Excessive noise in any workplace can be an issue, increasing stress and the risk of impacting the health of employees exposed to high sound levels. In the clinical lab, job stress can be a persistent problem. Workforce shortages are already a concern, with the associated challenges of heavy workloads and the potential for burnout among the laboratory professionals that must carry the load.1
The laboratory workforce shortage is a long-standing challenge that managers have little control over. In this scenario, anything that improves the work environment and contributes to the well-being of laboratory professionals can be beneficial. One area where it is possible to make a difference is reducing the noise levels generated by laboratory cold storage equipment.
While sound levels in most labs are below the threshold level that damages hearing, laboratory noise can be distracting and contribute to a stressful environment. The operation of equipment such as large analyzers, biosafety cabinets, and centrifuges contributes to the overall sound level. Temperature-controlled storage equipment, such as refrigerators and freezers, can also be sources of noise.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says the following about managing noise in the lab:
“The recommended upper limit for noise for speech to be intelligible is 55 dBA. If the noise level in the laboratory is too high for the staff to hear what is being said, whether in conversation or on the telephone, there is a danger of misunderstanding instructions or laboratory results. Employers should evaluate improvements in design, engineering controls, and instrumentation that will reduce the noise generated.”
GX Solutions professional medical-grade refrigerators and freezers are available from Helmer Scientific. They utilize OptiCool™ Technology, which significantly reduces noise levels compared to the conventional cooling technology that has been used in clinical laboratories for many years. Watch our video to learn more about the benefits of reducing noise in a healthcare environment.
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Visit our GX Solutions page for more information on quiet, energy efficient refrigerators and freezers from Helmer Scientific.
References
1 CLN Stat, The Highs and Lows of Clinical Lab Professionals, April 16, 2020
