Overview
ISO 23771:2015 - Textile machinery: Guide to the design of textile machinery for reduction of the noise emissions provides technical guidance for designing low-noise textile machines. It supports the technical designer by identifying significant noise sources for specific textile machine types and describing suitable noise control measures. The standard targets machines classed as having a significant noise hazard (see ISO 11111) and prescribes a practical design and verification procedure to reduce workplace noise exposure.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and objective: Reduce noise emissions from textile machinery to the lowest attainable level considering technical progress and available means.
- Significant noise hazard definition: A-weighted emission sound pressure level at an operating position higher than 70 dB(A) (likely to reach 80 dB(A) in real production conditions).
- Structured procedure for low-noise design:
- Step 1 - Measurement of noise emissions according to ISO 9902 (all parts).
- Step 2 - Identification of significant noise sources (frequency analysis, comparative measurements, sound intensity, structure-borne noise simulation).
- Step 3 - Application of noise control measures in this order: reduce sound generation, reduce sound propagation, ensure installation/maintenance and material quality, and consider hearing protection if necessary.
- Step 4 - Verification by repeat measurements (ISO 9902) and iteration until targets are met.
- Step 5 - Documentation and inclusion of user information in the machine handbook.
- Machine-specific guidance: Lists textile machines with significant noise hazard (spinning, non-woven needle punching, winding, twisting, weaving and knitting machines, tufting, dyeing/finishing equipment, etc.) and gives examples of control measures (low-noise drives, mass reduction, aerodynamic flow design, elastic mounting, maintenance practices).
- Annexes and references: Design examples (Annex A) and cross-references to acoustics guidance (ISO/TR 11688-1/2, ISO 11689, ISO 12100).
Practical applications
- Use ISO 23771:2015 to:
- Integrate low-noise design into machine development and product specifications.
- Guide acoustic risk assessment and compliance for textile plant installations.
- Inform procurement of quieter textile machinery and spare parts.
- Define maintenance and operator instructions to sustain low-noise performance.
- Support verification and documentation required for safety files and instruction handbooks.
Who should use this standard
- Technical designers and R&D engineers for textile machinery
- Machine manufacturers and product managers
- Occupational health & safety engineers and acousticians
- Plant managers, procurement specialists, and maintenance teams
Related standards
- ISO 9902 (all parts) - Textile machinery noise test code
- ISO/TR 11688‑1/2 - Recommended practice for low-noise machinery design
- ISO 11689 - Comparing noise-emission data
- ISO 12100 - Safety of machinery - risk assessment and reduction
- ISO 11111 (all parts) - Definition of machines with significant noise hazard
Keywords: ISO 23771:2015, textile machinery, noise emissions, low-noise design, noise control measures, ISO 9902, ISO/TR 11688.