Overview
ISO 11690-1:2020 - Acoustics: Recommended practice for the design of low-noise workplaces containing machinery - Part 1: Noise control strategies provides practical guidance on how to identify and manage audible workplace noise. The standard explains basic noise-control concepts (noise reduction, noise emission, noise immission and noise exposure) and sets out strategic approaches for both existing and planned workplaces. It is applicable to all types of workplaces and sound sources commonly encountered in industrial, commercial and institutional environments, including human activities.
Key topics
- Fundamental noise descriptors: definitions and use of sound pressure level, equivalent continuous sound level (Leq), sound power level and emission sound pressure level.
- Noise control concepts: treatment of noise at source, propagation, and reduction strategies targeted to lower emission, immission and exposure.
- Assessment and measurement: quantities for noise emission, immission and exposure, and use of noise information sheets and noise maps to describe the acoustic situation.
- Planning and implementation: stepwise guidance for noise control planning in new-build and retrofit projects - from preliminary design to implementation, assessment and acceptance.
- Procurement guidance: practical recommendations on what to consider and what noise information to request when buying new machinery or equipment.
- Tools and programmes: use of noise prediction as a planning tool and considerations for long-term noise control programmes.
- Stakeholders and responsibilities: identification of the parties typically involved in workplace noise control (engineers, health & safety officers, managers, suppliers, architects).
Applications
ISO 11690-1 is a practical resource for reducing workplace noise and designing low-noise environments. Typical applications:
- Designing factory floors, workshops and plant layouts to minimise worker noise exposure.
- Evaluating and selecting quieter machines and equipment during procurement.
- Developing site noise maps and noise information sheets for planners and compliance teams.
- Preparing long-term noise control programmes and retrofit strategies for existing facilities.
- Informing risk assessments and occupational noise reduction initiatives.
Who should use this standard
- Plant managers, health and safety officers, acoustic and mechanical engineers
- Procurement and planning professionals selecting machinery and equipment
- Architects and facility designers integrating noise control into building design
- Suppliers of machines who need to provide meaningful noise information
Related standards
ISO 11690-1 references other acoustics and measurement standards (e.g., ISO 4871, ISO 3740 series, ISO 11200–11204, IEC 61672‑1, ISO 1996). Use these in combination for measurement methods and detailed verification procedures.
Keywords: ISO 11690-1, noise control strategies, acoustics, low-noise workplaces, workplace noise, sound power level, noise emission, noise immission, noise exposure, machinery procurement.
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