A range of construction noise management measures are available, depending on the particular circumstances. The following lists generic management and mitigation measures, and includes a table of specific measures for certain items of equipment/processes.

Scheduling

• Where possible, limit working hours in residential areas to weekday and Saturday daytimes
• In commercial/industrial areas impacts may be minimised by conducting work outside normal working hours
• Identify any particularly sensitive times for activities such as schools, and avoid nearby works during those times. Works near schools may be best during weekends or school holidays
• If working at night in residential areas, perform noisiest work during less sensitive times, such as prior to 11pm
• Provide respite periods by limiting the number of consecutive nights worked near residences
• Avoid conflicts with community events

Equipment

• Adopt quieter techniques and processes
• Select low noise equipment
• Only use required power and size of equipment
• Fit engine exhausts with silencers
• Operate equipment in a quiet and efficient manner
• Do not leave equipment idling unnecessarily
• Regularly inspect and maintain equipment
• Use quiet reversing alarms/methods

Staff

• Include construction noise management as part of site induction procedures
• Implement an incentive scheme to prevent shouting and swearing
• Communicate using the radio/phone
• Require all staff to read the Construction Noise Management Schedule for each particular task
• Hold regular toolbox/tailgate noise management briefings

Deliveries

• Use designated routes and access points for deliveries
• Provide a working area for efficient unloading of deliveries
• Avoid delivery trucks waiting around the site
• Limit night-time deliveries in residential areas
• Combine loads to reduce number of deliveries where possible

Noise propagation

• Locate fixed plant away from neighbouring houses
• Install operational road traffic noise barriers at an early stage so that they also provide benefit for construction noise. Maintain any existing barriers
• Install temporary barriers/hoardings to screen construction noise
• Locate site buildings and material stockpiles to screen works from neighbours
• Install localised enclosures or screening of equipment

Neighbouring buildings

• Provide mechanical ventilation so that windows can remain closed
• Upgrade the building envelope to provide greater sound insulation. Typically, the windows will be the weakest path that will need upgrading first
• Offer residents temporary relocation during works exceeding reasonable noise limits

Specific equipment

Example

This is a picture of a mobile acoustic cutting booth in use in Auckland.