What engineering solutions can be used to reduce aerodynamic -induced noise? Replacing metal parts with plastic ones.Using gears with tooth patterns which provide a quiet run (e.g., chevron and other helical patterns).Replacing metal gears with plastic gears.Replacing chain and gear drives with belt drives.Minimizing gaps in machine guards and/or covering them with acoustic absorbent material.Certain rules regarding the thickness of the damping material in relation to the thickness of the structure to be coated must be observed in order to obtain adequate noise reduction. This treatment is known as constraint layer treatment, and is adequate for chutes, hoppers, machine guards, conveyors, etc. To prevent damage due to friction and impact with other materials, the damping material may be sandwiched between the wall of the equipment and a steel sheet or another material resistant to abrasion. This solution is suitable for thin structures. Single layer damping occurs when the surface is covered with a layer of material which is one to three times thicker than the surface itself. Damping or covering surfaces which vibrate due to mechanical forces (e.g., chutes and hoppers) with viscoelastic materials such as bitumastic, plastic, silicone, hard rubber and other elastomeric polymers.Modification of the energy source such as reducing the speed of the fan, reducing the force of impact, etc.Some of the engineering solutions recommended for reducing vibration at the source are: What engineering solutions can be used to reduce vibration-induced noise? For information about hearing protectors, please refer to our Hearing Protectors OSH Answers fact sheet. The use of PPE should be the last resort for controlling the exposure to noise. However, we must keep in mind that the administrative measures and the use of PPE may not be effective in protecting the workers (e.g., PPE may be used incorrectly or may not be used at all administrative controls may not be followed, etc.). Where the exposure would not justify the implementation of more expensive solutions, a combination of administrative control (limitation of exposure length) and personal protection equipment may be considered. Depending on the type and level of noise number of workers exposed, and the type of work, engineering controls might not always be considered as reasonable solutions. See the engineering solutions below for examples.Īdministrative controls, (such as reducing the length of time the worker is required to work in a noisy area), and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are measures that control the noise at the worker. It is generally agreed that the solutions controlling the source are more cost effective than those controlling noise along the path. In terms of new installations, select quiet equipment, have a procurement policy that opts for acquiring quiet equipment, and eliminate design flaws which would amplify the noise.Įngineering modifications, those changes that affect the source or the path of the sound, are the preferred methods of noise control in already established workplaces where noise protection was not factored in at the design stage. In terms of equipment, always try to choose features that will reduce the noise level to a minimum acceptable level. The best way to reduce exposure to noise is to engineer it out at the design stage. The exposure to noise can be reduced by eliminating the source of noise (if possible), substituting the source with a quieter one, applying engineering modifications, using administrative controls, and by using protective equipment.
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