If not managed properly, construction works can cause significant noise and vibration. Construction sites produce lots of noise, mainly from heavy equipment, vehicles and machinery. According to various research studies, excessive noise is not only distracting and annoying but can also lead to sleep disturbance, high blood pressure, extreme stress and hearing loss.
Construction companies and site managers have a duty to manage noise levels and reduce the impact of construction noise upon the surrounding environment and also upon site workers and employees. Construction sites are rarely quiet, not to mention, the noise may continue at high decibels over prolonged periods of time.
Construction projects are often in areas that are already built with schools, hospitals, homes or government offices. Noise regulations that protect such areas may result in litigation or downtime if noise mitigation measures are not taken. Construction companies and site managers benefit from data collection that helps them prove and stay within the legal noise limits. Noise and vibration compliance monitoring and management may also be requirements for the acquisition of permits.
The vibrations produced by construction sites may be a concern to those in the surrounding working with delicate equipment that is highly susceptible to damage. As such, construction sites can take advantage of noise monitoring equipment to modify their work hours or work methods to mitigate problems of noise and vibration.
Vibration and noise data collection also benefits people who work or live near construction sites and feel that their proximity to the site will negatively impact their ability to live and work properly and in comfort. For example, schools may need silence during class hours so that students can concentrate in class. Similarly, a hospital may require a degree of calm or noise regulation to aid in patient welfare and recovery.
Construction site manages and construction companies, as well as any other groups interested in mitigating noise and vibration monitoring at construction sites, can take advantage of noise measuring instruments to ensure they comply with regulatory requirements.
Importance of Good Noise Practice
Excessive noise levels on construction sites can annoy residents and represent a significant hazard to site workers.
Some of the issues that may arise include:
- Construction noise travels in all directions and will reflect from solid surfaces, go over and bend around walls and buildings. Some activities generate more noise in one direction than others, so carefully positioning of equipment can come in handy.
- Noise mitigation controls can be imposed on construction sites, possibly affecting a construction programme by influencing the construction method and limiting the time during which noisy activities are allowed. Failing to meet such constraints can attract hefty fines.
- If relevant authorities consider construction noise at a site to be excessive, an injunction to stop work or notice to control noise may be served. Unsatisfactory controls to reduce noise levels can lead to run-ins with local authorities.
- In some cases, local communities have taken legal action against noisy construction sites. As such, contractors should adopt proactive rather than reactive noise mitigation tactics.
Measurement and Monitoring
Measuring and monitoring construction noise is a crucial part of construction site operations, regardless of any noise reduction measures that have been effected. Where measurements are required, contractors, site managers and companies should ensure the measurement methods meet the demands of the jurisdictional authority.
Noise Measuring Equipment
Noise measurements can be made using tripod mounted or handheld sound level meters. There are different kinds with varying features. Typically, a suitable number of noise monitoring locations will be established at the boundary of the site and agreed with the local authority. The microphone shall then be placed in a free-field location, about 1.2 to 1.5 meters above the local site level.
Several measures can be taken to reduce noise at construction sites including:
- Changing equipment or switching to modes of operation that produce less noise
- Keeping noisy plants as far away as possible from public areas
- Arranging delivery times to suit the area
- Adopting work hours that restrict noisy activities to particular hours.
- Route construction vehicles to consider the need to reduce vibration and noise, and keep access roads well maintained.
- Transfer noisy assembly practices offsite.
Bottom Line
Noise mitigation and monitoring practices at construction sites often consider the impact of noise on the surrounding environment and community. However, it’s also crucial to consider the risk of high noise levels to employees working on site as they will be much closer to the noise sources, and the levels of noise they’re exposed to are higher.