Australia’s noise control & safety screen SPECIALISTS · Easy ways to keep noise levels low • Buy the quietest plant and machinery for the job and always ask the manufacturer/supplier

Health, Safety, Productivity.

Austral ia ’s noise control & safety screen

SPECIALISTS

C O N S T R U C T I O N P R O D U C T C A T A L O G U E

About UsFlexshield has been at the forefront of industrial soundproofing in Australia since 2003.

We o�er our ever-growing list of satisfied clients an extensive range of innovative soundproofing products, plus high-quality service and support sustained by unmatched knowledge and experience.

To ensure your complete peace of mind, we also back up our products with comprehensive National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited test results.

Vision Statement“ The World will use Flexshield as a caring and complete solution to all industrial and environmental noise control wants.”

Mission Statement“ A strong and positive team of people helping people live and work safer, healthier and happier. Achieving consistent growth by embracing continuous improvement with a thriving culture of customer interaction”

All Flexshield products will be custom

designed to comply with industry standards

and to achieve your desired outcome.

ContentsThe importance of noise compliance

A passion for preventing ONIHL

Demolition Worksite – Sonic Quilts/Sonic Curtains | Sonic Tents | Noise Walls

Institutional and Commercial – Acoustic Doors | Acoustic Louvres | Noise Barriers

AcousTech

Specialised and Industrial – Dust Control Curtains | SonicClear Screens and Barriers | Wash Bay Screens

Infrastructure and Heavy Construction – Acoustic Enclosures

Construction Tenders

The model WHS Regulations require duty holders to work through a hierarchy of control to choose the measure that eliminates or most e�ectively minimises the risk in the circumstances.

The most e�ective control measure is to eliminate the source of noise completely. Can you plug electrical equipment into mains supply instead of using a noisy generator? Can you replace hand-held power tools with an automated process that doesn’t produce noise?

If you can’t eliminate the noise look at reducing it. Can you substitute noisy pieces of plant with less noisy ones? Can you move the equipment further away with the use of extension cords, additional welding leads, or longer air hoses?

Remember that actions to eliminate or minimise noise may introduce new hazards, and risks associated with those hazards need to be managed e�ectively.

Other ways to minimise noise include:

• Engineering controls. These are a common control measure. You might modify equipment to reduce noise at the source, or place barriers around the source. You might also place barriers along the transmission path to reduce

noise levels, or place them around the worker to prevent noise exposure.

• Administrative controls. These include operating noisy machines during shifts where fewer people are exposed, limiting the amount of time a person spends near a noise source, moving workers away from the noise source to reduce their exposure, or providing quiet areas where workers can gain relief from hazardous noise sources.

• PPE. Personal hearing protectors such as ear-mu�s or ear-plugs should be used:

- when the risks arising from exposure to noise can’t be eliminated or minimised by other more e�ective control measures

- as an interim measure until other control measures are implemented

- where extra protection is needed above what has been achieved using other noise control measures.

Easy ways to keep noise levels low

• Buy the quietest plant and machinery for the job and always ask the manufacturer/supplier for information about noise levels.

• Change the way you do the job, for example glue don’t hammer, weld don’t rivet, lower don’t drop.

• Reduce noise levels at the source, for example fit silencers to exhausts, turn down the volume, change fan speeds.

• Isolate the source of the noise, for example use barriers, remote controls or sound-proof covers.

• Reduce exposure levels, for example restrict access to noisy areas, provide quiet areas for rest breaks, or limit time spent in noisy areas by rotating tasks.

Proper maintenance of equipment and tools can result in lower noise levels. Flexshield have a range of engineered solutions for noise control on construction sites.

The risk of occupational noise-induced hearing loss is increased by relying too much on, and improperly using, personal hearing protectors such as ear mu�s and plugs.

Table 1: Common noise sources and their typical sound levels

Typical sound level in dB Sound source

140 Jet engine at 30 m

130 Rivet hammer (pain can be felt at this threshold)

120 Rock drill

110 Chainsaw

100 Sheet metal workshop

90 Lawn mower

85 Front-end loader

80 Kerbside heavy tra¦c

80 Lathe

70 Loud conversation

60 Normal conversation

40 Quiet radio music

30 Whispering

0 Hearing threshold

Work-related noise-induced hearing loss is a preventable but irreversible condition that a�ects many Australian workers.

• Between 28–32% of the Australian workforce is likely to work in an environment where they are exposed to loud noise.

• Noise-related injuries are most common in the manufacturing and construction industries with technicians and trades workers, machinery operators, drivers and labourers most exposed.

