Anheuser-Busch Brewery & Distribution Facility, Columbus, Ohio

Location: Columbus, Ohio
Client: Anheuser-Busch

Anheuser-Busch is the largest brewing company in the United States. The company operates 12 breweries in the United States and nearly 20 in other countries. Brands include Budweiser, Busch, Michelob, Bud Light, and Natural Light. HGC Engineering was contracted by the company to conduct interior workplace noise exposure measurements at their brewery and distribution facility in Columbus, Ohio.  The study focused on several areas of the 1,750,000 square foot facility including the brew hall, power house, eight filling and packing lines, storage and shipping operations, facilities, loading docks, control rooms and office spaces, and the lunch room.  Using a Type 1 integrating sound level meter, measurements of overall A-weighted energy-equivalent sound levels were conducted throughout each of these facility areas, both with respect to area averages, fixed equipment or worker locations. Intelligent dosimetry methods were also used to assess noise exposure levels on workers that were impacted by frequent or unpredictable changes in sound levels.  Such conditions are often experienced by workers who are highly mobile in their duties or by workers who perform various tasks within a localized area.  Selected workers were fitted with personal noise dosimeters capable of recording high resolution sound levels over the course of an entire work shift.  The occupational sound exposures were then evaluated with respect to the limits set out in Occupational Safety and Health Administration requirements, 29 CFR Part 1910.95, as well as the in-house limits established by Anheuser-Busch.  These measurements were required to satisfy Anheuser-Busch’s corporate health and safety policy.

Acoustical Engineering Service Delivered:

• Workplace Noise Survey