Flow of Noise Control Measures for Factories and Workplaces

Abstract

In recent years, a variety of manufacturing companies have made efforts to improve the quietness of their equipment, yet the issue of noise remains an unresolved challenge. The triggers for noise-related problems are diverse; for example, noises that were not previously considered problematic in areas solely surrounded by farmland became a source of noise pollution with the construction of factories and subsequent residential developments due to changes in urban planning. Furthermore, there has been an increasing focus on enhancing the work environment for employees within factories and workplaces, leading to a heightened concern for ambient noise.

In addressing noise control, one of the benchmarks for measures outside the premises is the environmental standards for noise set by the Ministry of the Environment. These standards, based on the provisions of Article 16, Paragraph 1 of the Basic Environment Law, define the “desirable standards to be maintained for the preservation of the living environment and the protection of human health concerning conditions related to noise,” with specific standard values designated for regions by prefectural governors. Additionally, for noise affecting workers, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare has developed “Guidelines for the Prevention of Noise‒Induced Disorders,” with reviews conducted at various meetings. While adherence to these standards is crucial, it is noted that noise issues may still arise, such as in cases where peak frequency characteristics are observed, even when these standards are met.

Thus, in factories and workplaces, noises generated during operations or consistently by equipment often become problematic, necessitating careful observation of their generation processes and propagation paths, as the strategies for addressing them differ based on the objectives set. Effective noise control requires thorough site surveys, estimations through calculations, and the proper planning and execution of measures.

This paper discusses the procedures and approaches for noise control in factories and workplaces, aligned with the noise prevention planning steps of the Architectural Institute of Japan, including⑴ investigation of planning conditions, ⑵ determination of sound source characteristics, ⑶ creation of sound propagation path diagrams, ⑷ calculation of noise levels at affected points, ⑸ setting of target conditions, ⑹ consideration of calculation margins, ⑺ planning of control measures, and⑻ explanation of various control measures and their effects.