Environmental Noise
We provide comprehensive services relating to modelling, monitoring and assessment of environmental noise.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) definition, environmental noise is noise emitted
by all sources within an environment, other than noise generated in the workplace. Simply put, it could be the noise created by the movement
of nearby cars and motorcycle or even noise coming from the neighbourhood or congregations of people itself.
The aims of an environmental noise assessment are to identify, measure, model/map, and analyse sources of
environmental noise in order to make recommendations (noise control/mitigation) with regard to regulatory compliance and the comfort of people and animals.
It is important to identify the sources of environmental noise and to understand the regulations and standards applicable to the location under assessment.
Indeed, some regulations quote noise levels according to the time of day.
With acoustic equipment, sound measurements are taken as specified in the appropriate official regulations. These measurements can range
from a few minutes for the identification of sources up to a few days to capture and characterise typical operations, and several weeks for an in-depth study of
how the sector operates.
Analysis can commence with the acoustical data and audio recordings have been captured and collected. A sound model/map of the region or location which is the
focus of the assessment is created using acoustic modelling software.
Critical areas are then identified, as well as the most relevant and important sources.
With these information, recommendations on how to reduce noise, further monitoring, design of noise mitigation or other further actions could be presented to customers.
Noise At Work and Industrial Noise
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a major compensable occupational
disease which involves substantial economic burden.
Exposure to excessive noise also
entails largely unrecognized costs to organizations by way of increased employee turnover and
absenteeism, lowered performance and possible contribution to accidents.
The social handicaps of occupational noise related hearing disorders (ONRHD) to the affected individual are also severe.
The assessment aims to measure the typical noise exposures people will experience over their shift,
determine what should or could be done about it, identify if hearing protection is needed and if so
what hearing protection is suitable for the noise risk, and identify people for whom training or hearing tests are needed.
It is an employer’s responsibility for the noise levels and exposure to noise at a workplace. Employers should aim to reduce
the risk to their employees by controlling noise. Over-exposure to high levels of noise can lead to loss of hearing or tinnitus
(permanent ringing in the ears).
The aims of an industrial noise assessment are to identify, measure, model/map, and analyse sources of environmental noise in
order to make recommendations (noise control/mitigation)
with regard to regulatory compliance and the comfort workers.