VAM Drilling, part of Vallourec Group, is a manufacturer of high quality drill pipes and drill stem products for the offshore industry.

In the large production areas different machines are present, which are not always simultaneously operational. Because of this, the noise levels in the production areas have a strong variation. Naturally the employees working at the operational machines are wearing hearing protection.

The question is, whether hearing protection is obliged when employees are entering the production area. Based on several measurements it appears that it isn’t always necessary. The noise levels in the production areas are strongly dependent of which machines are in use. As known, wearing hearing protection is not always experienced positive. In this specific situation is the use of hearing protection not permanently required. However, it is necessary to determine when you must use the hearing protection. To achieve that, VAM Drilling is making use of so-called sound warning systems, delivered by Ravebo B.V.

With a lighted sign in the center of the hall and through several flashing lights there will be warned if the current noise level in the hall exceeds 80 dB(A), from that moment hearing protection is required. Because of the strong variation in noise levels in the production areas, this solution is ideal for VAM Drilling.