Building restoration enhances occupant enjoyment, improves the community, and maintains building efficiency. However, when the restoration process is excessively noisy, it creates disruptions that can overshadow these benefits.
Here we look at how a safety-first culture drives innovative solutions that help minimize building restoration noise.
Embracing a health and safety-first culture
At WellDone Inc. we’ve always put safety first even before we achieved COR™ (Certificate of Recognition) certification, the highest standard for construction safety. Part of proper safety protocols is being aware of the risks presented by the machinery, equipment and restoration methods used at project sites, in hand with adhering to local regulations. Doing so allows us to reduce the impact of noise in the many different ways:
Worker safety
As part of Health and Safety best practices we understand that prolonged exposure to loud noise impacts the well-being of those around us. We protect our team from the risk of hearing impairment and stress by ensuring they follow safety protocols wearing proper ear protection.
Compliance
We adhere to all noise regulations, ensuring our team only operates loud machinery, equipment, and tools based on local time restrictions. This not only protects the community but also avoids project delays related to non-compliance penalties, fines and regulatory “red tape.”
Working with a Safety Coordinator
Our in-house Safety Coordinator conducts inspections of the worksite’s premises, buildings, tools, equipment, and machinery. If defects are discovered, such as increased noise or faulty equipment during operation, they identify the issue and ensure repairs or replacements are made.
Leading edge equipment
Leading edge equipment and machinery features the latest in noise dampening technology such as reduced vibrations and low-noise engines. However, ongoing inspections and maintenance are also critical to identify damage and faulty worker operation that increases noise levels. This ensures repairs or training is provided to restore quiet operation.
Use of acoustic barriers
Acoustic barriers muffle noise, limiting how sound waves travel. For example, strategically placed noise cancelling fencing blocks sound travel to residential areas. In occupied buildings, sound absorbing walls can temporarily be installed to create a barrier between construction and tenant areas.
Site monitoring
Noise monitoring identifies unexpected noise to proactively introduce interventions. This process can also identify equipment failure or improper operation by workers and ensure repairs or operational corrections are made.
Scheduling and planning
Scheduling the noisiest processes later in the day can reduce the impact noise has on occupants and the community, while improving compliance. Site planning ensures louder equipment is placed in areas furthest away from occupants or residential areas, if or whenever possible.
Mandatory worker training
OSHA safety training is required for all employees. However, additional training can help reduce site noise. Training and awareness teaches job site members about the impact noise has on themselves, occupants, and the community helping to ensure they follow best practices.
When every team member understands noise regulations, proper operation of equipment, and how to recognize sounds that indicate faulty equipment, they become more invested in helping reduce noise. For example, special training on proper sawing practices such as applying water to blades when sawing stone and concrete or selecting the right blade can help reduce noise.
Introducing natural barriers
For long term projects, planting a hedge around the property line provides a natural sound-absorbing barrier. Not only does it work as a noise buffer, but it also creates more green space as a legacy left long after the project is complete.
At WellDone Inc., our safety-first culture ensures steps are taken to reduce noise disturbances that impact the lives of building occupants, our team, and the local community. Partnering with our team provides peace of mind knowing we’ll limit disruptions during restoration. Click here to reach out to us today.