Noise Control for Construction Managers

The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6 April 2006, however as with all regulation documents, some of the wording is a little difficult to interpret. As such, the HSE produced the “Controlling Noise at Work Guidance” (L108), which includes guidance on what the noise regulations mean.

Whilst all sections of L108, Controlling Noise at Work Guidance, are relevant to the construction industry, Part 3 may be of particular interest to construction site managers as it contains practical examples of noise control.

Guidance for controlling and managing noise effectively includes, but is not limited to:

• Positioning quiet jobs away from noisy machinery
• Providing quiet areas where hearing protection can be removed to discuss the work
• Reducing staff working in noisy areas to a minimum
• Adjusting time and duration of noisy activities so that fewer people are exposed for less time
• Reducing machinery noise with mufflers or silencers
• Avoiding impact noise where possible, or using buffers and coatings to reduce noise
• Mounting machines on the correct anti-vibration mounts to reduce transmission of vibration
• Using different (less noisy) processes or machinery where possible
• Blocking noise paths with acoustic partitions
• Considering reflected sound and installing noise absorption barriers where appropriate
• Fully enclosing noisy machinery with acoustic enclosures
• Using partial enclosures to surround noisy parts of a machine (eg. generator exhaust)

Paragraph 203 goes on to explain that even machines that feature built-in screens may require additional noise control depending on the application it is being used for and it is the responsibility of the purchaser to devise a system of noise control applicable to the intended use.

The guidance also explains that efficient noise control enclosures must be “a good-quality, high-density insulating barrier to stop the noise from escaping” and that there must be “sound-absorbing material on the inside to reduce the build-up of reflected noise in the enclosure”.

Whilst the guidance seems to focus on permanent noise control enclosures, temporary acoustic barriers can often be a more practical solution for construction sites.

Temporary noise control solutions such as ‘Soundex’ are made from high-density, sound absorbing materials and can easily be moved around site as work progresses. In addition to acoustic curtains and quilts, RVT offer a wide range of noise enclosures (ideal for enclosing machinery) and many of them feature access doors, viewing windows and vents for extraction or ventilation. This is important because section 205 warns us that “enclosing machinery is likely to increase the temperature of the air inside the enclosure. Always provide adequate ventilation and cooling”.

If you require dust control, fume control, ventilation or monitoring to sit alongside your noise control solution, just ask an RVT consultant to create you an all-in-one solution at a package price.

More Information

For more information regarding noise control solutions, please click here.

To view L108 online or to download a copy, please click here.