Managing Dust and Noise on Construction Sites

Dust and noise are naturally created by construction activities and can be damaging to the health of construction workers and the neighbouring community. The reputation of a project can also be damaged from the negative effect that dust and noise can have on the community. Well-managed dust and noise control programmes can go a long way to improve the comfort and health of the community.

Prolonged exposure to construction dust can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat and can permanently damage the lungs, especially if the dust contains silica. Loud construction noises can permanently damage a person’s hearing. Noise can also lead to fatigue and stress. Construction dust and noise can also cause a loss of concentration, and a disturbance of the mental and emotional peace of people who are living and working near the construction site.

The best approach to effectively manage dust and noise is to eliminate it during the planning phase of a project. Planning teams should determine if there is a way to change the method of construction to reduce dust and noise. For example, if cutting can be done off-site, that would eliminate the need to cut on site. Choosing the quietest construction methods and equipment to do the job is always important and should be considered.

During planning, construction teams should identify the dust and noise producing activities and the controls that will be used to eliminate it. The controls and the activities should be considered with the community in mind, especially schools, hospitals and businesses that are located nearby. This will also help to control when and how noisy activities are done.

Controlling Dust at the Source

As work starts, the hierarchy of controls applied would mean eliminating dust, if possible, before substituting it, then controlling at source and falling back to personal protective equipment (PPE) controls. For controlling dust at source, extraction or water suppression may be used while cutting, grinding or drilling. Dry sweeping is not allowed. For dust control, vacuums with appropriate filters or wet methods may be used.

Stockpiles of sand and aggregate may be dampened or covered to avoid dust. Stockpiles may be placed away from property boundaries. Good condition haul roads may be created and regularly cleaned. Vehicles leaving site should be free of mud. Skips may be covered and chutes used to drop material from height.

Respiratory Protection

If dust control measures fail to provide sufficient control, respiratory protective equipment (RPE) may also be used. RPE may be all that is provided, if no control measure or water suppression is used. However, RPE should not be relied on as the sole control measure.

Noise Control

Noise control measures follow the same principles. The use of in-service inspections and replacement of enclosed or isolated equipment may be used. Silencers may be fitted to equipment. For fixed plant, temporary barriers may be used to shield noise from vulnerable receptors. For optimum effect, noise control measures should be placed as close as possible to their source.

Scheduling the timing of work can also be useful. Noisy work can be planned to occur during agreed hours or be clustered so that disruption is more concentrated rather than spread throughout the week. Certain sensitive times can be avoided and machines shouldn't be left idling. Drivers and operators should be reminded not to handle materials in a careless manner by for example dropping materials from a height or slamming tailgates.

Monitoring and Records

Monitoring can help to verify the effectiveness of controls. Dust leaving the site can be checked visually, extraction equipment can be inspected, and noise can be measured at the boundary. Local authorities can set conditions to consents or agree specific limits and hours, and so the site team should be aware of what applies to them. The site team should keep records of checks, maintenance, and complaints.

Good Neighbour Relations

Communicating with the community can help avoid a minor irritation from turning into a dispute. Neighbours should be notified about noisy or dusty activities, and a contact should be designated to receive any concerns. Offering an avenue to communicate can resolve many issues, especially if the complaint was raised in the early stages.

Training and Culture

Toolbox talks should explain how the controls work and why dust and noise control is important. The expectations of the use of controls should be clearly explained and staff should feel confident in reporting (or stopping) defective controls. Management who lead by example (i.e. using the controls) can positively influence a site to improve the use of controls.

A Continuous Effort

There are many phases in a construction project (i.e. demolition, ground work, frame, fit out, landscaping). Dust and noise controls should be addressed at every phase, and continuously reviewed. The Controls should be an integral part of a Construction Site Manager’s role in ensuring the continued protection of the workforce and surroundings.