Barrier Protection
An effective way of reducing noise is to locate noisy equipment behind purpose-built barriers. The barriers can be constructed on the work site from common construction building material (plywood, block, stacks or spoils) or the barriers can be constructed from commercial panels which are lined with sound absorbing material to achieve the maximum shielding effect possible. To be effective, the length of the barrier should be greater than its height. The noise source should not be visible and barrier should be located as close as possible to either the noise source or the receiver.
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Decibel level at noise source (dB)
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Distance from noise receiver to noise source (feet)
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Decibel level at noise receiver (dB)
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105
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5
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102
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105
|
10
|
96
|
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105
|
20
|
90
|
|
105
|
40
|
84
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The distance between a noise source and noise receiver can be considered a barrier as well. Doubling the distance from the noise source lowers the noise level by 6dB. Notice in the table above, that as the distance doubles the noise level at the receiver decreases 6 dB (A). Below are examples of ways barriers and enclosures of construction equipment and can reduce noise levels.
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Creating Noise Barriers
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| Problem: |
| Power pack produced noise levels of 98 dB(A) at 1m |
 |
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Solutions:
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Benefits:
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| • Portable screen built with common construction material was placed around a power pack | • Reduced the noise levels from 98 dB(A) to 90 dB(A) at 1 m |
Reference: Worksafe Western Australia
905 16th St., NW