime responsibility to create and maintain a safe working environment, familiarise employees with the potential harm of noise exposure, and to carry out regular noise level audits.

Once a noise assessment has been carried out, and the need to reduce exposure to noise is established, the task of controlling the noise may be addressed. Priority should be given to those noise sources that expose employees to peak noise levels above the National Standard for Occupational Noise and to those that contribute to the highest exposures affecting the largest number of people. Noise exposure levels should be reduced to or below, the national standard, whenever practical. Even if the national standard cannot be physically met, all practical measures to reduce noise levels must be carried out.

In cases where acoustically treating the noise source is still insufficient in reducing the exposure to noise to or below the National Standard for Occupational Noise, employees should be supplied with and wear effective personal hearing protectors (PPE). However the standards clearly stipulate that: Personal hearing protectors should not be used when noise control by engineering or administrative noise control measures is practicable. PPE should generally be regarded as an interim measure while control of excessive noise is being achieved by these other means.

There are two basic engineering noise control measures for controlling noise levels:

• Engineering acoustic treatment of the source; and
• Engineering acoustic treatment of the noise transmission path (including enclosure of the source and or operator and the use of Mobile Acoustic Screens).

Studies have shown that excessive noise causes an increased level of stress and a lack of concentration. Too much noise also seriously disturbs communication in the workplace which can lead to mistakes and decreased efficiency and effectiveness of operations. Research also supports that noise pollution whilst training leads to gaps in knowledge and educational errors. Not only is noise dangerous to the ears but the inability to communicate/hear machinery or warning signals is a potential danger itself.

In the design of engineered acoustic treatments much consideration is taken to ensure that the treatment is viable and will not hinder production in any way. It is also recommended that Sonic System kit form or modular type enclosures (see opposite page) are utilised as these allow for ease of access during major maintenance operations and are easily disassembled in the event of a re arrange or shift. A Sound Stop flexible acoustic curtain can also provide for access needs while delivering required attenuation of noise levels.

Flexshield is the leading supplier of noise control solutions to all Australian mines and industry. They are conveniently based with main offices in both Queensland and Western Australia allowing them to offer their personalised service to all states and territories. With over five years of solid experience and a full range of products and services, they are able to provide a complete support package -from noise assessments, right through to the supply and installation of engineered acoustic treatments.

By creating a quieter workplace employers will benefit from::

• Increased employee morale
• Increases in productivity and efficiency
• Improved workflow
• Cost savings

The STEPS of noise control

The Hierarchy of Noise Control is a series of measures, set out in priority of action that can be used to eliminate the risk of Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) in the workplace. This order of action is the backbone of almost all Health and Safety legislation, guidelines, and standards, in Australia. Yet the process constantly fails to be followed. Why is this so?

Simply, the concept starts with elimination of the hazard as the preferred or number one option. The final or least preferred action is the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). Legislation stipulates that only when all practical steps have been taken to action the preferred option, should a step down to the next level occur.

Elimination of the hazard is the ideal control situation. PPE is the least desirable action as the hazard still remains and there is considerable reliance on having the right PPE for the requirement and ensuring its correct and consistent use.

There are many success stories supporting the elimination of hazards. Unfortunately today, industry still mostly relies on PPE as the first step of control. The consequences of this are being felt today.

NOISE CONTROL

Flexshield offers Noise Control solutions and advice for all industrial sectors, specialising in Noise Control for Manufacturing, Mining and Plant Equipment.

Flexshield’s range of Noise Control products are carefully selected and manufactured to suit the exact Noise Control requirement, in most situations Noise Control applications are all unique, requiring access, vision, ventilation and other individual needs.

Flexshield is familiar with the regulations of Government Bodies and Workplace Safety laws and can design the most practical and cost effective noise control solution to meet the requirements of these standards.

Flexshield noise control products include

• Noise Control Enclosures
• Noise Control Barriers
• Noise Control Curtains
• Noise Control Foams and Baffles
• And many other Noise Control solutions

Flexshield Noise Control products are suitable for indoor and outdoor applications. Common uses include,

• Machinery Enclosures,
• Generators,
• Pumps
• Press’s
• Saws
• Compressors
• Test Cells
• Many other items of plant and equipment

Having comprehensive NATA product test results allows Flexshield confidence in supplying a Noise Control solution that will perform.