NOISE ENGINEERING DESIGN

When hearing protection and administrative controls cannot be employed to reduce noise exposures, EI’s engineering team assists our industrial clients in the identification and design of noise engineering controls.  Engineering controls for excessive noise can be developed for isolated pieces of manufacturing equipment or entire industrial process lines. Initial steps require performing sounds level facility surveys and personnel noise dosimeter monitoring of manufacturing personnel by experienced industrial hygienists. Noise monitoring results are utilized to determine specific sources of excessive noise, as well as the mechanism of sound generation/propagation emitted by the excessive noise source.  Multiple sources of noise will subsequently be “rank ordered”, which will allow for a range of possible engineering controls, typically addressing the loudest sound sources first.  EI’s professionals segregate excessive noise sources into two distinct classes, vibrational noise and noise turbulence.

Once all specific noise sources are identified, EI utilizes the following logical approach to determine the optimal systems to reduce/control excessive noise:

  1. Substitution of equipment (fundamental first step)
  2. Categorization of source into vibrational noise and turbulence-based noise
  3. Reduction of driving forces which cause excessive noise
    a. Decreasing machine speed
    b. Maintaining dynamic balance
    c. Provide vibrational isolation
    d. Increasing impact duration, while reducing the force of impact
  4. Reduce response of vibrating surfaces
  5. Reduce area of vibrating surfaces
  6. Reorienting directional noise sources
  7. Reduction in velocity of fluid flow (air ejection systems, valves, vents and piping)
  8. Provide sound absorption alternatives
  9. Design and installation of equipment and personnel noise enclosures

Let EI’s team of industrial hygienists and engineers work collaboratively to identify and provide cost-effective engineering solutions aimed at reducing exposure of your workforce to excessive noise.

IN NEED OF OUR SERVICES? 

EI’s commitment to service has been amply demonstrated on past projects.  Yet again, this commitment has been clearly demonstrated by nimble agility of short notice staff scheduling.  The dedicated professionals of The EI Group have exceeded our expectations.

 

Steven Pond, CPG

Associate, Schnabel Engineering

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The Current Challenges of Process Safety Management

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What Industries that Typically Use ASTs Would Be Subject to an STI AST SP001 External Tank Inspection?

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The industries that typically use aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) are numerous; however, they can be summarized as being those that typically store liquids including petroleum products, chemicals and other hazardous materials and wastes.  Industries will often choose to utilize ASTs due to their convenience, accessibility and relative ease of installation compared to underground storage tanks.

What Exactly is an STI AST SP001 External Tank Inspection and Do I Need One?

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STI SP001 refers to a standard published by the Steel Tank Institute (STI). The STI is a trade association that focuses on promoting the quality and safety of steel tanks by providing guidelines for the inspection of aboveground storage tanks (ASTs) and related products.  ASTs typically contain petroleum products, chemicals and other hazardous materials.  The standard outlines the necessary procedures for inspections and addresses repairs, alterations and reconstruction of ASTs.

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The Benefits of Qualitative Industrial Hygiene Risk Assessments in the Manufacturing World

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Qualitative industrial hygiene risk assessments are valuable tools to streamline and manage resources in your EH&S Department as those resources continue to be increasingly strained. There are many benefits of qualitative industrial hygiene risk assessments as they contribute to the overall health and well-being of your workforce. By identifying hazards, preventing illnesses and injuries, ensuring compliance, enhancing productivity and morale, and promoting continuous improvement, these assessments serve as the foundation for a robust health and safety program, safeguarding both employees and the organization as a whole in the manufacturing world.

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The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Industrial Stormwater Program is federally mandated and covers a wide variety of industrial activities.  Most industrial facilities are affected in some way.  Applicability to the program is dependent upon the Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code.  General permits have been established that apply to numerous broad categories of industrial activities with potential stormwater discharges (also based on SIC code). 

RELATED SERVICES

HEARING CONSERVATION

SAFETY ENGINEERING

NOISE MONITORING

TRAINING COURSES