Noise Control - Management could protect their employees from hearing loss by doing a noise control programme. Generally, there are several type of control should be considered.
Engineering control - use of engineering principles such as absorption, insulation damping, silencer, vibration isolation to reduce the amount of noise level produced or propagated into work environment. E.g.:
- Use absorption material to reduce noise energy reflected from surface.
- Use damping material to reduce impact noise or vibrating structure.
- Consider 'buy quiet' policy in purchasing new equipment or process.
Administrative control - prevent unnecessary exposure e.g. job rotation, work rescheduling of noisy operation, education/awareness to employees, safe work practice and warning sign.
Hearing protective device - as the last choice of control or interim measure while other means of control are being explored. E.g. ear plug and ear muff.
