--- title: How to reduce plant noise levels date: 2021-03-23T11:10:00-04:00 author: jessica napert canonical_url: "https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/publications/how-to-reduce-plant-noise-levels" section: Publications --- Canada is a leader in the mining and industrial sectors, both of which are expanding. Companies in these industries carry out operations that are essential to societal development and help produce both infrastructure and goods for everyday use. It goes without saying that heavy industry, for all its advantages, has its share of risks, which explains the safety campaigns carried out in facilities and on construction sites. These risks include noise exposure, which is all too often overlooked. 1. ## A bit of theory Noise is measured on a scale of decibels adjusted to the human ear, called decibels A (dBA). This scale is measured as a function of sound pressure and is based on a base-10 logarithmic scale. Decibels use the pascal (Pa) as the unit of pressure. Without going directly into the formula, it is important to know that a doubling of energy represents a total increase of 3 dB. This is considered barely perceptible by humans. For example, two machines producing 50 dB individually produce 53 dB together, and not 100 dB. Since this is not a linear relationship, it is difficult to quantify a decibel increase without a metering device. In fact, a 10 dBA increase in noise is considered by humans to be twice as loud ## Legal context In Canada, the maximum allowable exposure level is consistent across all provinces. The limit for a continuous eight-hour exposure is 85 dBA. ## Conventional protection Personal protective equipment is the most common form of protection in industrial settings. When the noise is very intense, double protection may be required, such as wearing earmuffs over in-ear plugs. However, such protection can cause problems when communicating with colleagues. So, the best protection is reducing noise at the source. This way, several methods can be considered, including insulated walls, partitions or enclosures. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so the method must be assessed and adapted as much as possible to equipment handling. The conventional method of reducing noise levels for a generator set is to add a complete acoustic enclosure around each generator. However, there are disadvantages to this approach: 1. It is costly. 2. It requires an additional ventilation system, often complex and voluminous, to cool the generators. 3. Generator maintenance becomes more complex, as it requires several overhead cranes, or removable sound shelters. 4. The building must be big enough to house the acoustic enclosure, increasing its space requirement. ## Innovative means of protection: an example As part of a noise study performed on generator sets producing noise levels of up to 110 dBA, BBA experts proposed modifying the building design by adding acoustic walls in an innovative way. To avoid workers having to wear double hearing protection, the entire ceiling was covered with acoustic panels, and acoustic walls were designed around the generator sets, yet did not reach the full height of the building, making it possible to use overhead cranes in the area and cool the generator sets. Additionally, the walls did not interfere with generator set maintenance. Acoustic simulations helped optimize wall height to filter noise and ensure workers were only exposed to 94 dBA of continuous noise. This solution complied with the standard for noise exposure of 83 dBA for a consecutive 12-hour period simply by wearing earplugs. 2. [ ![Blog Body Image N Allen P Choquette Reduce plant noise levels EN 1](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_1.png) Figure 1 - Example of acoustic simulation ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_1.png) 3. ## Adaptable to the construction strategy The following sequential approach was proposed to minimize initial project investment costs. 1. Construction of main building with interior acoustic finishing on the ceiling only: A. This helped reduce noise intensity (pressure) by half (3 dB). B. This building modification only required minor investments; it if had been carried out after the plant was in operation, the work would have cost more. 2. Future addition of an acoustic wall between the generator bay and the maintenance bay: the wall will help meet the acoustic criterion in the maintenance bay only, where there are many people. 4. [ ![Blog Body Image N Allen P Choquette Reduce plant noise levels EN 2](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_2.png) Figure 2 - Acoustic wall between the generator bay and the maintenance bay ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_2.png) 5. 3\. Finally, for the last phase, acoustic walls will be placed between each generator. These walls will be installed in such a way as to add a hallway behind the generators. This will meet the acoustic criterion in the generator bays that are not operating and in the hallway that contains auxiliary equipment. 6. [ ![Blog Body Image N Allen P Choquette Reduce plant noise levels EN 3](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_3.png) Figure 3 - Acoustic walls between each generator ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_3.png) 7. This project is an example of a situation where industrial hygiene and economic requirements were considered in order to provide the client with an optimal solution. If you have a similar issue, feel free to contact us. \[1\] [https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/pr...](https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/sante-environnementale/bruit-environnemental/caracteristiques-et-mesures-du-bruit-environnemental/) \[French only\] This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA 1. ![Nicholas Allen](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/3313/Nicholas-Allen.webp) Nicholas Allen, P.Eng. Engineer - Energy and Air Quality [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-allen-a4843843/) - [ 27 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance - ![Geraldine Cosset](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/206707/Geraldine-Cosset.webp) - ![Jared Purdy](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/212424/Jared-Purdy.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/early-tailings-decisions-shape-long-term-mine-performance "Early tailings decisions shape long-term mine performance") - [ 02 Jul 2026 Mining and Metals Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing - ![Charles Blais](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211197/Charles-Blais.webp) - ![Juan Pablo Vergara](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/211266/Juan-Pablo-Vergara.