Safety Strategies to Safeguard Construction Workers from Noise Hazards

Construction noise poses significant risks to industry workers. Nevertheless, effective measures can be implemented to protect their health and safety.

(Photo : Unsplash/James Kovin)

1. Hearing Protection Device

The use of hearing protection devices (HPDs) is recommended in situations where exposure to potentially harmful noise cannot be avoided. Putting administrative or engineering controls in place is a more desired approach; nonetheless, there are situations when these controls are not applicable. While trying to set up your engineering and administrative procedures, you should also use head-mounted displays (HPDs) because noise control solutions do not provide immediate results.

2. Update & Maintain Equipment

Regular maintenance can help equipment work more smoothly and with less noise. Worn-out or malfunctioning parts can produce excessive noise, which may raise safety concerns. Purchasing newer, quieter machinery can also drastically lower total noise levels.

3. Use Noise Barriers

Using noise barriers or shields prevents noise from transmitting to neighboring locations. By diverting the noise upwards, it is possible to significantly lessen the noise pollution in the areas near the construction site. These can be particularly helpful in urban building sites that are located in close proximity to residential areas or schools.

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4. Choose Less Noisy Equipment

It is possible to avoid the fact that construction equipment can be loud; moreover, steps can be taken to select less noisy equipment. Generally, electrically powered machinery is typically quieter than diesel-fueled machinery. In addition, the noise level of equipment powered by hydraulics is lower than that of pneumatic power. It is reportedly essential to remember that louder equipment or processes may incur higher costs since quality standards on the machines are more strict, gears mesh better, and quieter cooling fans are utilized.

5. Use Sound-Absorbing Materials

The use of sound-absorbing materials can facilitate noise reduction during construction. Sound-reflective materials, including metal, wood, and concrete, deflect sound waves away. Choose alternative materials that attenuate sound, such as carpet, foam padding, or fiberglass insulation. Place these materials on the floors, ceilings, and walls to help lessen sound reverberation.

6. Optimize Your Current Equipment

If you seek strategies to reduce the amount of noise your existing apparatus produces significantly, consider making a few adjustments. Acoustic silencers are a well-liked alternative to intake and exhaust systems, such as those used for air conditioning or internal combustion engines. You can also take measures to guarantee that your apparatus operates without hiccups. Reducing excessive noise and protecting your employees from damage can be achieved by ensuring that bolts are correctly tightened, that parts are adequately greased, and that wear and tear on equipment is checked.

7. Ensure Proper Saw Cutter Practices

On a building site, the concrete saw is frequently one of the larger machinery that produces the most noise. Two ways to lessen the noise made by a concrete saw are to choose a blade with the most significant number of teeth, a wide gap between the teeth, and the smallest gullets feasible. Additionally, you should establish the routine of replacing the blade as soon as it exhibits evidence of wear and ensure the water supply to the blade is acceptable.

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