Printing presses are a major source of high noise levels in the printing industry. The Obersteirische Druckerei und Verlagsges.mbH tackled the risk by the use of noise absorbing elements in the production hall

Task

The Obersteirische Druckerei und Verlagsges.mbH is a publishing and printing company. The printing presses are concentrated in a production hall and produce high levels of noise.

Risk

Continued exposure to high noise levels at work results in employees becoming progressively deaf. This loss of hearing is permanent and irreversible. Excessive noise is also annoying and reduces working efficiency by hindering communication. Hearing damage is cumulative.

Noise is measured in decibels dB(A). The noise level is measured so that every 3 dB(A) increase means a doubling of the noise energy, for example 93 dB(A) is twice as hazardous as 90 dB(A). In most jobs, the risk depends not just on the noise levels, but also on how long people are exposed.

Hearing damage due to noise is an occupational disease, which is likely to occur in workplaces which are permanently exposed to noise levels with more than 85 dB(A). Rooms with smooth surfaces always reflect noise, which means that noise is also felt in places away from its origin. Sonic reflections which occur at the place of origin lead to an increase of the exposure level of about 10 db(A) as well as to a reduction of communication opportunities between employees.

Solution and methodology

The Obersteirische Druckerei und Verlagsges.mbH performed a risk assessment, assisted by a safety expert and an occupational doctor. Noise has been recognised as a hazard in rooms where printing presses are used.

The hierarchy of preventive measures starts with the elimination of the problem at the source. The control of noise exposure should preferably be done at an early stage, i.e. at the conception stage of the machine. Manufacturers and designers must reduce the noise by good design and construction and provide noise data with their equipment if levels are likely to reach or exceed the first action level. Noisy machines that are already installed can be enclosed by acoustic enclosures. These have to be made of appropriate noise-reducing materials and correctly installed. The design of machine rooms with sound absorbent materials on walls and ceilings can help to improve the acoustic environment. In the last stage of the hierarchy, employees wear hearing protection. However, it is evident that this is not a substitute for noise reduction at source. At all stages, it is important to reduce the number of employees exposed as well as the working time in the noise environment.

The company decided to take soundproofing measures, as it was impossible to change the machines. Noise absorbing elements reduce the noise in the production hall.

Effectiveness of results

The implementation of soundproofing measures obtained a noise reduction of about 7 dB(A) for all employees.

Employee participation

Employees and the health and safety inspectors participated in the planning of the reconstruction of the production hall.

Entrepreneur’s Testimony on the importance of health and safety "Safe workplaces are a decisive factor for the satisfaction of our employees. Satisfied employees are motivated to perform better. "