Abstract
The concept of using purchasing power to reduce noise was described. Engineering source controls may be the most effective means of controlling occupational noise induced hearing loss, particularly when incorporated into the original design of a work site. The effort BUY QUIET, which was developed to reduce community noise levels, contains four parts: selection process, data bank, specifications, and bid evaluations. During the selection step the area in which noise levels are to be controlled is surveyed for the purpose of identifying those regions from which noise is originating. In the second stage, information describing noise characteristics of potential replacement or new products and operations is solicited from suppliers, manufacturers, standards setting organizations, trade associations, or other sources. In the specifications stage the equipment which has been selected is tested to be certain it meets with the specified requirements. Finally, a bid evaluation is issued. A bid evaluation allows an organization to reward a bidder for offering a product that is even quieter than that required. Industrial hygienists and safety and health professionals should be included in all these deliberations.
