How to Reduce Workplace Noise Levels by 6 dB

A 6 dB reduction in noise level halves the sound pressure — a significant and meaningful reduction for worker safety. This article explains practical engineering and administrative approaches to achieve it.

Engineering Controls (Most Effective)

• Enclose the noise source — A close-fitting acoustic enclosure can achieve 10–20 dB reduction
• Vibration isolation — Anti-vibration mounts under machines reduce structure-borne noise
• Damping treatments — Viscoelastic damping compounds on panels reduce radiation
• Silencers on air outlets — Attenuate airborne noise from fans and exhausts
• Distance — Doubling the distance from a point source gives ~6 dB reduction in free field

Substitution & Redesign

• Replace noisy processes with quieter alternatives (e.g., hydraulic press instead of mechanical)
• Specify lower-noise equipment when purchasing new machinery
• Reduce processing speed (noise from many machines is speed-dependent)

Administrative Controls

• Rotate workers to reduce individual daily exposure time
• Schedule noisy tasks during low-occupancy periods

Model noise control options with SoundPLANmanda | Back to occupational noise mapping