| Noise reduction programme |
Description
An environmental noise consultant was employed at Wickwar Quarry to help reduce the noise levels.
The priority was to reduce the noise from the exhaust stack on the coating plant. An attenuator was fitted to the stack to reduce the amplitude of a signal. This achieved a significant reduction in noise levels.
As any dominant noise source is attenuated, all other sources become relatively more significant. A series of other improvements were also made:
An insulated building was erected around the burner on the coating plant
Extensive noise insulation and screening of the primary crusher in the quarry achieved a 67% reduction of noise levels
All mobile plant on site was fitted with “white noise” alarms rather than the bleeper type, the noise of which can travel long distances
The new dump-truck was fitted with a noise insulating rubber liner to its skip to reduce noise whilst being loaded and discharging into the crusher etc.
The dryer vessel was replaced and the new dryer was insulated to reduce noise
The coating plant filler blower was silenced by building a bespoke cabinet.
Benefits
1.Significant reduction in noise on site
2.Improved employee working conditions
3.Removed a causal factor for both stress and raised systolic blood pressure
4.Removed a causal factor in work accidents (noise masks hazards and warning signals and impedes concentration)
5.Improved relationship with local residents.
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