| The Cause:Machinery, people and the environment all | | | | sometimes be extremely annoying. The louder others |
| contribute to noise in the workplace.Machinery, such as | | | | get, the louder we get - setting off an out of control |
| copiers, printers, fax machines, fans, air conditioner, | | | | spiral of noise.Add to this the environment - box like |
| computers, phones and many other types of | | | | walls, ceilings and windows. The sounds just get louder |
| specialized equipment are a source of noise in the | | | | and louder by reflecting off the hard surfaces. This |
| workplace.People, added to the above by talking, | | | | creates more sickness, annoyance and reduced |
| typing, moving around and moving things around in | | | | efficiency.The Solution:Reduce or eliminate the noise, |
| doing their work are another cause of noise in the | | | | either at the source or after the fact.It would be hard |
| workplace.The environment also contributes to the | | | | to eliminate people and still run a business. Usually, |
| noise by reflecting and amplifying noise off of hard | | | | there is little we can do to reduce the noise that |
| surfaces like walls, windows or ceilings. Vehicular | | | | machines make.There are many ways to accomplish |
| traffic noise and other worksites nearby also add to | | | | noise reduction. The best, or course, is to build the |
| the din.The Facts:Machinery noise is low frequency. | | | | structure with noise reduction in mind. Short of that, we |
| Low frequency noise can cause reduced efficiency | | | | can do a lot to make it better.Methods:There are three |
| and even make us sick. Over time, it can do damage | | | | major methods of sound reduction and control.Masking |
| to internal organs, if the amplitude is high enough. | | | | is the use of sound to cover up the unwanted or |
| Sometimes, noise problems in air conditioning or air | | | | annoying noise.Absorption is the use of sound |
| conditioning ductwork can cause the sickness rate to | | | | absorbing or sound energy conversion material to |
| soar.People noise is usually a higher frequency. | | | | lessen noise.Deflection is the use of sound reflective |
| Depending on the volume and pitch, this can | | | | material to direct the excessive noise away. |