NAME: ALISI TOKAILAGI

ID NO. S070394
COURSE CONVENER: MR. KESHWA NAND

SUGGESTIONS ON HOW TO PREVENT

NOISE POLLUTION IN A WORKPLACE

OUTLINE

Aim
Introduction: Noise
Sources of Noise
Measures of Noise
Effects of Noise Pollution
How to Avoid Sources of Noise Pollution
How can It Be Prevented?
Preventive Measures
Conclusion
References

AIM
To identify some of the suggestive ways
in preventing noise pollution in a
workplace.

INTRODUCTION
When unwanted sound created by human
beings hits our ears and disturbs the
environment, noise pollution is created.
Chiefly, noise pollution comes from
barking dogs, loud music, vehicles,
aircraft and rail transport, airconditioners, factories, amplified music
and construction work.

Contd
Noise pollution can seriously harm our
health and standard of living.
Exposure to noise levels above 90
decibels can cause physical and
psychological illnesses.
Noise levels of between 120-140 decibels
produce irreparable damage and pain.

SOURCES OF NOISE
All transportation systems create noise
pollution.
With residences created adjacent to
factories, they experience noise pollution
and its adverse effects.
Besides transportation noise, noise can
come from factory appliances, power
tools and audio entertainment systems.

MEASURES OF NOISE
Noise pollution is measured in decibels.
When noise is at 45 decibels, no human
being can sleep, and at 120 decibels the ear
is in pain and hearing begins to be damaged
at 85 decibels.

EFFECTS OF NOISE POLLUTION

Human health
Annoyance
Speech interference
Sleep interference
Decreased work performance
Hearing Loss

HOW TO AVOID SOURCES OF NOISE

POLLUTION

Traffic: Dont live or work near major

intersections or roads, shopping centers
and sporting facilities. Valleys and falls
are noisier than flat roads.
Barking dogs: For dog owners, they
should ensure see that their dog or dogs
do not annoy the neighbors with its
barking and yowling.

Contd
Aircraft: Before buying a home, we should see
how far it is from the local airport.
Neighbors: Be a good neighbor by not annoying
those who live next door with your music or
lawn mowing.
Solving noise problems: Many noise problems
can be prevented by considering others and
talking through problems. Be a good and
concerned neighbor by discussing a common
problem calmly and in a collaborative spirit to
find a common solution.

HOW CAN IT BE PREVENTED IN A

WORKPLACE?
Civic behavior
Presence of sound barriers
Furbishing buildings
Use of noise-reducing tarmac
Use of ear plugs
Use of helmets and ear phones

PREVENTIVE MEASURES:
Civic behavior -You too can cooperate.
Noise has to do with all of us. At a
personal level, we should all cooperate by
controlling the noise level of TVs, Hi-Fi
equipment and other machines that
increase noise pollution. When you are
buying any product that makes a noise
(hairdryers, extraction fans, vacuum
cleaners, etc.) always try to choose the
one that makes the least noise.

Contd
Sound barriers- Makrolon barriers soften noise,

they dont shatter and they are both

weatherproof and recyclable.
To soften the noise impact caused by railways,
motorways, main roads and streets of
residential areas and city centers, natural
barriers of trees or artificial barriers can be
used. The use of Makrolon screens (a
polycarbonate based polymeric material) which,
besides softening noise, are weatherproof and
resistant to high temperatures (up to
115degrees Celsius) and do not shatter in case
of accident, reduces noise pollution levels by up
to 50 %. They also provide a practical and safe
element to the design of urban spaces affected
by high noise pollution levels.

Contd:
Furbishing buildings - Another important measure for

containing noise is the acoustic conditioning of

buildings and houses. The barriers for preventing
outside noise from entering homes and places of
work are based on the use of insulating materials
(such as polyurethane foam) in the construction or
fitting of walls, floors and ceilings.
Materials based on polyurethane and latex binders
are perfect insulators. Fitting curtains, rugs and
carpets reduces acoustic reverberation and helps
to absorb part of the noise caused in the home or
workplace. Polyurethane binders applied to ceiling
plates reduces interior noise levels when used on
floor plates.

Contd
Noise-reducing tarmac - Preventive measures
regarding the production of apparatus that are
considered a source of noise when used are set
forth in the norms that limit the maximum
acceptable noise level (around 74 dBA) that may be
caused by cars, motorbikes and motor vehicles.
Other types of preventive measures are those taken
to reduce usual noise levels caused by a specific
activity, such as the use of porous tarmac on
streets and roads. The porous material reduces the
noise caused by the friction of the tires on the
tarmac. It lessens the noise caused by the car and
reduces noise pollution level by between 4 and 6
decibels.

Contd
Ear plugs:
Personal protection from noise pollution is
based on hearing barriers that prevent
noise perception. Ear plugs enable
personal insulation by reducing
environmental noise. Some ear plugs filter
all noise frequencies and are used by
professional musicians to avoid hearing
damage. They are easy to use and
comfortable to wear.

Contd
Helmets and ear phones :
For protection from medium noise levels, ear
muffs or helmets should be used for
protection form higher intensity noise. Both
cover the ears in a cavity lined with noise
absorbing material and achieve noise
reductions of between 30 and 35 dBA. They
are usually made of Makrolon and are
reinforced with rubber to prevent them
from shattering in case of collision or crash.

CONCLUSION
To conclude, noise pollution is very harmful
to both the health and the welfare of the
people. With some of the effects
mentioned, it could also be said that it is
a very serious matter to be considered.
It can also be concluded that with the
mentioned suggestions, noise can be
either prevented or reduced.

REFERENCES
http://www.menosruido.com/english_text.pdf
http://www.geogise.com/environmental-issue
s/noise-pollution.php