By Wayne Hunter, Operations Manager, Emmegi (UK)
One of the biggest trends to emerge in machinery over the last couple of years is noise reduction and soundproofing. We’re seeing an increasing number of machines being specified with roofs or sound proofed cabins, and we’re getting requests for retrofitting as well as new machine orders.
It’s obviously a positive indicator of how seriously the industry takes the welfare of its fabrication teams, and an example of the steps responsible employers have to take in order to recruit and retain valuable staff. However, we’re also hearing reports of an increased focus by HSE inspectors on noise levels and a growing willingness to penalise companies who are failing.
Anyone who works in a production environment knows they can be noisy places – but the Control of Noise at Work Regulations that have been in place for two decades have gone a long way to protect staff.
The rules now state that where prolonged noise levels are 80dB or above – equivalent to the sound of a vacuum cleaner – hearing protection must be provided on request. For 85dB – which is more like the sound of a food blender – hearing protection must be worn at all times, and the maximum legal limit for prolonged exposure is 87dB – which is similar to a noisy power drill.
Factory acoustics obviously vary massively depending on the characteristics of the environment, other noise sources, the number of machines in use and other adjacent work processes. There is a correlation between emission and exposure levels which has to be used to determine whether further precautions are required. As a general guide though, if you need to shout to someone who is 2 metres away for them to be able to hear you, then you probably need to take action and, if you need to shout to someone who is 1 metre away, then you’re probably above the legal noise limit.
There are no particular noise concerns around any of the machines in the Emmegi (UK) range, but fabricators are still increasingly appreciating the benefits in both personnel and productivity terms that come from reducing any machinery noise to the absolute minimum.
One of the most obvious things you can do to keep noise levels down is to keep machines well maintained and regularly serviced. Replacing router cutters and saw blades regularly will certainly have some impact.
Over and above that though, you can invest in acoustic hoods and soundproofed cabinets for our range of double mitre saws and CNC machining centres, which will contain the noise.
In recent months, we have seen a notable rise in customer orders. For example, we have supplied a fully enclosed Precision T2 double mitre saw to commercial specialists Avdon in Bristol and, at the same time, added an acoustic roof to their existing T3A CNC machine.
And All Glass Systems in Telford also ordered an acoustic roof for their existing Phantomatic T3A CNC when they ordered their new Phantomatic M4L and Classic E double mitre saw.
There are lots of other recent examples of new machines supplied recently which included sound proof cabinets as well. For instance, AMS ordered two Phantomatic T3As with hoods, NGS ordered one T3A, Britplas ordered a Comet X6 HP and a Comet X4 with cabinets and Precision Windows ordered a Comet X4.
We can advise on all the options available and make recommendations for the best solution for individual factories. Get in touch via: whunter@emmegi.com or see the full range at: https://www.emmegi.com/en/home
