There are a variety of methods to reduce your construction worksite’s excessive noise output, here are four ways to mitigate airborne noise in construction sites.

1. Eliminate loud noise before work begins (design phase)

One of the best ways to reduce construction noise exposure is to consider noise in the project design phase. This can be done by choosing equipment that reduces the noise level and introducing engineering controls before work takes place.

• Replacing metal tables, metal wheels and other metal pieces with rubber
• Choose less noisy equipment for certain projects, using hydraulically powered equipment as in most circumstances is quieter than pneumatic-powered equipment
• Optimise current equipment with acoustical silencers in intake and exhaust systems

Install and use industrial noise barriers, sound barriers or acoustic barriers and noise blankets and noise suppression equipment

2. Add Noise Barriers

Noise barriers shield community members and workers from exposure to disturbance by obstructing the direct path of sound from the source of the construction noise. Although they do not completely stop noise, they do significantly contribute to its reduction.

Noise barriers operate by confining the source of sound within sound-absorbing materials like mineral wool. Excavators, saws and jackhammers are examples of construction noise operations that would benefit from noise barriers.

3. Provide Hearing Protection to Your Workers (PPE)

In addition to engineering controls, providing hearing protection equipment to your employees, will further add protection from the damaging impacts of dangerous levels of construction noise. 

There are two basic types of hearing protection to consider:

• Ear muffs
• Ear plugs
• Combination of them both (ear plugs, with ear muffs over the top)

4. Schedule Work to Control Workers’ Exposure to Construction Noise

Another way to manage workers’ exposure to noise is to plan the work schedule to limit the number of people on-site when there are noisy tasks happening such as a jackhammer or concrete breaking. Moving workers from a high-noise job to a low-noise job can also reduce the negative effects of noise exposure.

Control Hire

Control Hire are experts in construction site equipment needed for dust control, noise control, ventilation control and fume control. Ensure that your workers are protected each day with noise or sound barrier equipment for temporary noise reduction. Click here for more information or a free consultation.