Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By David Smith
Folks,
I have noise nusance problem with a server room. The room was originally poorly constructed, and two huge air conditioning units have been installed to keep all the computers cool. The sound from these units is causing a noise nuisance to the staff working close by.
When I first took snap readings the noise about 1 meter from the room door was 61db, and now after a lot of engineering work has been carried out its down to 54db. But the staff are still complaining that this is unsuitable. Clearly there is a stress issue, with the staff getting upset and claiming they can't work because of the persistent droning noise.
Can any help, I'm assuming this is not covered by the noise regs?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Stuff4blokes
David, your assumption appears correct. The Noise Regs deal with the risks of noise induced hearing loss and associated effects and will almost certainly not be relevant in your scenario, unless any workers inside the server room are subjected to loud noise for an extended period (also unlikely).
Having worked in an environment where nuisance noise is a distraction I can understand the complaint, particularly if the workers need to think deeply about what they are doing and concentrate for any reasonable length of time. It is more of a HR issue than H&S but still needs a solution.
What do the workers want? What does the computer need? Is there any middle ground? Can a secondary enclosure be built? Would screens help? Would music help (more problems over choice of music)? Can the AC units be remotely sited and air ducted in/out?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Safe System
obviously this is far below the 1st action level but a steady hum can be extremely annoying.
as mentioned - can you not install either partitions or build a stud wall around it and insulate it with some good sound proof material?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul Leadbetter
David
Well done for making such an effort to reduce a noise that was well below that regarded as hazardous; 7dB(A) is quite a reduction.
If the noise is tonal (which I assume it is as you describe it as a drone), can you identify what exactly is generating it? If you can, you can then look at how you might remove the tonal component. It might not reduce the noise much further but should make it less irritating.
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By David Smith
The problem is generated by the two AC units, without them the computers in the room would overheat and fail. The other problem is, if we were to add a bund type wall around the room, it would then impinge on a fire corridor, thus reducing the fire exit route.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul Leadbetter
David
Is the drone coming from the fans, then? It is often possible to modify the equipment to reduce or even eliminate tonal noise; I remember it being discussed at a course I attended at the ISVR in Southampton. You could try contacting them or INVC in Slough for assistance.
Paul
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By PhilP
David
A Couple of off the cuff thoughts would be:
Don't forget air isn't the medium noise waves can pass through, how are the AC units mounted and to where? You should get a further noise reduction by isolating them from the wall/floor through rubber mounts, it’s entirely possible they already are but without seeing them I’m guessing.
Or following Safe System’s thought process slightly, can you suspend noise baffles from the ceiling.
Phil
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Fred Pratley
I appreciate the value of keeping the server room cool and the droning noise.
I assume you have gone back to the A/C manufacturer for advice on a quieter fan? It may also be possible to fit step motors (fan speed is adjusted to suit demand) and have you checked the room temperature for the servers is set where required and not too cool?
If none of the above has worked, then, as suggested, have the noise frquency analysed to see if there is anything further you can do.
Regards
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By David Smith
Yep, the FM guys changed the pulleys, fans & outlet nozzells on the AC units. The units themselves have been isolated from the suspended floor by using acoustic blocks or dampers (eight blocks cost £3000).
I think we are getting to the end of the engineering side of things.
D
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Mike Prince
Have you introduced any sound absorption in the room to reduce reverberation? This can reduce noise levels by 6-10dB. I work for Ecophon, manufacturers of sound absorbing systems.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By justgossip
Given your current expenditure this may not help,
Used to fit AC for offices and such like,always located the power units outside of the building.
just a thought.
garry
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By David Smith
yep, already noise reducing methods, looking like the Managers who i9nvented the room will have to have a re-think, possibly isolate the staff, at least far enough away to stop the stress levels rising...
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.