Prevention
Prevention
Harmful noise has an impact on production and health. To limit this, it is important to draw up a prevention plan in the RI&E. This is also required by the Occupational Health and Safety Service. Step 1 is to take a global sound measurement.
If it appears that the 80 decibels are exceeded, a daily dose measurement is recommended. Based on the results of the daily dose measurement, the required damping can be determined.
Overview of preventive measures
It is important not only to take a top-down approach, but also to regularly invite employees to report hazards. A central reporting point is a low-threshold tool for this. But which measures are effective? We follow the occupational hygiene strategy:
1. Limiting the volume
Reducing risk at source is always mandatory. With machinery, for example, you can check whether there are quieter versions. That way, you have addressed the risk at once.
2. Covering the sound source
Noise insulation is a good alternative. Placing a hood or wall around the machine or activity dampens the noise. The advantage is that you do not have to buy replacements. The disadvantage is that each machine or activity has to be insulated, at the expense of accessibility. Moreover, not all noise can be sufficiently attenuated.
3. Working less long hours
You can also choose to limit the production time. For example, at 83 decibels, you can still work for 4 hours a day and at 86 decibels, 2 hours. The condition is that the noise does not unexpectedly increase. The advantage is that you do not have to take any other measures, but the disadvantage is that you have to measure the noise continuously and work teams can be used to a limited extent.
4. Hearing protection
Providing your staff with hearing protection will block the ear canal and thus hearing protected. This is the most widely used solution. The advantage is that all employees are protected everywhere and the impact on your organisation is limited.
Of course, it is important that your staff itself aware of the risk. This creates support for the measures.
Read more tips on creating support here.