IC-AUGSEP23-PG22_Layout 1 01/09/2023 09:59 Page 22
WORKPLACE SAFETY D
uring a typical eight hour working day in industrial workplaces, which are constantly exposed to high levels of noise, there are many hazardous impacts that
can affect employees. A constant loud din can affect people’s ability to do their job well, cause serious health problems, or lead to danger if warning signals cannot be heard. In fact, according to the World Health
Organization’s 2021 ‘World Report on Hearing,’ approximately 16 per cent of hearing loss in adults worldwide results from exposure to excessive noise in the workplace. Although the employer must determine
whether workers are exposed to excessive noise, in line with regulatory requirements, and whether preventative measures need to be taken, often levels in industrial workplaces are not kept as low as required. If noise limits are exceeded, hearing protection should be introduced and other steps to minimise it taken. Workplace protection can be achieved
by adhering to regulations and implementing a strong occupational health and safety system (OHS), as well as using modern technology to assist.
technoLogy to eASILy ASSeSS And document workPLAce noISe
Specialist software is available that enables occupational health and safety experts to easily map and assess noise levels, to ensure that they are compliant and protecting their workforce. With the program-supported calculation of noise exposure at the workplace, risk assessment becomes an easy task. Based on measurement data, coloured noise
maps can be generated to visualise the distribution of the noise levels over the area using fast interpolation algorithms. This saves manual numerical analysis. Meaningful tables and graphic outputs are created at the push of a button, which allows you to present and document your results professionally and clearly. Measurement data can either be entered
manually or conveniently imported, saving a lot of time. With the help of formulas, you can
IntroducIng SoundPLAnmAndA SoftwAre to eASILy mAP And AnALySe noISe At work
Workplaces seeking to measure harmful noise levels can now map and analyse the levels using new, state-of-the-art software, SoundPLANmanda. The measurement data can be easily
imported to instantaneously display a colour- coded map with contour lines representing the measurement values all over the mapping area, using SoundPLANmanda’s intelligent and fast interpolation algorithms. The results are shown in easy-to-use map layouts, with multiple options to adapt to user requirements, making the process as simple as possible. With the program-supported calculation of
noise exposure at the workplace, risk assessment is straight forward.
arithmetically link the measurements to perform advanced analysis, such as calculating mean values or differences, for example, and display them on a separate map. The number of variants is unlimited, and any series of measurements can be entered and combined as required. Within the mapping area, workplaces and
employees can be defined for a subsequent risk assessment to be carried out. For this purpose, the respective noise exposure at the workplaces as well as the individual duration of stay are considered. If necessary, measures are suggested, such as the use of hearing protection. There are a number of criteria to consider,
with associated benefits when choosing software including: To protect people, health and safety regulations and international and
country specific noise rules must be adhered 22 AuguSt/SePtember 2023 | iNduStriAL comPLiANce
How to ANALySe HArmfuL workPLAce
NoiSe emiSSioNS Jochen Schaal, managing director of SoundPLAN, explains how software can help to map noise at work and analyse the risks
to, so check that the software’s evaluation is based on these workplace standards. If you’re a multinational business, this is particularly beneficial, meaning you can work with the program in different countries all over the world. Guidelines and regulations include the European Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Framework Directive 89/391/EEC, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Act (OSHA). In addition, check that user-defined limits can be incorporated. The software should be suitable for any sized company, without an upper limit to
the number of employees that can be included. This will enable you to manage any number of measurement series and mapping areas as you want in one project. Look for software that can calculate any floor plans. Many programs are
only capable of calculating standard, rectangular rooms. Check that the software can combine the data with background maps or
floor plans. This makes entering the geometry much easier. The software should enable you to manage multiple mapping areas and
numerous measurement files, which you can combine as needed. For example, you may wish to analyse different floors or different days of the week. Can several measurements be combined to show, for example, the level change? With the help of formulas, you can arithmetically link the measurements to perform advanced analysis, such as calculating mean values or differences. The number of variants should be unlimited. Health and safety recommendations
related to managing noise-related risks can then be made to ensure workers are not exposed to levels exceeding exposure limits. These steps can include hearing protection, using low-noise and well-maintained equipment, and placing a barrier between the worker and noise source.
SoundPLAN
www.soundplan.eu
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46