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/python-a-key-tool-for-data-analysis-in-mineral-processing "Python: A key tool for data analysis in mineral processing") - [ 19 Jun 2026 Mining and Metals Speed is earned early in projects - ![Mm employee men jean lheureux retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/204266/mm_employee_men_jean-lheureux_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) - ![Mm employee men benoit richard retouch web SQ LR BBA](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/203602/mm_employee_men_benoit-richard_retouch_web_SQ_LR_BBA.webp) ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/speed-is-earned-early-in-projects "Speed is earned early in projects") - [ 17 Jun 2026 Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations - ![Pierre Boucher](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/avatars/_size_avatar/2671/Pierre-Boucher.webp) Pierre Boucher, P.Eng. Senior Engineer, Operational Technology and Infrastructure ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights/industrial-data-platforms-building-a-solid-foundation-to-optimize-your-operations "Industrial data platforms: building a solid foundation to optimize your operations") [ See all ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/insights "Go to Publications listing page") Let’s think it further together [ Contact us ](https://www.bbaconsultants.com/en-ca/contact) Canada is a leader in the mining and industrial sectors, both of which are expanding. Companies in these industries carry out operations that are essential to societal development and help produce both infrastructure and goods for everyday use. It goes without saying that heavy industry, for all its advantages, has its share of risks, which explains the safety campaigns carried out in facilities and on construction sites. These risks include noise exposure, which is all too often overlooked. 1. ## A bit of theory Noise is measured on a scale of decibels adjusted to the human ear, called decibels A (dBA). This scale is measured as a function of sound pressure and is based on a base-10 logarithmic scale. Decibels use the pascal (Pa) as the unit of pressure. Without going directly into the formula, it is important to know that a doubling of energy represents a total increase of 3 dB. This is considered barely perceptible by humans. For example, two machines producing 50 dB individually produce 53 dB together, and not 100 dB. Since this is not a linear relationship, it is difficult to quantify a decibel increase without a metering device. In fact, a 10 dBA increase in noise is considered by humans to be twice as loud ## Legal context In Canada, the maximum allowable exposure level is consistent across all provinces. The limit for a continuous eight-hour exposure is 85 dBA. ## Conventional protection Personal protective equipment is the most common form of protection in industrial settings. When the noise is very intense, double protection may be required, such as wearing earmuffs over in-ear plugs. However, such protection can cause problems when communicating with colleagues. So, the best protection is reducing noise at the source. This way, several methods can be considered, including insulated walls, partitions or enclosures. Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so the method must be assessed and adapted as much as possible to equipment handling. The conventional method of reducing noise levels for a generator set is to add a complete acoustic enclosure around each generator. However, there are disadvantages to this approach: 1. It is costly. 2. It requires an additional ventilation system, often complex and voluminous, to cool the generators. 3. Generator maintenance becomes more complex, as it requires several overhead cranes, or removable sound shelters. 4. The building must be big enough to house the acoustic enclosure, increasing its space requirement. ## Innovative means of protection: an example As part of a noise study performed on generator sets producing noise levels of up to 110 dBA, BBA experts proposed modifying the building design by adding acoustic walls in an innovative way. To avoid workers having to wear double hearing protection, the entire ceiling was covered with acoustic panels, and acoustic walls were designed around the generator sets, yet did not reach the full height of the building, making it possible to use overhead cranes in the area and cool the generator sets. Additionally, the walls did not interfere with generator set maintenance. Acoustic simulations helped optimize wall height to filter noise and ensure workers were only exposed to 94 dBA of continuous noise. This solution complied with the standard for noise exposure of 83 dBA for a consecutive 12-hour period simply by wearing earplugs. 2. [ ![Blog Body Image N Allen P Choquette Reduce plant noise levels EN 1](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_1.png) Figure 1 - Example of acoustic simulation ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_1.png) 3. ## Adaptable to the construction strategy The following sequential approach was proposed to minimize initial project investment costs. 1. Construction of main building with interior acoustic finishing on the ceiling only: A. This helped reduce noise intensity (pressure) by half (3 dB). B. This building modification only required minor investments; it if had been carried out after the plant was in operation, the work would have cost more. 2. Future addition of an acoustic wall between the generator bay and the maintenance bay: the wall will help meet the acoustic criterion in the maintenance bay only, where there are many people. 4. [ ![Blog Body Image N Allen P Choquette Reduce plant noise levels EN 2](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_2.png) Figure 2 - Acoustic wall between the generator bay and the maintenance bay ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_2.png) 5. 3\. Finally, for the last phase, acoustic walls will be placed between each generator. These walls will be installed in such a way as to add a hallway behind the generators. This will meet the acoustic criterion in the generator bays that are not operating and in the hallway that contains auxiliary equipment. 6. [ ![Blog Body Image N Allen P Choquette Reduce plant noise levels EN 3](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_3.png) Figure 3 - Acoustic walls between each generator ](https://www.assets.bbaconsultants.com/bba-production-assets/production/images/Publications/Blog-Body-Image-NAllen-PChoquette-Reduce-plant-noise-levels_EN_3.png) 7. This project is an example of a situation where industrial hygiene and economic requirements were considered in order to provide the client with an optimal solution. If you have a similar issue, feel free to contact us. \[1\] [https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/pr...](https://www.msss.gouv.qc.ca/professionnels/sante-environnementale/bruit-environnemental/caracteristiques-et-mesures-du-bruit-environnemental/) \[French only\] This content is for general information purposes only. All rights reserved ©BBA