Which acoustic monitoring system should you choose for your construction sites?

Noise management on construction sites is a major issue, both for regulatory compliance and for protecting the health of workers and nearby residents. On construction sites, noise pollution can have significant consequences — affecting the health of workers exposed to high noise levels and the quality of life of nearby residents and businesses. Effective acoustic monitoring helps reduce these impacts and ensures a safer working environment.

• Acoustic monitoring devices: WT1 Lite and WT1 Pro

Ellona’s WT1 Lite and WT1 Pro devices offer a comprehensive solution for monitoring and controlling noise levels on construction sites. These fixed devices provide continuous and permanent monitoring of sensitive areas on site. They are installed at strategic points to track sound levels in key zones, such as near heavy construction equipment, particularly noisy work areas, or close to nearby homes and office buildings. These systems deliver constant monitoring, ideal for ensuring compliance with regulatory noise thresholds and enabling proactive noise management.

• Preliminary noise level modeling

Even before the construction site becomes active, a noise model is typically established to assess expected sound levels and determine acceptable thresholds based on local regulations and the specific characteristics of the site. These noise thresholds are then used as reference points throughout the monitoring phase

• Real-time monitoring and instant alerts

During construction, the WT1 Lite and WT1 Pro devices measure sound levels in real time and immediately alert operators when thresholds are exceeded. This enables rapid corrective action, helping to prevent negative impacts on workers’ health and minimize disturbances in surrounding areas.

• Identification and localization of noise sources

A key feature of these devices is their ability to identify and localize specific noise sources, such as machines, vehicles, or equipment in operation. This not only allows for controlling overall noise levels, but also for targeting the loudest sources and regulating them more effectively.

• Corrective actions in case of noise threshold exceedance

In the event of noise threshold exceedance, corrective actions can be triggered automatically or manually, depending on the site configuration. These measures include adjusting work zones, implementing acoustic barriers, or reducing working hours to limit exposure to noise during critical periods. The use of personal protective equipment, such as noise-canceling headphones or earplugs for workers, can also be activated when necessary.

• Multi-parameter monitoring: noise, gases, particles, and odors (odours)

A major advantage of the WT1 Lite and WT1 Pro devices is their ability to simultaneously monitor multiple parameters beyond just noise. In addition to measuring and controlling sound levels, these devices can also monitor gases, fine particles, and odors present on the construction site. This enables site managers to have a comprehensive and real-time overview of air quality and other environmental factors, providing a complete and integrated approach to ensure the safety and comfort of workers.

• Data centralization and analysis via EllonaSoft

Another important feature of the WT1 Lite and WT1 Pro devices is the centralization of data on the EllonaSoft platform, which enables site managers to monitor sound levels in real time. The platform provides a detailed analysis of the collected data, allowing for the detection of variations in noise levels, the analysis of trends over time, and the provision of recommendations to improve noise management. This data can also be used to generate reports that facilitate audits and ensure compliance with local noise regulations.

• Conclusion

In summary, the WT1 Lite and WT1 Pro devices from Ellona not only measure sound levels but also provide intelligent analysis that helps identify noise sources, locate problematic areas, and implement targeted corrective actions. These devices play a key role in reducing noise disturbances on construction sites, contributing to worker protection, regulatory compliance, and the preservation of the surrounding sound environment. With this proactive monitoring, construction companies can not only meet the existing regulations but also improve safety and the well-being of the people working on-site.