Gigabytes to Hearing Aid?
IT workers that regularly occupy computer rooms, data centres and server rooms will often experience pockets of excessive noise exposure from a combination of powerful air conditioning systems and high density computers.
UK legislation has now been put in place to be able to address workplace noise exposure. Unfortunately and as due to our time, we have now live and operate in a 'suing culture' where it really is easy and often free to pursue a claim through the legal system on a 'no win no fee' basis. read more are fully legitimate and worthy, but as in every cases there is an element of exaggeration and fraudulent claims.
Specialist workplace sound and noise level testing has been made to suit and meet the growing needs of the increasing IT community, including data centres, data halls, computer rooms, server rooms, comms rooms, switch rooms, ups rooms and plant rooms.
A vast number of these rooms were constructed some time ago and are thought to be the heartbeat of many organisations. To change the fabric and structure of the rooms is almost impossible because of the cost and nature of their operation. In order to comply with current health and safety legislation, and most importantly protect the wellbeing of staff, it is now paramount that workplace sound level management is seriously addressed.
The majority of us are fortunate to take our daily hearing for granted, but once this begins to falter there is absolutely no going back. Hearing loss is usually gradual and caused over time from prolonged contact with noise, especially in the workplace.
Safe practices legislation now stipulates workplace noise exposure ought to be assessed where the threat of excessive noise output will probably exceed the working legal level, currently standing in the united kingdom at 85dB.
IT environments certainly are a specialist area that will require expert attention and understanding. A detailed assessment process will include noise mapping throughout individual rack aisles to recognize areas of excessive noise. It isn't uncommon for technicians, engineers and contractors to remove raised floor tiles to get access to the floor void area. Should the air-conditioning be delivered via the sub floor, removing a few floor panels will significantly increase the noise output and should be taken into consideration through the testing process. In addition open server racks may also intensify the noise exposure.
We do not realise how heavily we have now rely on data centres to help keep the daily wheels of industry running. No data centres, no cellular phone networks, broadband, Facebook and twitter! On a serious note data centres also drive the emergency services, banking community and utility services. IT workers must now be granted protection and consideration when working in these environments. A long time ago the unions were formed primarily to address better pay and working conditions for the workers. As the IT industry evolves and develops, it really is now essential the IT community now addresses the problems that surrounds workers hearing and welfare.