Noise Barriers – How they Work

Tips on selecting the right noise control solution

Installing noise barriers in an industrial working environment will protect staff and help your business meet workplace safety regulations. Noise barriers can fully or partially enclose the noise source – which is important since reducing equipment noise at its source will stop it spreading to surrounding areas such as offices and other work areas.

Because each piece of equipment – and your business’s requirements – are different, no two noise barriers will be the same. For example, a noise barrier may need to provide not only noise control but also allow airflow, access and visibility.

Applications, where such barriers can help curtail noise without constraining visibility or access, include welding bays, cooling towers, air conditioning plant rooms, air compressors and dust extraction systems.

Choosing the right sound control solution

Because noise control solutions can take a variety of forms and come in a range of materials, it is vital to consider the noise reduction qualities required for each particular application.

Noise barriers in the form of acoustic doors or noise reduction curtains may hang in doorways leading into rooms where noise is prevalent, such as plant rooms where machinery or equipment is running.

Soundproofing barriers may also be created in the form of strip or noise reducing curtains, typically made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). This solution reduces noise levels while still allowing for unhampered visibility or access into or out of various areas. For example, translucent strip curtains help keep noise levels to a minimum yet let forklift drivers or pallet jack operators see the other side before passing through.

Airflow is another important consideration for many industrial applications, which require a certain amount of air both for cooling and to prevent the build-up of poisonous gases. In this situation, we may recommend an acoustic louvre enclosure to ensure employee safety and machinery longevity.

Noise barrier installation

The risk of lost production during the installation of soundproofing curtains or other noise reduction barriers is an understandable concern for businesses.

The option of having the entire acoustic wall packed in kit form from the manufacturer allows for much easier installation. Alternatively, a Flexshield accredited installer can come to your industrial facility at a time that suits you to install your noise barrier.

Talk to Flexshield for more information about noise barriers

It’s rare for two noise barriers to be identical. The best noise reduction results come from barriers created exclusively for an individual venture.

The key to choosing the right noise barrier is to consider the application and to work with an experienced team such as Flexshield, who will design the solution taking into consideration access and airflow.

A Flexshield noise barrier will safeguard workers and contractors from NIHL. For more information call 1300 799 969 or download Your three biggest workplace noise mistakes here.