Noise hazards in the workplace are a common occurrence; they can be effectively addressed through a series of measures that include such simple actions as moving the machines into different spaces or using software enhanced sound maps to design working spaces. This paper will discuss a workspace area that is 10,000 square feet, contains 12-foot high concrete block walls, and a flat metal roof. The shop contains a variety of working areas each containing one of the following machines; two band saws, two metal lathes, three drill presses, one milling machine and three abrasive grinders. The study looks at various features of the building, the space the machine occupies, how the noise levels can be effectively reduced, and how the employees will be effected by these actions.
A recent study determined states that "noise level distribution is calculated based on sound theory with the assumption that machines are modeled as point sources" (Lomen, Mihailovic, Cveticanin, 2012, p. 1). Based on that statement, determining the positioning of the machines specified in this study is of utmost importance. The Lomen et al. study also states that computer software can calculate the noise levels from input data and then determine where the machines should be placed in order to achieve maximum efficiency in noise reduction. In fact what the Lomen...
study did was analyze the influence of the variation of machine positions and that their study concluded "that noise reduction could be achieved by location management of office equipment in the workspace" (p. 1). It is suggested that this study use the same type of software in order to determine where the machines should be placed in order to achieve the same results.
The reason for this suggestion is that there is some concern towards the employees based on the decibel levels in the workspace. This study found that the machines in use throughout the facility generate sound pressure levels exceeding 100 dBA in some parts of the shop and that monitoring the employees provided data that noise exposure averaged 88 dBA -- 97 dBA during an eight-hour workday, and that measures should be taken to reduce the risk of hearing loss by these employees.
Using the risk assessment table it was determined by the researcher that the employee risk could be categorized as a "frequent risk" with resulting "marginal to catastrophic" effects. The researcher developed these conclusions on the fact that the employees worked in an environment where loud noise was a constant and that "one-third of all hearing loss cases stem in part from loud noises in modern life" (Williams, 1992, p. 25).
There are a number of…
