Ensuring EPA noise compliance through welding noise control

Protect your workforce, meet regulations, and improve site performance

Across Australia, environmental noise complaints are on the rise. That’s why noise compliance isn’t just a paperwork exercise; it’s a core part of running a safe, productive manufacturing site.

For fabricators and manufacturers, welding bays are often one of the loudest and most persistent contributors. And if your facility is near a boundary line, residential area or sensitive receiver, failing to contain that noise can lead to costly investigations and project delays.

Fortunately, there’s a solution. A purpose-built acoustic welding bay not only helps you meet EPA noise expectations, it improves day-to-day operations for your team, too.

Why EPA compliance matters

Each Australian state and territory enforces strict environmental noise limits under EPA legislation. While the exact requirements vary by location, the principle is the same: workplaces must prevent excessive noise from escaping into the surrounding environment, especially during night or early morning shifts.

For manufacturers, failing to comply with these standards may result in:

1. Formal complaints and inspections
2. Required acoustic testing and mitigation
3. Costly retrofits or operational restrictions
4. Damage to reputation and community trust

That’s why it pays to take a proactive approach by designing your welding area for noise control from the start.

Flexshield welding noise control solutions

Flexshield’s acoustic welding bays are engineered specifically for noisy industrial environments. Modular, customisable and built for compliance, they combine high-performance materials with simple installation and proven results.

A complete Flexshield acoustic welding bay typically includes:

Sonic System acoustic modular panels

These panels form the structural core of the bay, absorbing and blocking airborne noise generated by welding, grinding and general fabrication. The panels are:

1. Pre-engineered for quick assembly
2. Designed to reduce noise transmission
3. Rated for industrial use
4. Powder-coated for professional presentation

Installed around or between bays, they create an effective noise barrier – helping to reduce breakout noise and contain activity to a defined zone.

Weldflex™ sheet and strip curtains

Welding operations require UV shielding, spark containment, and separation. Flexshield’s Weldflex™ PVC is purpose-made for the job.

1. Weldflex™ Sheet Curtains are used as fixed or sliding walls of the bay, offering complete coverage and maximum protection
2. Weldflex™ Strip Curtains allow easy access for workers or trolleys while still shielding from flash and fumes

Both are compliant with AS/NZS 3957 and available in various sizes to suit your setup.

SonicClear sheet and strip curtains

For areas adjacent to grinding booths, CNC machines or light fabrication, SonicClear provides transparent separation that still supports acoustic zoning.

1. SonicClear sheet curtains are used where full coverage is needed without losing visibility
2. SonicClear strip curtains are ideal for walkways or part-height enclosures in less hazardous zones

Using these in combination with Sonic Panels allows for greater control over noise spread without blocking sightlines or disrupting airflow.

Compliance through customisation

Every facility is different. That’s why Flexshield welding bays are built to suit your site layout, compliance requirements and workflow.

We can design bays to meet specific Rw ratings, integrate existing structures, or build free-standing enclosures that allow you to remain operational while staying within EPA limits. Whether you’re dealing with steel fabrication, training operations, or automated welding cells, our modular system means you’re not locked into a one-size-fits-all solution.

Improve more than compliance

While EPA noise compliance may be your trigger for change, the benefits go far beyond regulation:

1. Health: Less exposure to hazardous noise reduces long-term hearing risk for workers
2. Safety: Clear segregation of work zones improves visibility and reduces accidents
3. Productivity: A controlled environment allows staff to focus and operate more efficiently
4. Presentation: A professional-looking bay reinforces your brand and builds confidence with clients, auditors and stakeholders

Don’t wait for a noise complaint to act on welding noise control

Flexshield has helped hundreds of manufacturers across Australia create compliant, high-performance welding bays using our proven modular systems.

Whether you’re responding to an EPA notice or planning a new facility layout, we’ll help you reduce noise, improve safety and protect your workforce from the start.

Get started with welding noise control today. Talk to the Flexshield team on 1300 799 969 or get in touch online.

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Designed to perform. Built to last.