Noise emission evolution on construction sites. Measurement for controlling and assessing its impact on the people and on the environment

Ballesteros, Ma Jesús; Fernández, Marcos D.; Ballesteros, José A.; González, Isabel

doi:10.1016/j.buildenv.2009.08.011

Cited by 76 publications

(35 citation statements)

References 2 publications

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“…These activities generate solid waste and particle emissions causing a concern with soil contamination, air and water pollution and soil erosion (GANGOLELLS et al, 2014). Noise emission is also an important issue, as the construction site activities temporarily increase noise pollution, and are often set in the urban environment (BALLESTEROS et al, 2010). Therefore, the environmental impact of construction has become of high relevance.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adoption of environmental practices on construction sites

Thomas

Costa

2017

Ambient. constr.

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Abstractustainability on construction sites and its impacts on the environment have become increasingly relevant. Large quantities of materials, water and energy, among other resources of various types and origins, are consumed on construction sites during the production activities and by the temporary facilities. This paper aims at presenting a set of criteria for the adoption of sustainable management practices on construction sites aiming at mitigating environmental impacts produced during the construction phase. An indepth case study was carried out on the new building of the Construction Chamber for the state of Bahia, Brazil. Different environmental impacts for each construction activity specific to the construction site were studied and an economic feasibility study of each solution was performed, followed by the implementation of these practices. Monitoring data was collected through checklists, indicators and periodic project management meetings. Participant observation and document analysis were also used as sources of evidence. The main findings refer to the identification of solutions, main difficulties in adopting such solutions, the development of indicators for monitoring low environmental impact on construction sites, as well as a set of recommendations for the deployment of sustainable practices on construction sites. Keywords

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Adoption of environmental practices on construction sites

Thomas

Costa

2017

Ambient. constr.

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“…Noise has been shown to increase blood pressure, cause stress reactions, and increase the risks of myocardial infarctions and strokes [3]. Construction noise, which is particularly annoying to society, has significant contributions from machines and tools [4]. The World Health Organization [5] recognizes noise pollution as the third most prevalent type of pollution after air and water pollution.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Noise Generated by Portable Saw in Different Construction Materials

Barbosa¹,

Bertoli²

2017

AJCEA

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As part of efforts to identify sources of noise pollution from construction, a methodology is developed here for the standardized assessment of noise from masonry saws, which are electric cutters that are commonly used in the industry. Such standardized assessments could aid the development of quieter machines and also of less disruptive and safer industrial practices. The proposed methodology compares the noise generated during cutting with that of free-running non-cutting equipment in accordance with ISO 3744:2010, which specifies methods of determining sound power levels of noise sources via measurement of sound pressure for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane. The cutting of the proposed standard load (concrete slabs) and different building materials was louder than the disengaged saw. The highest observed sound power level was 110.1 dB. The smallest difference observed between the cutting and disengaged saw was 5.5 dB. Noise generated by the saw was quantitatively assessed. The results allowed a standard material to be proposed for use in tests determining the sound power levels of masonry saws. This study also contributes to the analysis of occupational noise generation, considering the difficulties in obtaining previously reported values of the sound spectrum of masonry saws.

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“…Research in the United States into the prevention of occupational hearing loss stresses the importance of research and prevention [3]. Construction noise, which is particularly annoying to society, has significant contributions from machines and tools [4]. Brazil's construction sector is one of the country's quickly most expanding according to the research institutes and trade unions for civil construction: some industry data suggest that the number of jobs in this sector has doubled in the last decade [5].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Occupational Noise Exposure to Masonry Saw Cutting Materials

Barbosa¹,

Bertoli²

2017

JEPHH

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Despite a widespread recognition of the impacts of noise on hearing and other aspects of health, noise exposure in industry remains a significant problem, especially in the construction industry where noise exposure levels of workers are high, especially due to the use of manual equipment and machines used in constructions sites. The masonry saw is a portable power tool widely used in construction in small cuts and finishes for floors, tiles, bricks and woods. It stands out for versatility, lightness and its ergonomics. As part of efforts to identify sources of noise pollution from construction, a noise exposure is developed here for the occupational assessment from masonry saws, which are electric cutters that are commonly used in the industry. Different building materials commonly used in Brazil are used with the masonry saw in their conditions of loading and operation. The proposed methodology evaluates the noise generated during cutting with equipment in accordance with ISO 3744:2010 which specifies methods of measuring sound pressure levels on a surface enveloping the noise source in an environment that approximates an acoustic free field over a reflecting plane and the standard ISO 9612:2009 which specifies an engineering method for measuring workers' exposure to noise in a working environment and calculating the noise exposure level. The cutting of different building materials was louder than the disengaged saw. The highest observed sound pressure level was 106.9 dB(A) at operator ear and 99.1 dB(A) at 2 meters from the source. The smallest difference observed between the cutting and disengaged saw was 7.8 dB(A). Noise generated by the saw was quantitatively assessed. An occupational analysis illustrates that the sound levels generated in operations exceeded the tolerances permitted without protection. The subject is relevant to anticipating risks in the workplace in activities with the masonry saw cutting various building materials. Noise excess removal in the workplace is not just a legal responsibility of the companies, as it is also involved with the market interests of an organization. The safer and healthier a workplace is, the fewer probabilities of absenteeism, accidents and low performance, and consequently, cost savings will be achieved. This study also contributes to the analysis of occupational noise generation, considering the difficulties in obtaining previously reported values of the sound spectrum of masonry saws.

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Noise emission evolution on construction sites. Measurement for controlling and assessing its impact on the people and on the environment

Cited by 76 publications

References 2 publications

Adoption of environmental practices on construction sites

Adoption of environmental practices on construction sites

Noise Generated by Portable Saw in Different Construction Materials

Occupational Noise Exposure to Masonry Saw Cutting Materials

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