Absolutely! Below is a complete and detailed master list of all possible Noise Control Measures, fully structured under the Hierarchy of Controls – suitable for NEBOSH IG2, construction, manufacturing, factories, and general workplaces. This list includes elimination, substitution, engineering, administrative, PPE, and extra best practices, with no item skipped.
✅ Full List: Noise Control Measures (Hierarchy of Controls)
🔴 1. Elimination (Most Effective)
Remove the noise hazard entirely.
- Eliminate the noisy process entirely
- Avoid using noise-producing equipment in the design phase
- Prefabricate off-site to eliminate on-site cutting/drilling
- Use pre-assembled parts instead of noisy installations
- Eliminate need for metal-on-metal work
- Relocate noisy activities to remote areas away from workers
- Change production methods to quieter alternatives (e.g., adhesive instead of hammering)
- Replace noisy process with non mechanical alternative
- Avoid working near active generators or compressors
🟡 2. Substitution
Replace the source with a quieter alternative.
- Replace diesel generators with battery/electric versions
- Use quieter models of machines/tools (e.g., quiet air compressors)
- Replace pneumatic tools with hydraulic or electric ones
- Replace impact tools (e.g., hammer drills) with rotary tools
- Replace metal bins with plastic to reduce impact noise
- Use rubber wheels instead of metal for trolleys
- Replace alarms with flashing lights (visual warning)
- Use variable speed drives (VSD) to reduce noise from motors
🛠️ 3. Engineering Controls
Isolate or reduce the sound at the source, along the path, or at the receiver.
At the Source:
- Install Sound Barrier or Acoustic enclosures for (compressors, fans, motors, generators)
- Silencers or mufflers on exhausts and pneumatic equipment
- Use of sound-dampening materials around machines
- Anti-vibration pads, mounts, or isolation bases
- Use of dynamic balancing in rotating machinery
- Acoustic curtains around noisy equipment
- Regular maintenance to reduce mechanical wear (squealing, grinding)
Along the Path:
- Sound barriers between noise source and workers
- Relocate workstations away from noise-producing machines
- Install acoustic baffles on walls or ceilings
- Insulate ducts and pipes that transmit noise
- Close unnecessary openings or gaps in walls/windows
At the Receiver:
- Use enclosed operator cabins with acoustic glazing
- Provide quiet rest areas for workers
- Install sound-absorbing panels around workstations
📋 4. Administrative Controls
Reduce exposure through policies and work practices.
- Rotate workers in high-noise areas to limit time exposure
- Post “Hearing Protection Required” signage in affected zones
- Restrict access to high-noise areas (e.g., boiler room, compressor house)
- Train workers on noise risks and safe practices
- Plan noisy work during shifts with fewer workers
- Provide quiet workstations for non-noisy tasks
- Mark out noise hazard zones with floor paint/tape
- Schedule equipment maintenance to prevent excessive noise
- Conduct regular noise surveys with sound meters
- Implement a hearing conservation program
- Perform health surveillance/audiometry testing
- Keep noise logs for long-term exposure tracking
🧤 5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Last resort – only if noise cannot be controlled by other means.
- Earplugs (disposable foam, reusable silicone, custom-fit)
- Earmuffs (over-the-head or helmet-mounted)
- High NRR-rated (Noise Reduction Rating) hearing protection
- Dual protection: Earmuffs + earplugs for extremely high noise
- Use of electronic earmuffs (allowing speech but blocking noise)
- Fit testing and training in proper use of hearing protection
- Regular replacement of worn-out PPE
- Clean storage and maintenance of PPE
🧩 Other Supporting Measures
Area | Action |
---|---|
Supervision | Ensure correct PPE use and worker rotation |
Monitoring | Use dosimeters, sound level meters, and regular assessments |
Planning | Plan high-noise tasks during low-traffic periods |
Access Control | Secure high-noise areas and use entry permits |
Communication | Use radios, hand signals, or visual alarms in noisy environments |
Signage | Place clear signs: “Hearing Protection Must Be Worn” |
Recordkeeping | Maintain inspection logs, training records, and noise surveys |
Emergency | Include hearing-related hazards in first aid and incident reports |
📌 Example Noise Control Statement for NEBOSH IG2:
“Diesel generator emits noise above 90 dB(A). Replaced with an electric model and enclosed it in a soundproof barrier. Restricted area with clear warning signs. Earmuffs provided (30 dB NRR), and workers rotated every 2 hours. Noise level monitored weekly.”
🧪 Testing & Measurement Tools:
- Class 1/2 Sound Level Meters
- Personal Noise Dosimeters
- Octave Band Analyzers
- Mobile noise monitoring apps (calibrated)
- Audiometry testing booths