Noise Safety for Utilities

Preventing NIHL for water and power workers

Utilities – water and power – are not industries we tend to associate with excessive noise. Yet water treatment plants, pump stations, and desalination plants feature various noise emitting equipment, mainly caused by their powerful pumps. And it’s not just workers in the immediate vicinity who are in danger.

Noise travels faster and further over water because the water’s surface is cooler. What’s more, sound waves skimming the water’s surface can increase the amplification, mainly if the water is calm. That’s why noise protection is a must, both to protect workers near plant and equipment, and the wider community.

Noise safety in the power generation industry

Power generation systems are the combination of a potential or stored energy converter providing kinetic energy, which in turn creates electric power for use in motors, lighting, heating, and other conveniences of modern life.

All power generation types experience noise issues stemming from:

• Steam turbines
• Gas turbines
• Compressors
• Generators
• Pumps
• Industrial boilers
• Blowers

All this machinery contributes to overall noise levels. As a result, some facilities generate alarming noise levels, which can lead to irreparable noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL).