Issue 18, February 2006

Unlike many workplaces the office environment should be a relatively quiet place to work. In the office noise is a productivity issue as much as it is a safety issue. Noise is best described as unwanted sound.

Even at low levels, unwanted sounds can be health and safety hazard by increasing stress levels and impairing communication and concentration. Sudden unexpected noise can startle and lead to accidents. At high noise levels problems such as headaches, nausea and hearing loss can occur. Sound levels in most offices are in the 45 – 60 decibel range, well below the eight-hour exposure standard of 85 decibel. 

Workplace sounds can be:

• Steady: e.g. continuous hum from a ventilation system or a computer;
• Intermittent: e.g. sound that comes and goes such as a telephone ringing;
• Impact: e.g. sounds of short duration such as the snap of an electric stapler.

Noise prevention starts with identifying all of the noise sources in your office area. Then begin to eliminate as many of those noise sources as possible, for example:

• Practice good maintenance to stop noise from squeaking chairs, doors and other moving equipment parts;
   
• When purchasing new equipment select a model that functions with a minimum of noise. Otherwise noisy equipment should be grouped in an area away from workstations and preferably in a separate room. Noisy equipment should not be placed against a hard wall or in a corner as the sound will be reflected back into the workplace;
   
• Occupant generated sounds can be a major source of noise in the office. Employees and visitors can be encouraged to speak in lowered voices, and/or to conduct conversations where they will not disturb others.

Otherwise take steps to prevent further propagation or amplification of noise:

• Furnish your walls, ceilings and other large surface areas with sound absorptive materials;
   
• Use office dividers to reduce or direct sound away from workstations;
   
• Allow sufficient space between workstations. Locate workstations away from high traffic areas, so your employees can work without being distracted;
   
• Place screens, partitions, furniture and office equipment for maximum acoustical benefit, with lighting and ventilation systems in mind.

Being aware of the factors will help you to contribute to a positive indoor environment and to achieve a productive workplace. 

Do you want to know more about how to manage your acoustic comfort? The Australian Standard, AS 2107: Acoustics – Recommended Design Sound Levels and Reverberation Times for Building Interiors provides recommendations for 'satisfactory' and 'maximum' acceptable sound levels. 

At Cetec we regularly conduct indoor environment assessments, audits and investigations on existing, new or refurbished facilities and will work with you to improve acoustic comfort, productivity and well-being in your workplace.
 

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