08-16-2017, 10:08 PM
How to Control Noise Pollution in the Workplace
by Kate McFarlin, Demand Media Google
Noise pollution is a serious issue for many companies. Although the long-term effects of noise pollution have not yet been determined as of the time of publication, the Environmental Protection Agency states that noise pollution has been linked to high blood pressure, sleep disruption and hearing loss. While some industries are noisier than others, it is generally necessary to institute at least some noise pollution controls in any workplace, particularly if the noise limits exceed the accepted decibel level.
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Step 1
Measure the decibel level of the noise. Unless levels are above 85 decibels, noise pollution should not be a problem. Federal occupational safety and health mandates state that if the noise produced by heavy machinery or equipment is in excess of these levels, employers must control noise pollution through engineering and administrative controls.
Step 2
Check equipment to make sure it is operating properly. This is the engineering side of noise pollution reduction. If your equipment is overly aged or damaged, it will be louder than newer equipment. You may need to replace these items to keep decibel limits within a non-harmful range.
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Step 3
Provide hearing protection and limit noise exposure. Employees should be outfitted with proper hearing protection during their shifts. If noise levels are above 85 decibels, then workers should be rotated so that they do not experience more than eight continuous hours of exposure to noise pollution.
Step 4
Provide education to employees on noise pollution. It is the duty of the employer to inform employees about the potential harmful side effects of noise pollution. Employers also need to educate employees on properly using the hearing protection that is provided to them.
Step 5
Offer employee hearing tests. Employees should be regularly tested for hearing loss when they are exposed to high levels of noise pollution. They may need to be transferred to another department within your company if they experience ill-effects from noise pollution.