Too much noise at work can lead to temporary or permanent hearing loss or tinnitus—ringing in the ears. Hearing damage can occur from extended exposure to noise or exposure to very loud impact or explosive sounds.

• Long term exposure to loud noise is the most common preventable cause of hearing loss.

Safe Work Australia

The importance of noise compliance

4 - Flexshield Construction Product Catalogue

A passion for preventing Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL)The World Health Organization defines disabling hearing impairment in adults as permanent hearing threshold level of 41 decibels or greater. At this level of impairment most people can only distinguish words spoken at one metre if they are spoken in a raised voice.

The National Standard for Occupational Noise [NOHSC:1007 (2000)] sets the maximum daily occupational noise exposure level at an eight-hour equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level (LAeq,8h) of 85 dB(A) and, for peak noise, a C-weighted peak sound pressure level (LC,peak) of 140 dB(C).

In addition, a code of practice [NOHSC: 2009 (2004)] outlines the noise management program that workplaces need to implement when the National Standard is exceeded. The preferred solution to excessive noise exposure is to completely eliminate the source of the loud noise. When this is not possible or practical, the legal requirement is to minimise exposure.

How can we help your business with noise control?

We have assembled a team of highly qualified noise reduction experts, including an acoustic engineer, who are passionate about industrial noise control. With real-world experience and understanding, they live and breathe acoustics. They are committed to making a real di�erence to Australian industry by reducing the incidence of Occupational Noise Induced Hearing Loss (ONIHL).

Reference: Safe Work Australia

If you are unsure what you need, one of our expert team will visit your site.

If you would like a site visit, please call 1300 799 969

Demolition Worksite – preparation work, building maintenance or repair work


flexshield.com.au - 7

Sonic curtain Sonic tent Noise wall

Sonic Quilts/Sonic Curtains

The Sonic Quilt, and its premium version the Sonic Curtain are an excellent option for all contractors and construction companies looking to provide an exceptional level of site soundproofing. These lighter weight barriers combine sound blocking and absorbing technology to create a versatile barrier suited to the general demands of site noise mitigation.

The Curtain can hang from nearly any struc-ture including a temporary fence, sca�old-ing, hoarding or other frameworks. Strate-gically placed eyelets and hook and loop joiners allow for multiple configurations and can cover large areas.

Sonic Tents

Our Sonic Tent is a comprehensive at-source noise control solution for the construction/building industry. It takes moments to erect, dismantle and re-position. The tent can assist in making your site noise compliant by using state-of-the-art noise control technology and products.

We understand construction, which is why we have developed a high-quality noise control solution to enable our clients to continue working without disruption.

Noise Walls

Noise walls or acoustic walls are an e¦cient method for dividing up factories and workplaces to create “quiet areas”.

The “quiet areas” could be between a manufacturing/production area and an o¦ce or dispatch area or a noise barrier between a noisy machine and its operators.

By strategically placing a soundproof wall between the living quarters and the noise source noise control is achievable.

Institutional and Commercial – schools, medical facilities, sports arenas and skyscrapers



Acoustic Doors

Our extensive knowledge in manufacturing acoustic doors allows us to create the perfect acoustic door for your facility. Our acoustic door sets provide unrivalled strength, insulation qualities and aesthetic appearances, particularly designed for industrial, public and commercial environments.

We o�er a unique “Sonic Access” soundproof door concept, the only 100% ready-to-fix door set. Appreciated by both architects and building professionals, the concept saves time and money and gives a higher quality result.

Acoustic Louvres

Placing acoustic screens around noisy machines often restricts the ventilation of work areas. The installation of Acoustic Louvres or Acoustic Grilles allows for adequate ventilation while maintaining acceptable noise levels.

Sonic acoustic louvres are the ideal solution when aesthetics are as important as noise reduction or ventilation. Typical applications are enclosures for air-conditioning intakes and generators and complete stand-alone plant rooms.

Noise Barriers

Soundproof walls are our most popular noise barrier. Acoustic sound barrier constructions are useful as dividing walls in factories, where for example an o¦ce area or sta� tea room could be isolated from the noise of the workshop.

Acoustic dividing walls, made from materials capable of withstanding outdoor environmental impact are e�ective noise barriers against tra¦c noise, refrigeration or air conditioning plant noise and can be used both to protect the neighbour’s from your noise or yourself from someone else’s.


AcousTech is the practical acoustic design behind Flexshield’s products and projects.

