Temporary Construction Noise Barriers

Firstly, health issues relating to noise need to be considered in two ways. One is for noise across the work day (approximately eight hours) and the other is for ‘one-off’ noise.

According to Safe Work Australia, “workers must not be exposed above 85 decibels (as an average) over eight hours at work.” Additionally, workers must not be exposed to any noise level above 140 decibels - noise above this benchmark can have an immediate impact on hearing.

The most common way to measure the decibels within a work environment is via a noise or sound level meter. Typically these types of measurements are recorded by someone with industry experience, for example a certified occupational hygienist.

Many members of the RVT Group are qualified occupational hygienists and are happy to discuss some of the risks associated with your project.

In short, anyone who is consistently exposed to high levels of noise is at risk.

However, naturally, some professions do tend to have a higher degree of risk, including:

• Machine operators.
• Drivers
• Trades
• General labourers.

There are regulations relating specifically to noise risks within the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004. This includes details relating to employers, self-employed and employees.

The size of acoustic curtains available varies. RVT Group offers the Soundex Acoustic Curtain (1,250 mm x 2,500 mm) and the Soundex Acoustic Quilt (3,600 mm x 2,050 mm). The manufacturer designed the latter temporary noise barrier hire to fit a standard security fence panel.

In summary though, we have acoustic curtains available in a variety of sizes that can be used for different applications.

RVT Group’s temporary noise barrier hire catalogue includes the following equipment:

• Industrial acoustic enclosures
• Construction sound barriers
• Scaffolding quilts
• Sound blocking quilts
• Noise control curtains
• Generator exhaust and pile wrap attenuators

This phrase means to install a barrier to hide the noise source. Breaking the line of sight reduces the noise workers hear from the barrier’s other side. The noise reduction level depends on the material and quality of the acoustic barrier.

A high-quality acoustic enclosure, with walls and a roof, is the most effective way to reduce noise at the source because there is no line of sight from any angle.

All Soundex products are flame-resistant. However, the Soundex Cutting Enclosure’s cutting bench and extraction port are ideal for hot works. The extraction port helps remove dust or fumes from the acoustic enclosure.

RVT Group has worked on a variety of rail projects, both in Australia and internationally.

The Soundex Pile Wrap Attenuator is designed specifically for the rail industry. This temporary noise barrier hire helps reduce the noise from the steel cylindrical piles, while sturdy magnets latch the attenuator onto the pile during impact.

RVT Group also offers the Soundex Pyro Tech LU Curtain, which the manufacturer designed with the London Underground (LU) railway system. The LU Curtain is the only available Class 0 fire-rated acoustic barrier that workers can use in subsurface environments.

The Soundex Micro Enclosure is also recommended for track cutting. It is easy to install and has GRP frames for working near live electrics.