Noise Safety
THE WORLD’S WORST INDUSTRIAL DISASTERs
Sound is what we hear. Noise is
unwanted sound. The difference between sound and noise depends upon the
listener and the circumstances. Rock music can be pleasurable sound to one
person and an annoying noise to another. In either case, it can be hazardous to
a person's hearing if the sound is loud and if they are exposed long and often
enough.
Noise in the workplace may have an adverse effect on both people at work and those in surrounding neighbourhoods. Noise at its worst can affect people’s health or cause deafness, at a lower level it is an irritant and an environmental nuisance, as a form of pollution. The polluting effect of noise is a direct result of the location of a site and the working hours.
On a construction site noise takes two main forms:-
Noise produced by plant and
machinery through engines, exhausts, pumps etc.
Noise produced in construction
processes such as from demolition, piling, scrabbling
or the erection of steelworks.
A general reduction in noise on site by the reduction of direct noise sources benefits operators in their working position and will also benefit the environment.
The following ways to reduce noise should always be taken into account on every site.
Locate permanent and semi permanent
plant away from site boundaries, particularly on site with neighbors within
close vicinity.
Make use of site huts and
stockpiles as noise shields.
Limit shouting and radios on site
in sensitive areas.
Arrange material transfer points
away from sensitive buildings and people.
Arrange delivery times on site to
suit the area e.g. daytime deliveries in residential areas, night time
deliveries in inner city areas
Use all silencing equipment
available and keep panels closed on all generators and compressors
Switch of noisy equipment when not
needed.
Arrange routes for mobile plant so
as the amount of reversing required is minimized so as to reduce the amount of
reverse warning bleeper’s being used.
Observe restrictions on working hours.
When erecting a temporary noise
screen remember to obscure line of sight (using at least 10 mm plywood or
similar material) and minimise gaps in the screen.
PART 1 | HSE Interview Questions and Answers
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