Starting in 2015, AcousTech has quickly become a trusted advisor to the construction industry and can provide:

• Acoustic design

• Acoustic modelling

• Acoustic product and treatment guides

• Environmental baseline testing

• Noise impact testing

AcousTech works with Flexshield and our clients to ensure the best possible acoustic outcomes.

Noise Control for Construction Construction site noise causes more problems than practically any other Australian industry. Noise problems caused by this industry can be related to environmental issues, occupational issues, or both.

AcousTech has provided quality noise control for construction sites across Australia, for projects ranging from buildings to roads to demolition sites.

Our noise control engineering solutions are easy to handle, easy to install, and can form part of an integrated solution to construction noise.

We help construction site achieve their environmental requirements, protect their sta�’s hearing, comply with the latest WH&S noise regulations or improve their acoustic environment.

Our expert acoustic engineers deliver a highly professional and e¦cient service without unneeded over costs within the design solution.

Experienced acoustic engineers are always ready to visit the site and conduct a noise survey to provide the best solution. We only use the state of the art 3D modelling noise production software and equipment to manage complex situations correctly. We are serious about what we do, and this is why full NATA and onsite test results on all recommended products are always available.

PMS 368 Black

CMYK Process Breakdown

Cyan - 63 Magenta - 0 Yellow - 97 Black - 0

Black - 100

PMS 368 + K Reverse treatment

4 Colour process Full Reverse treatment

Monochromatic treatment Greyscale treatment

Noise Surveys, Acoustic Consulting and TestingWhen designing the ideal noise control solution for your construction site our engineers discuss your noise control challenge with you, and take detailed noise level readings and measurements.

They take into account your available space, access, workplace ergonomics and workflows, to establish the ideal solution to your noise control issue.

The AcousTech Noise Survey and Testing ProcessSome of the data gathering methods we may utilise include:

• Acoustic measurements of equivalent continuous sound level and daily exposure levels

• Acoustic modelling of your building and processes using CadnaA state of the art acoustic predictor software

• Measurements of sound reverberation time inside buildings

• Sound measurements

• Noise surveys: di�erent acoustic descriptors will be used (LAEq, LA90, daily exposure, frequency spectrum, airborne or impact noise testing, reverberation time calculation, etc.)

• Modelling: spreadsheet or 3D computerbased

• Assessment: Industrial impact noise, noise reduction

• Reporting including noise mappings and management plans

• Acoustic commissioning, testing and certification

• AcousTech are specialists in the noise control industry


PMS 368 Black

CMYK Process Breakdown

Cyan - 63 Magenta - 0 Yellow - 97 Black - 0

Black - 100

PMS 368 + K Reverse treatment

4 Colour process Full Reverse treatment

Monochromatic treatment Greyscale treatment


Specialised and Industrial – chemical, medical, power generation



Dust Control Curtains

Our dust control strip curtains will provide a physical barrier to airborne dust allowing you to safely control dust levels. The dust control curtains slow the air velocity in paint bays, where extraction is used, allowing the airborne dust to settle.

Our dust control curtains and barriers are made from only the strongest UV resistant and anti-corrosive materials. Flexshield dust control PVC barriers are easy to install and provide immediate results.

SonicClear Screens and Barriers

Our SonicClear workshop screens provide a physical barrier for airborne contaminants allowing you to safely control your workspace. The SonicClear PVC screens or curtains are used to control dust, noise, fumes, splash, odour, insects, paint, weather protection and more.

Our SonicClear curtains and barriers are manufactured from the most robust UV resistant and anti-corrosive materials.

Wash Bay Screens

We o�er a complete system of heavy-duty sliding or fixed sheet Wash Bay Screens. Available as clear or coloured screens, these curtains prevent overspray from car washing entering clean workspaces.

All joining components are anti-corrosive and are maintenance free. Flexshield Wash Bay Curtains are useful where ever a simple solution to splash or anti-contamination is required.

Dust Control SonicClear Curtain Wash Bay

14 - Flexshield Construction Product Catalogue14 - Flexshield Construction Product Catalogue

Infrastructure and Heavy Construction – roads, railways, tunnels, bridges, pipelines

Acoustic Enclosures

An acoustic enclosure is one of the best options available where you need to control noise from a specific source.

Acoustic enclosures will reduce noise from machinery and equipment including pumps, compressors, saws, presses, mechanical plant, fabrication processes, moulders, grinders, sanders, CNC machines, fixed plant and equipment, trucks and forklifts.

Tailor made for your unique application and process, acoustic enclosures are designed around your business’s specific requirements for access, operation and maintenance, ventilation, ease of installation, and improved e¦ciency.

