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