Woodsorba Reduces Background Noise Levels at the National Grid for Improved Working Conditions

National Grid controls all of the United Kingdoms electricity supply. This organization has traditionally run the electricity supply from a number of control centres around the United Kingdom. To make the service more efficient it was decided to locate all the regional control centres into one main national control centre located in Berkshire. Due to the large number of people working in the new control centre, an audit of the noise exposure levels was carried out.

This revealed a need to reduce background noise levels and the most appropriate product chosen for this application was the Woodsorba wood veneered acoustic panels. In addition to the high acoustic performance, Woodsorba acoustic panels are available in a wide range of wood veneer finishes such as Oak, Mahogany, teak, ash, beech, pine and cherry. They can be supplied in a laminate or painted finish also if required. The panels have grooves machined into them and work on absorbing sound by the Helmholtz principle. Woodsorba acoustic panels were fitted in the main National Control Hall as well as the ancillary areas such as the computer and fax receipt zones.