IRSST - Institut de recherche Robert-Sauvé en santé et en sécurité du travail

Developing an innovative methodology for laboratory characterization of absorbent treatments and analyzing its applicability in the field

Abstract

In Québec, occupational deafness is often the second most common disease compensated by the CSST, and injuries from noise exposure were highest in terms of average cost per injury over the period 2005-2007. Moreover, noise increases the risk of accident by blocking out alarms, makes conversation less intelligible and increases fatigue.

A specific method for reducing noise on propagation is noise absorption treatment. Characterization of the absorbency of such treatments is done only in laboratories, and is imprecise in many respects. In addition, there is currently no reliable technique for measuring the in situ acoustic absorption of treatments in actual conditions of use.

This study aims to propose a robust and reliable method for characterizing absorbant treatments in the laboratory, but also in the field, in order to assess actual performance after installation. This will provide optimal treatments for controlling and preventing workplace noise, in terms of cost and effectiveness.

Additional Information

Type: Project
Number: 2014-0006
Status: Completed
Year of completion: 2018
Team:
  • Alain Berry (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Noureddine Atalla (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Olivier Robin (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Olivier Doutres (Université de Sherbrooke)
  • Franck Sgard (IRSST)