Oil and Gas Industry Noise Monitoring

Excessive noise generated by the oil and gas industry poses a significant risk to workers, the environment, and the surrounding community. Employees exposed to high noise levels are at increased risk of hearing loss, tinnitus, stress, sleep disturbances, and even cardiovascular disease.

When it comes to the environment, noise can disturb wildlife, especially birds and marine life, and affect their behaviour, reproduction and migration habits and their survival. When considering the community, noise can also affect local residents causing them annoyance, but also sleep disturbance and interfering with their quality of life.

Managing noise in the oil and gas industry requires a systematic and proactive approach that involves identifying, measuring, assessing, controlling, and monitoring noise sources and impacts.

To effectively address noise concerns, a comprehensive noise survey is essential. This involves measuring noise levels and frequencies at various locations and times to assess compliance with regulatory and occupational standards. Implementing a robust noise management plan, outlining clear objectives, responsibilities, actions, resources, and timelines, will help to systematically reduce noise exposure and mitigate its impact.

Any plans you put in place should prioritise eliminating or minimising noise at the source, followed by isolating or reducing noise along the path, and finally protecting or reducing noise at the receiver.