K9s For Warriors, a non-profit organization that provides service canines to U.S. veterans needing assistance contacted Acoustiblok Inc. about an ongoing barking noise issue where their 30 or more service dogs-in-training are housed.
Anyone who has been in a kennel is not likely to forget the tension and stress they felt from the constant barking noise which easily exceeds 100 decibels. (OSHA requires hearing protection at 85db) Now imagine how stressed out the dogs are considering their hearing is more sensitive than ours and all 30 dogs are barking continuously. The staff was required to wear hearing protection whenever in the kennel area.
After analysis of the situation, Acoustiblok solved the noise problem with its Quiet-Cloud Industrial Sound Absorption Panels. Originally designed for absorbing high-frequency industrial noise in inhospitable environments, the all aluminum panels were an ideal solution as they are washable, fireproof, hydrophobic, and do not retain odors.
According to the organization, they are pleased with the results. “These panels provide relief for every person and canine in the kennels. The dogs are calm and no longer stressed out. This improvement also helps the staff focus more and eases their stress as well. It is appreciated and we are thankful for this upgrade to our kennels,” says Brett Simon, president of K9s For Warriors.
Located in Ponte Vedra, Fla., K9s For Warriors trains rescue and shelter dogs to become service dogs for veterans; they have two kennels on property to house the dogs. They can handle up to 30 dogs in each kennel.
The noise problem they were confronting was the echoing/reverberation of the barking; the way kennels are built, all tile and concrete, amplifies the noise.
A single dog barking can reach 80-90 decibels (there are dogs that can reach over 100 decibels). When you have a group of dogs such as those in a kennel or daycare center, the typical noise level can reach 115 decibels. At this decibel level a person should not stay in the area even 15 minutes without hearing protection.
To put it in perspective, normal human speech is around 60 decibels; an automobile 80 decibels and a jackhammer 90 decibels. Louder than 85 decibels, damage to the hearing starts to occur. In addition to hearing damage, high noise levels have been linked to lowered productivity, decreased communication skills, insomnia and other sleep disorders, anxiety, heart arrhythmia and more.
The solution was to install 18 Quiet-Cloud Industrial Sound Absorption Panels. The panels absorb sound globally (from every direction). Each panel was suspended from the ceiling hanging from one edge as a banner. They spaced the panels end to end, two inches apart from each other, to allow the perforated panel ends to also absorb sound. The maintenance team was able to install the panels in the kennel in two days.
“These acoustical panels can hang from a chain or cable either horizontally resembling a cloud or vertically from side edges resembling a banner or can also be put into standard ceiling tile grid system. They are entirely welded aluminum, washable, hydrophobic, UL STD 723 tested, and zero smoke/flame. Acoustiblok products are entirely made in the U.S. with all U.S. materials,” says Lahnie Johnson, president and founder of Acoustiblok Inc.
“Acoustiblok was happy to be of assistance to this organization. We reduced the cost of the panels for them and also picked up the cost of shipping. We are delighted that the panels worked well and that they will soon be treating the other kennel with Quiet-Cloud Panels as well,” Johnson concludes.