Construction Noise Monitoring

Construction noise monitoring is the process of measuring and analysing noise levels in and around construction sites. This is done to ensure that noise levels are kept within permissible limits and to identify any potential noise-related issues that could affect the health and well-being of people living or working nearby. Construction noise is typically measured using a sound level meter, which measures the noise level in decibels (dB). The measurement is usually taken at the boundary of the construction site or at the nearest sensitive receptor, such as a residential property or a hospital for example.

Construction noise monitoring is important because excessive noise can cause a range of health problems, including hearing damage, stress, and sleep disturbance. It can also impact the environment and cause annoyance to nearby residents, workers, and visitors. By monitoring noise levels, construction companies can ensure that they are complying with noise regulations and minimizing any negative impacts.

There are various types of equipment used for construction noise monitoring, including sound level meters, noise dosimeters, and cloud-based long-term monitoring systems such as the Quantum Outdoor. These devices measure noise levels in decibels (dB) and provide information on the noise frequency, duration, and intensity of the noise.

Integrating Sound level meters such as the Optimus+ Environmental can also be used for both measuring occupational noise impacts on construction workers and environmental noise as part of an Outdoor noise measurement kit. This sound level meter includes octave band filters for measuring and analysing noise frequency, and other useful add-ons such as Ln and timers.

Noise dosimeters including the Cirrus doseBadge and doseBadge5 provide the ideal solution to monitoring how much noise exposure construction workers get each day, and to identify if anyone’s exposure is over the recommended ‘dose’ as set out in Regulations.

Regulations for construction noise monitoring vary depending on the location and the type of construction activity. In general, noise levels should not exceed a certain decibel level during specific times of the day or night. The regulations may also specify the use of noise barriers, mufflers, or other noise-reducing equipment. Typically, noise from building works, road works, demolition, and so on, is covered under national legislation. For instance, in the UK, construction noise is regulated under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 and by the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Similar legislation exists in other countries around the world. Such regulations specify maximum noise levels for construction activities during specific times of the day or night. Typically they empower a local authority to serve a notice imposing requirements on how construction works should be carried out to minimise noise, this might be by restricting working hours but sometimes by setting noise limits through abatement notices or specifying the use of ‘quiet’ plant equipment. In some countries, contractors can apply for “prior consent” before carrying out construction works and offer certain restrictions which must then be complied with. In the UK this is done via the Planning System and in particular Sections 60 and 61 of the CPA 1974.

Construction companies and contractors can minimise noise by using quieter equipment, scheduling noisy activities for times when they are least likely to cause disturbance, using noise barriers or sound-absorbing materials, and ensuring that workers are trained to minimise noise.