HEALTH, SAFETY & WELLBEING RAISING THE BAR
Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, explains why acoustic management needs to be considered as warehouse floor space proliferates.
The market for online shopping is soaring – that’s despite rising inflation and increased living costs. In fact, retail experts IGD, are predicting that ‘growth for all retail channels’ is expected, though online shoppers may become more price-savvy in their choices. This continued drive for consumer goods has had a huge impact on the demand for warehouse space, which is consistently outstripping supply. In this year alone, some 11.3 million sq ft was taken in the first three months, with rental prices rising by 1.9% in the UK in March.
With such high demand, companies can’t be picky about their premises and more often than not, are being chosen for their geographical advantages rather than the quality of the building. However, it can often come at the expense of healthy working environments – particularly in terms of exposure to excessive levels of noise, which can reach fever pitch in busy warehouse settings. Over time, this can cause serious health implications such as hearing loss and even diabetes and heart disease.
What are the rules? According to research from the HSE, over one million employees in Great Britain are exposed to levels of noise which put their hearing at risk, whilst 14,000 are estimated to have work-related hearing problems. The issue is systemic and we know from our own research that many managerial workers are in the dark when it comes to their responsibility around the Sound at Work Act – over a third were unaware (35%) and just 38% ‘knew roughly’ about the correct rules and guidelines.
Current regulations stipulate that 87dB is the maximum level of noise that workers should be exposed to. When put into context of a warehouse setting – forklift trucks operate at an average of 90dB. Though staff may receive protection such as ear defenders on levels ranging from 80dB to 85dB, they present a significant health and safety risk if people are unable to hear the sound of moving machinery or alarms. So, what options are available to warehouse managers and owners looking to safeguard their staff?
Absorbing sound One of the most effective ways to combat excessive levels of sound is through the use of specially adapted acoustics sprays. They can be applied to nearly any surface, including walls and ceilings and allow sound to be absorbed rather than reflected. Often warehouses are jam-packed with hard surfaces, which allows sound to echo and bounce, rising to dangerous levels if left unchecked. Acoustic sprays are the perfect solution, dampening sound to create a safer and healthier working environment.
As well as impressive acoustic performance capabilities, they’re an obvious choice for warehouse owners looking for a speedy solution and minimal downtime. In some cases, installation can be finished with just one application, allowing logistics to continue as normal in the shortest time possible.
Safety first The conversation around fire safety has never been more present and warehouse owners and managers should look to ensure the safety of staff wherever possible. Acoustic sprays also have a role to play in this – which is why it’s imperative that owners and managers choose a spray that goes above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1,d0 fire rating). Beyond the risk to life, having additional fire safety measures in place can also help prevent the risk to goods and stock – which, if kept in the same location, can result in heavy financial losses should a fire breakout.
Looking for third-party certification is crucial at this point – not all sprays are created equal and opting for cheaper, less reliable versions could end in disaster. High quality acoustic sprays provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, which can assist in the safe escape of its occupants, so never accept anything less.
An estimated 15.5 million sq ft of new warehouse space is under construction and with growth expected for online sales, the warehouse market shows little sign of slowing down. This makes acoustic health more important than ever – as warehouse space increases, so will employment numbers – and the health risks to staff. Those looking to make a difference can take steps to ensure the future safety and welfare of workers and for those unsure on the regulations, The Control of Noise Regulations offers some useful guidance on assessing warehouse sound. It’s no secret that warehouse work can be demanding, so let’s do all we can to protect those workers we all so desperately rely on to get our goods.
www.oscar-acoustics.co.uk 28 | TOMORROW’S FM
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