5 Feb 2017
With officially more mobile phones in the world than people, it is clear to see the advancements that technology has made over the past 20 years, integrating into our everyday lives and in many ways becoming a replacement for human intuition.
A report in Forbes magazine suggested that app downloads are expected
to reach 268,692 billion by 2017, based on data collected from the
Apple app store alone. Whilst this new technology has brought many
benefits, we are all aware of the potential negative impact it may have
on natural human intellect and on using our own instincts. How can we,
as monitors of public environments and workforces, embrace the benefits
of technology without losing our core skills, expertise and experience?
Putting it into practice
Like any other industry, environmental health and safety has felt the
positive effect of the push toward technology and the advancement of
monitoring is a big part of this. Occupational hygienists, noise
consultants and engineers alike are using new technology in their
everyday roles, monitoring dust and noise levels for individual workers
and in the wider environment.
Erich Thalheimer, a Principal Acoustical Engineer with WSP|Parsons
Brinckerhoff, frequently used Casella’s CEL 593 noise and vibration
monitoring device when he managed the noise control program during peak
construction years (1996 – 2005) for the biggest urban infrastructure
and transportation project in US history; the I-93 Central Artery/I-90
Tunnel Project, more popularly known as the ‘Big Dig’ in Boston.
The project alleviated an extensive traffic problem that had plagued
the city for half a century, saving Boston’s road users an estimated
$500 million dollars in elevated accident rates, fuel consumption and
late delivery charges by the time of its completion in 2007. The
project also reunited Boston’s neighbourhoods with the waterfront, built
new bridges and public parks, and paved the way for the city’s growth
well into the 21st century. During this time, Erich oversaw contractor
compliance, performed specialised noise/vibration studies, developed
innovated noise control solutions, and ensured the project's EIS noise
commitments were fulfilled.
At the heart of Erich’s work was the confidence of knowing that he
could trust his CEL 593 as a reliable, highly accurate yet simple to use
device to accompany his wider research into construction- and
traffic-induced noise and vibration experienced by people living close
to the Big Dig. The simplicity of the CEL 593 and Erich’s expertise
combined to offer viable and effective solutions to the problem, with a
subsequent drop in the number of complaints received. Erich still uses
the same device to this day; some 20 years after he initially purchased
it back in 1996.
Intuitive health and safety
Monitoring for noise, dust and vibration still requires an equal amount
of human intuition in order to assess many vital aspects including the
likely causes, the people impacted and the steps that need to be taken
to improve the situation. As Erich states, “The best acoustic analyser
in the world is the one between our ears!”
When monitoring is taking place, you should always take into account
other environmental factors prevalent on the day. For example, results
taken during the summer will be affected by open windows and skylights,
creating a breeze that could distribute dust particles within the area
being tested. If the same test were to be conducted in the winter with
windows closed, the dust would remain on surfaces making it more
apparent. This simple change in season could cause an issue to go
unnoticed. The most successful results can be achieved when there is a
combination of human intuition, experience, and the objectivity of the
equipment.
Reaching a happy medium
When asked about the use of technology for the monitoring of health and
safety, Erich said: “With the progress of technology, the job of an
acoustical engineer has become easier. Where would we be without GPS and
Google Earth? But somewhere along the way, these developments have
caused us to lose sight of acoustic reality. People are now relying too
much on their instruments.”
It is clear that despite the growth in technology, its undoubtable
benefits and its seamless simplicity, a true understanding and
appreciation of acoustics is best achieved with collaboration between
technology and people. By reaching this happy medium we can learn to see
technology as an extension of our own capabilities, not a replacement.
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