SOUNDEX® Noise Control Barriers and Enclosures

According to the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 (the Noise Regulations), the level at which employers must assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and training is 80 decibels. The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure). The regulation also details an upper exposure limit value of 87 decibels. For more information please read the regulation in full.

Sizes vary, however RVT offer the Soundex Acoustic Curtain which is 1250mm x 2500mm and the Soundex Acoustic Quilt which is 3600mm x 2050mm (which is designed to fit a standard security fence panel).

Simply, it means to put a barrier in place so that the source of noise cannot be seen; by its very nature, this will reduce the noise heard by those on the other side of the barrier (in the ‘shadow zone’). The level of noise reduction will depend on the material and quality of the acoustic barrier being used. A high-quality acoustic enclosure, with walls and a roof, will be the most effective way to reduce noise at source, as there will be no line of sight from any angle.

The following whitepaper explains the above with diagrams > Download Best Practice Noise Control Whitepaper

All Soundex products are flame resistant, however the Soundex Cutting Enclosure has the added benefit of a cutting bench. It also features a port for extraction to be fitted to remove dust or fumes. These features make the Soundex Cutting Enclosure ideal for hot works.

Yes, we have wind loading calculations available for our most popular Soundex products. These calculations are based on tests conducted by a third party certification body. RVT have summarised the key information for each product, which is available upon request.

Soundex products feature a patented Velcro connector; when several curtains or quilts are installed side by side, it creates a completely seamless noise barrier fence (unlike other acoustic curtains which end up with gaps where they are cable-tied together). Noise control barriers are not effective when there are gaps between them!

Soundex products are made from high sound attenuation materials and have been tested and certified inline with British and European standards; further more many of our products are also BS 7955 scaffolding compliant.

Soundex products are easy to install, and are also wind, water and fire resistant.

The Soundex range includes a wide range of barriers and enclosures, so we have a solution for every noisy application on a construction site. We are also able to offer noise meters/ noise monitors to help site managers batter manage noise on site.

The Soundex Pile Wrap Attenuator has been designed specifically for the rail industry. This patented attenuator helps to reduce the noise from steel cylindrical piles during impact. Extra strong magnets hold the attenuator to the pile during each impact, while individual attenuators are joined with a Velcro connection, removing the requirement for extra straps or buckles.

RVT also offer the Soundex PyroTech LU Curtain, which was designed in conjunction with the London Underground to the extremely stringent BS6853:1999 standard. The LU Curtain is the only Class 0 fire rated acoustic barrier currently available which can be used in sub-surface environments, including areas within the London Underground.

Furthermore, the Soundex Micro Enclosure is often championed for track cutting. It is quick to erect and is available with GRP frames for working near live electrics.