Noise exposure in industry is one of the main reasons for hearing loss. In recent years, changing legislation regarding “acceptable” noise levels in the workplace has been aimed at reducing the number of workers compensation claims for hearing loss. Control procedures can be implemented where potential hearing risks are discovered either by in house monitoring or by the evaluation of experienced consultants. Vipac Engineers & Scientists have been offering consultancy services in the areas of occupational noise and industrial acoustics for more than 35 years.
Occupational noise exposure in accordance with the relevant statutory standards, machinery noise and room acoustic properties; sound intensity measurement for noise analysis in complex environments with many noise sources; preparation of noise contour maps with clear interpretation; detailed noise surveys, noise sources identification and ranking.
Planning and design of future low noise exposure working environments; predictions of noise impact from proposals, for new workplaces or expansions.
Design of noise control treatments, including change of process and machine components, use of damping materials and constrained layer applications, design of barriers, enclosures and silencers.
Testing of the acoustic performance of materials; development and specification of acoustic materials for use under severe conditions (hot, cold, humid, contaminated, abrasive and chemically hostile environments).
Feasibility studies; program management; advice on selection of optimum hearing protection devices; problem solving and educational services for staff and managers; provision of expert witness at public hearings.