Construction noise has the potential to affect not just your workers on site, but those who live and work around your construction site. With this in mind, it’s essential to implement control measures to minimise noise in line with the hierarchy of control measures. That’s where a cutting station can come in handy.

Read on to learn more about the importance of noise control and how using a cutting station can help reduce noise at your construction site.

The importance of noise control

From drilling and cutting to grinding and blasting, construction sites are inherently noisy environments, which is why it’s essential to take measures to reduce the impact of noise. Noise control is essential for a number of different reasons, including:

• Health and safety: Excessive noise levels can pose significant health risks to workers and nearby residents. Prolonged exposure to loud noises can cause hearing damage, stress, fatigue and even contribute to long-term health issues like hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.

• Legal compliance: Implementing effective noise control measures is often essential for meeting your legal obligations. Under the Model WHS Regulations, workers must not be exposed to noise of 85 decibels or higher over the course of an 8-hour day or 40-hour week. Similarly, workers cannot be exposed to a noise level above 140 decibels. Any exposure above this level could instantly damage hearing. As the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), it’s up to you to reduce your worker’s exposure to hazardous noise as much as possible.  

• Community relations: Construction sites are often located in or near residential areas. Excessive noise can disrupt the daily lives of nearby residents, leading to complaints, disputes and strained community relations. Using noise control solutions not only demonstrates respect for the surrounding community, but it can also help to maintain positive relationships.

• Environmental impact: Noise pollution can also impact the surrounding environment by disturbing local wildlife and disrupting their habitat. In sensitive areas, like protected ecosystems or wildlife reserves, controlling noise emissions is essential to minimise ecological damage.

• Productivity and efficiency: Excessive noise can impair communication and concentration among workers, leading to decreased productivity and increased risk of accidents. Implementing noise control measures, like using quieter machinery or scheduling noisy activities during off-peak hours, can help maintain a safe and efficient work environment.

How can a cutting station help?

A cutting station is a temporary portable acoustic enclosure that can be erected with ease to contain and reduce noise pollution from cutting activities. Ultimately, it eliminates the need for a separate cutting room while helping to minimise noise exposure levels.

Complete with four sides and a roof, cutting stations feature unrivalled noise absorption and outstanding noise insulation to prevent unreasonable noise from bouncing off ceilings and walls. The clear viewing window provides visibility for communication, supervision and safe working. Plus, the large, clear entrance means you can easily cut panels, tubes and beams of any length.

Designed for quick and simple installation, cutting stations often require only 2 people and take roughly 15 minutes to erect, so they’re ready to go in a matter of minutes.

Not only do cutting stations help to reduce noise, but they’re also one of the most effective dust control methods. By containing debris and fumes from raw materials, cutting stations also help with ventilation on site. Plus, they can be fitted with customisable duct and extraction lengths to help filter and remove dust away from the area.

How to set up your cutting station

Using a cutting station effectively can help reduce construction noise, contributing to a quieter, more efficient and more environmentally friendly work environment. Here are a few simple strategies for using a cutting station to reduce noise on-site:

• Location: Place the cutting station strategically within the construction site to minimise noise propagation to surrounding areas, especially residential zones. Position it away from sensitive areas like homes, schools and hospitals.

• Equipment selection: While a cutting station can help to absorb noise, it’s also worth choosing cutting tools and equipment that produce less noise without compromising performance or efficiency. Opt for models with built-in noise reduction features or quieter operation, like low-noise saws or electric-powered tools instead of gas-powered ones.

• Maintenance: Be sure to regularly inspect and maintain cutting tools and equipment to ensure they operate smoothly and quietly. Lubricate moving parts, replace worn-out components and address any mechanical issues promptly to minimise noise emissions.

• Work practices: Implement noise-reducing work practices at the cutting station. Try scheduling noisy cutting activities during off-peak hours or staggering tasks to minimise continuous noise exposure. Encourage site workers to use quieter cutting techniques and to avoid unnecessary idling of machinery.

• Training: Provide training to your construction site workers on the importance of noise control and proper use of the cutting station. Educate them on noise-reducing techniques, safety protocols and the selection and maintenance of quieter equipment.

• Communication: Maintain open communication with workers and nearby residents regarding noise management measures and construction schedules. Address any concerns or complaints promptly and consider rolling out additional noise control strategies if necessary.

With the help of a cutting station and a few other noise minimisation strategies, you should be able to reduce hazardous noise on your next construction project. 

At Control Hire, our range of cutting stations is available in small, large and extra large to suit different site needs and requirements. Explore our range of cutting stations and other noise control solutions to help minimise noise at your next construction site.