If you’re looking to reduce noise levels while still meeting FDA food processing guidelines, installing sound curtains for a facility is one of your best options. In this article, we’ll discuss what noise curtains are, why they work well in food processing plants, and how to choose the right ones for you.
The Dangers of Noise at Food Processing Plants
According to OSHA, prolonged exposure to noise above 85 decibels can lead to permanent hearing damage. Unfortunately, food processing plants are filled with machinery that tends to operate at sound levels well above this threshold. While the FDA doesn’t explicitly regulate decibel levels, it does require a sanitary and safe working environment for staff, and noise can interfere with both. That’s because, in addition to the physical health risks, noise impacts worker concentration, harms people’s ability to communicate (which can affect safety and quality control), and impacts overall job satisfaction, which can make workers lose motivation and lead to mistakes. Overall, noise levels at food processing centers pose risks to health and safety, and reducing sound to more manageable levels should be a top priority.
How Sound Curtains for a Facility Can Help
Noise blocking curtains, also known as sound reduction curtains or sound dampening curtains, are a cost-effective, flexible option for food processing facilities. These curtains are designed with multi-layered materials made from vinyl, fiberglass insulation, and heavy-duty fabric that absorbs sound waves. Unlike regular curtains, noise blocking curtains and related products don’t just muffle sound, but they actually trap it, which is why when you place them around your facility, they can make a big difference in overall noise levels.
Where You Can Use Sound Curtains in Food Processing
Typically, there are many options for curtain placement, depending on your facility layout. Here, we cover some of the most common places where you can install sound curtains in food processing plants.
Around Loud Equipment
Surrounding loud machinery with noise cancelling curtains can block noise from traveling out of designated zones. This not only protects nearby workers but can also reduce the need for facility-wide hearing protection.
Between Production Areas
You can use sound dampening curtains as dividers between loud and quiet zones, like between a packaging line and an inspection area. This allows workers to talk easily to one another and to focus on their tasks without distractions.
Around Break Zones
You can create designated quiet areas for breaks or office space using sound curtains.
Around Loading Docks
Curtains can help reduce the sound that leaks through areas like loading docks and doorways. You can pair them with plastic strip doors for easy access and added cleanliness.
The Benefits of Sound Curtains in Food Processing Facilities
There are several reasons why sound dampening curtains are such a good fit for food-related environments.
Reduce Noise Levels
The main job of noise blocking curtains is to reduce decibel levels. In food processing facilities that produce high levels of noise, these curtains are an easy, effective way to cut down on sound.
FDA Food Processing Compliant
Industrial sound curtains can be made with FDA-compliant outer layers that resist moisture, grease, and bacteria. You can spray them down and wipe them off easily, which is important in food processing facilities.
Flexible
Setups may change at your food processing plant, which is why it doesn’t always make sense to build permanent walls to reduce noise. Instead, noise cancelling curtains can be mounted on tracks that are suspended from ceilings, allowing you to create temporary enclosures to isolate noisy areas.
Easy to Install
When installing noise cancelling curtains, you won’t have to shut down your production or bring in a construction crew. Most curtains can be mounted on ceiling tracks or placed on freestanding frames, making installation easy.
Safe for Staff
Sound curtains reduce the need for constant ear protection, improve communication on the floor, and lower the stress that comes from working in a high-decibel space.
Allow for Better Communication
When you reduce background noise, it’s easier to communicate since workers no longer have to shout to be heard. This improves both safety and focus at food processing plants.
What to Look for in FDA Food Processing Sound Reduction Curtains
If you work in an environment that handles food, your sound reduction curtains will need to meet certain FDA food processing requirements. Here, we cover what you should prioritize.
FDA-Compliant Materials
Your curtains should feature antimicrobial, washable, and moisture-resistant outer layers. Look for products labeled “FDA food processing approved” or “USDA compliant.”
STC Ratings
STC is the rating system that tells you how well a product blocks sound. For food processing environments, look for curtains with STC ratings of 25 or higher.
Durability
Choose curtains built to last in humid or greasy environments. You might also choose curtains with welded seams, reinforced grommets, and tear-resistant layers.
Fire Resistance
Make sure the product complies with fire safety regulations, especially if it will be placed close to machinery.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Sound Curtains for a Facility
To maximize their effectiveness, you’ll want to install your noise blocking curtains as close to the noise source as possible. Seal gaps where sound can leak out, like around the floor or ceiling, and make sure the curtains overlap properly if using multiple panels.
In some cases, combining sound curtains with other noise reduction strategies, like rubber matting under machines or acoustic ceiling panels, can make an even bigger difference.
Finally, train your team on how to use the curtains. If a curtain is frequently moved, rolled up, or left open, it won’t deliver the same benefits as it would if it were properly positioned and left closed.
Learn More About FDA Food Processing Curtains
At Singer Safety, our mission is to reduce excessive noise and improve workplace safety in easy, efficient ways with our range of high-quality noise reduction curtains. Each of our products is designed with safety and durability in mind, and we offer both standard and custom sizes.
Need help deciding which option is right for you? Our staff can help you determine the products that will work best for your facility. To learn more, contact us today.
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