Active Noise Control in Workplaces

Abstract

Excessive workplace noise affects human health, safety, and comfort. Noise control in the workplace becomes necessary if the noise exceeds the level specified by noise regulations. This paper presents examples of active noise control (ANC) in three different workplaces, namely the cabin of a mining truck, the wheelhouse of a high-speed patrol boat, and the cabin of a locomotive on a mining site. Within those workplaces, complaints of low-frequency noise were registered and an effective reduction of the low-frequency noise was difficult using traditional methods. Unlike ANC under laboratory conditions, application of ANC systems in the cabins of working vehicles requires the solution of a number of practical issues and concerns based on subjective feedback of the operators, which are also briefly discussed.