Noise abatement

Noise can be reduced in a number of ways. The German Noise and Vibrations Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance (LärmVibrationsArbSchV) requires noise to be prevented at the sound source. Technical measures take priority over organizational measures; these in turn take priority over the provision of personal protective equipment against noise (hearing protectors). The TOP principle therefore applies: technical before organizational before personal measures.

The sections below describe various technical options for noise abatement measures. The purchase of low-noise machines and the practical example of low-noise saw blades constitute technical measures for the reduction of noise at source. Noise diminishing through room acoustic measures is also a technical measure, but is achieved by measures on the sound transmission path.