Noise is a hazard that many people are exposed to daily in their work. In printing shops, sound intensities can reach dangerous levels. Fortunately, effective solutions exist.
Noises louder than 90 decibels
According to the annual report from FEDRIS, the Federal Agency for Occupational Risks, noise-induced deafness is among the most common occupational diseases. Many companies, including those in the graphic industry such as printing shops, are faced with this issue.
A study by INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety) has shown, based on a sample of several printing shops, that several workstations exceeded at least the alert threshold (85 dBA). Worse still, some workstations even exceeded the danger threshold (90 dBA). In addition to production machinery, employees are faced with other sources of noise such as:
Manufacturing process: tooling, handling equipment, manual operations... During production, acoustic events can emit high impulsive sound levels such as air exhaust from compressors, start and end operation alarms, metal impacts, impulsive noises from certain machines (e.g., folding machines).
Outside the manufacturing process: Cleaning & maintenance, Beginning and end of production phases, Interventions in case of breakdown, Others (background music via radio, conversations among colleagues...)
The folding machine is the loudest machine in a printing shop.
According to a study conducted by the INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety), the loudest production machines are the folding machine, the guillotine cutter, the offset printing machine, and the packaging machine. Details of the sound exposures of these 4 loudest machines are outlined below.
The folding machine: With an average of 86 dBA (with sound levels measured up to 97 dBA in certain printing shops), the folding machine is the production process machine with the highest daily noise exposure level. Peak acoustic pressure levels exceeded 140 dB.
The guillotine cutter: With an average of 84 dBA, the guillotine cutter is the second loudest production machine.
The offset printing machine: The offset printing machine has the 3rd highest daily noise exposure level with an average of 83 dBA. In a specific printing shop, the average was even 93 dBA. Peak acoustic pressure levels exceeded 140 dB.
The packaging machine: Lastly, the packaging machine is the 4th loudest machine in the process with an average of 81 dBA.
What are the health risks for the workers ?
The noise measurements conducted in various printing shops indicate that high and constant sound levels are likely to pose health risks to workers. This study conducted in several printing shops cannot claim to be exhaustive. The hazards of each printing shop should be studied based on sound intensities (dependent on parameters mentioned at the beginning of the article: production machines...) and the frequency of exposure to noise pollution.
Workplace noise pollution significantly affects the health and productivity of employees. Indeed, noise leads to multiple issues such as hearing impairments (hearing loss, tinnitus, hyperacusis, sensitivity), reduced concentration, increased stress, decreased productivity, increased absenteeism (work accidents), and impaired communication among colleagues.
What solutions exist to reduce noise in printing shops ?
Several solutions exist to reduce noise pollution in printing shops:
The first objective is to reduce sounds at the source. When purchasing new machines, we advise you to incorporate this factor into your purchasing criteria.
Eliminate unnecessary or non-essential noise (such as high-volume background music from a radio or unnecessary conversations, for example).
Isolate the loudest process steps (move the machines to a dedicated room specifically for this purpose).
Fit out the premises with acoustic absorption devices (such as wall coverings or absorbing partitions).
Equip employees with suitable hearing protection (with custom earplugs).
Avoid prolonged exposure to noise by taking breaks.
How to effectively protect the hearing of workers ?
Devices such as wearing custom earplugs, for example, can significantly reduce the harmful effects of noise on workers' health. Indeed, custom earplugs are the only hearing protection that effectively shields workers from harmful noises while offering optimal comfort. The earplugs are composed of a filter that reduces noise to a safe level while maintaining optimal sound quality during conversations among colleagues.
Discover custom-made hearing protection dedicated for the printing industry by clicking on the following link: https://www.decilo.be/industry-earplugs?lang=fr
*For more information on studies by FEDRIS and INRS, click on the links below:
https://www.fedris.be/sites/default/files/assets/FR/Statistiques/Statistische_jaarverslagen_ BZ/rapport_statistique_2018.pdf
http://www.inrs.fr/media.html?refINRS=TC%2092