BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 - Acoustics: Recommended Practice for the Design of Low-Noise Workplaces Containing Machinery

In today's fast-paced industrial environments, the importance of creating a safe and comfortable workplace cannot be overstated. Noise pollution is a significant concern in workplaces that contain machinery, and it can have detrimental effects on both the health and productivity of employees. The BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 standard provides comprehensive guidelines and strategies for designing low-noise workplaces, ensuring that noise levels are kept to a minimum while maintaining operational efficiency.

Overview of BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020

This standard, released on November 24, 2020, is a crucial resource for engineers, architects, and facility managers who are involved in the design and management of industrial workplaces. With a total of 38 pages, it offers detailed recommendations and best practices for noise control in environments where machinery is present. The standard is identified by the ISBN 978 0 539 02786 0 and is recognized as a key document in the field of acoustics and workplace safety.

Key Features and Benefits

• Comprehensive Noise Control Strategies: The standard outlines a variety of noise control strategies that can be implemented in different types of workplaces. These strategies are designed to reduce noise at the source, along the path, and at the receiver, ensuring a holistic approach to noise management.
• Design Guidelines: It provides specific design guidelines that help in the planning and construction of low-noise workplaces. These guidelines cover aspects such as the selection of materials, layout planning, and the integration of noise control measures into the overall design.
• Health and Safety Focus: By following the recommendations in this standard, organizations can significantly improve the health and safety of their employees. Reduced noise levels contribute to lower stress, improved concentration, and a decrease in the risk of hearing loss and other noise-related health issues.
• Enhanced Productivity: A quieter workplace not only benefits employee well-being but also enhances productivity. With fewer distractions and a more comfortable environment, employees can focus better on their tasks, leading to increased efficiency and output.
• Compliance and Standardization: Adhering to the BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 standard ensures compliance with international noise control regulations. This standardization helps organizations maintain a consistent approach to noise management across different sites and facilities.

Who Should Use This Standard?

The BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 standard is an invaluable tool for a wide range of professionals, including:

• Acoustic Engineers: Professionals who specialize in sound and vibration can use this standard to design effective noise control solutions tailored to specific workplace environments.
• Architects and Designers: Those involved in the architectural design of industrial facilities can incorporate the guidelines into their plans to ensure that noise control is considered from the outset.
• Facility Managers: Managers responsible for the operation and maintenance of industrial sites can implement the recommended practices to maintain a safe and comfortable working environment.
• Health and Safety Officers: Officers tasked with ensuring workplace safety can use the standard to develop noise management policies and procedures that protect employees from harmful noise exposure.

Implementing the Standard

Implementing the BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 standard involves a systematic approach to noise control. Organizations should start by conducting a thorough noise assessment to identify sources of noise and areas where improvements are needed. Based on the findings, a noise control plan can be developed, incorporating the strategies and guidelines outlined in the standard.

Regular monitoring and evaluation are also essential to ensure that noise levels remain within acceptable limits and that the implemented measures are effective. By continuously reviewing and updating noise control practices, organizations can maintain a low-noise workplace that supports employee well-being and productivity.

Conclusion

The BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 standard is a vital resource for anyone involved in the design and management of workplaces containing machinery. By providing clear and actionable guidelines for noise control, it helps organizations create environments that are not only compliant with regulations but also conducive to employee health and productivity. Investing in noise control is an investment in the well-being of employees and the overall success of the organization.

For those looking to enhance their understanding of noise control strategies and implement effective solutions in their workplaces, the BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020 standard is an essential guide that offers both theoretical insights and practical applications.

BS EN ISO 11690-1:2020

• 17.140.20 Noise emitted by machines and equipment
• 13.140 Noise with respect to human beings

This document outlines strategies to be used in dealing with noise problems in existing and planned workplaces by describing basic concepts in noise control (noise reduction, noise emission, noise immission and noise exposure). It is applicable to all types of workplaces and all types of sources of sound which are met in workplaces, including human activities.

It includes those important strategies to adopt when buying a new machine or equipment.

This document deals only with audible sound.