How to Mitigate Noise Pollution during Construction

In our previous blog, we discussed what noise pollution is, the main causes of it, and the harmful effects that noise pollution can bring. In this blog, we will look into how to mitigate noise pollution during construction.

Solutions to Mitigate Noise Pollution during Construction

The Hierarchy of Hazard Control can be referenced to mitigate noise pollution. You should always use the highest-level control measure that is reasonably practicable. Usually, multiple control measures are combined to achieve the best results.

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1. Elimination

It is impossible to completely eliminate all noises during construction activities. Therefore, the most effective solutions are usually a combination of Substitution, Engineering Controls and Administrative Controls. You should regularly review the control measures in place at the job site and amend them as necessary.

2. Substitution

This control measure involves substituting the source of the noise pollution. You are encouraged to use equipment with lower noise emissions, replace diesel-powered vehicles with electric-powered alternatives, and adopt a quieter work method. For example:

• Hydraulic breaking or bursting techniques rather than pneumatic impact breaking methods for demolitions.
• Gas cutters rather than grinding methods for metal cutting.
• Pressing methods rather than hammering.
• Bored piling rather than hammered piling.
• Using broad band reversing alarm rather than traditional vehicle reversing alarms.

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3. Engineering Controls

This control measure involves isolating the source of noise pollution away from people. You should:

• Position noisy equipment as far away as possible from sensitive boundaries and main work areas.
• Isolate the noise source in an insulated room or enclosure.
• Place equipment on dampening material to reduce impact noise.
• Fit silencers and mufflers to your equipment and vehicle exhausts.
• Use floating slabs to control ground-borne noise and vibrations.
• Use noise barriers, partitions or screens around the job site to deflect and absorb sound.

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4. Administrative Controls

This control measure involves changing the way people work to mitigate noise pollution. You should:

• Check the rated noise levels of equipment and machinery before purchase/rent.
• Regularly service vehicles and machinery. Well-maintained equipment will make less noise and is also less likely to break down.
• Turn off vehicle engines or reduce them to idle when not in use.
• Only use the horn during emergencies.
• Keep machinery covers and panels closed when in use and ensure they are well fitted.
• Keep bolts and fasteners tightly secured to avoid rattling.
• Minimize the use of vehicle reversing alarms by setting up a one-way driving system on your site.
• Monitor noise pollution by installing noise and vibration monitoring equipment across the job site.

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5. Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)

This control measure involves protecting people from noise pollution with external equipment. However, this does not provide protection to people outside of the job site. For precaution, hearing PPE is often applied to workers on the job site even if all practicable higher-level control measures have been taken. The most common hearing PPE are earmuffs and earplugs.

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In Conclusion: Reducing Noise Pollution Benefits Workers and Everyone Else

Noise pollution may not be as obvious of a danger as other types of pollution, but it is a problem that impacts millions of people daily. Implementing control measures on the job site to minimize noise pollution can make a positive impact on workers and the overall community.

Regulated by the National Environmental Agency (NEA), it is mandatory for contractors to install noise and vibration monitoring systems at construction sites in Singapore. The NEA imposes maximum permissible noise levels for different time periods of the day, especially for sites located near hospitals, schools and residential areas.

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