Ventilation system noise control is essential for many types of facilities. Our team designs ventilation systems with acoustics in mind to keep your facility in compliance with noise control standards. However, some equipment, whether ventilation equipment or other machinery in your facility, can cause extreme noise levels. Acoustic enclosures are one option for noise control that may work well in your facility. In this article, we will discuss why it’s important to control noise in your facility and some different options for noise control enclosures.
Why Invest in Ventilation System Noise Control?
There are many reasons you may need ventilation system noise control for your facility. Reducing noise levels is critical for staying on the right side of the law and for worker health and safety. The CDC estimates that 22 million people in the U.S. every year are exposed to dangerous noise levels at work. This can cause permanent hearing damage for your personnel. Prolonged exposure to high levels of noise damages nerve endings in the inner ear. This can cause permanent hearing loss that isn’t treatable with medication or surgery. Because of this, OSHA has strict standards for noise levels in your facility.
OSHA standards require workplaces to keep noise levels under an 85 dB average for an eight-hour workday. If this isn’t possible, then employers must provide hearing protection devices to their employees. Generally, it’s preferable to reduce noise levels overall in your facility. Providing protective equipment is typically reserved as a last resort solution for meeting OSHA noise standards.
There are many ways to achieve noise control for your industrial ventilation systems and other equipment. Acoustic enclosures are often a good option if noise comes from just a few sources in your facility.
Acoustic Enclosures for Industrial Ventilation Systems
Our specialists offer custom-designed acoustic enclosures using products from the industry-leading manufacturer, McGill Air Silence. There are several different types of acoustic enclosures we may recommend for your facility. They include:
- Pressurized Enclosures: Pressurized acoustic enclosures are typically the best option for ventilation system noise control. They work well for a wide range of ventilation equipment, including fan systems, air handling equipment, and intake plenums.
- Panel Systems: Panel systems are similar to pressurized enclosures. Our specialists construct these enclosures made of insulated panels to block noise from sources like generator sets, pumps, and process blowers.
- Curtain Systems: Curtain systems are a more flexible option for acoustic enclosures, as they feature fabric acoustic blocking options that are easy to install, relocate, and modify. These provide partial sound blocking, reducing noise levels between five and 15 dB. These work well for creating a barrier between personnel and noisy machinery.
- Personnel Enclosures: Personnel enclosures are another option we may recommend for your facility. Rather than blocking noise from getting out of the enclosure, they prevent noise from getting in. This provides a safe haven from excessive noise for your workforce. This works well to provide break areas, drafting rooms, and supervisory offices for your team.
Our specialists can help you determine the right acoustic enclosure option for your needs. We start by conducting a complete acoustic evaluation to provide recommendations for your facility. Our team also takes care of designing and installing all the noise control solutions you need. We are here to help you to meet applicable standards and provide a successful environment for your people.
Ventilation Solutions from Eldridge
Whether you need to design a ventilation system or are looking for noise control for existing facilities, our team at Eldridge is here for you. We provide unparalleled turnkey service for everything from designing new ventilation systems to upgrading existing systems for your needs. Our team uses state-of-the-art tools and software to provide precisely designed systems customized to your needs and we utilize equipment from top manufacturers in the industry. Get in touch now to request a quote.