Sonic Curtain Enclosure Stainless Steel Enclosure

Construction sites are notoriously noisy – and today, it’s likely that your site is located in the middle of a residential area, or performing night and weekend works thanks to tight project timeframes.

Add to this, more people working flexible hours or working from home, and there’s a far greater risk you’ll incur noise complaints and su�er stringent noise exceedance penalties.

Noise control of your worksite isn’t just a best practice - it’s the law. If you don’t adhere to the code, your worksite could be shut down. We don’t want that to happen.

flexshield.com.au



If you are unsure what you need, one of our expert team will visit your site.

If you would like a site visit, please call 1300 799 969

flexshield.com.au

When designing an acoustic enclosure, it’s important to ensure it is customised around the needs of your processes, and your specific piece of machinery.

To do this, the Flexshield team perform the following critical steps:

1. An initial consultation by phone or via web call to determine your project needs, challenges, and desired outcomes.

2. We will visit your site to inspect your processes, take sound level recordings, and step you through the possible solutions.

3. We will find out about your operations such as how you use the machine, whether

you need access, if the machine links to anything else, and what are the possible impacts of enclosing the machine.

4. During the design and proposal stage our acoustic engineers and technical team must evaluate and design the best possible solution that meets all your requirements.

5. Presentation of the proposed design for your approval, before it is sent to the production team for manufacture.

6. Production, delivery and installation of the custom acoustic enclosure.

7. Final handover of the acoustic enclosure. At this stage, we will gain your feedback and even source a testimonial.

The process for designing the ideal acoustic enclosure


Very happyWe have to keep opening the door to see if the compressor is on.

“ A quick note to thank you for the Sonic Access door! We installed it in a matter of minutes, it fitted perfectly and is so light compared to other doors of a similar dB rating. We have to keep opening it just to make sure the compressor is running because from the outside we can’t hear it anymore!”

E. POULOS, ROADS AND MARITIME SERVICES

Worked very well“ The sound barriers were really good, they helped in reducing the majority of the noise, especially when working at night around houses. Other field engineers made mention that they worked very well, making it bearable while drilling around pedestrians. They were very easy to put up on the temporary fences and easy to take down.”

M. FADDOUL, GOLDER ASSOCIATES

Noise management success“ The curtains were easily installed and provided a barrier between the (night) works and the local residents. We protected both sides of the rail corridor for general works and works involving plant. In addition we mounted curtains to some additional temp fencing panels which were used to surround localised noisy works such as rail grinding. Night works were undertaken continuously over a period of three weeks and the curtains were a key part of our night works noise management. We received no complaints regarding noise from residents.”

PROJECT MANAGER - DEPARTMENT OF PLANNING, TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE


When you’re replying to a tender for a contract to provide building services, whether that’s concrete cutting; providing a concrete pump; installing a terrazzo floor, or any other noisy building works, you’ll give yourself an advantage if you include your noise strategy as a primary consideration.

While it’s tempting to fall into the trap of thinking that you have to be the cheapest to get the job, that’s not necessarily the case. It’s the value of your solution that’s of most interest.

That’s why you should focus on building your clients’ confidence in your ability to deliver in all areas – including those sometimes hidden in your tender response. Clients will appreciate

Including noise reduction in construction tenders

seeing that you have thought about noise control and gone the extra mile. It shows that you aren’t new to such work and have done the job before.

You can anticipate that your tender submission will be evaluated in terms of price; quality of work; your experience; and whether you’ve demonstrated that you can meet specification and have thought about eliminating site disruptions – such as not being shut down as a result of exceeding noise constraints.

Remember, the tender issuer:

• Wants reliability

• Will consider your experience

• Will assess your track record

• Will look at your downtime injury days

Doesn’t want the flow-on problems of one trade being delayed due to noise, causing a flow-on e�ect over the following weeks and months

Doesn’t want bad publicity. For example, on major projects such as Government infrastructure, negative publicity is bad for business – and bad for the polls!

Noise during construction is one of the leading complaints for current infrastructure projects.

So when you’re thinking about noise in your tender response, ask yourself: Do you simply need noise barriers or acoustic curtains? Or is there a better option? That’s why it’s important to get advice and insights from experts.


Step one: Understand the construction site’s permissible sound levels

The first step in tendering is to check both the standard government regulations that apply to any construction site, and also if there’s anything in the DA with additional requirements.

With a large construction project, this information could be contained in one of thousands of documents – so it’s prudent to ask up front so that you don’t get caught with unexpected expenses due to scope creep.

Remember, if you haven’t raised it as a possible problem, you may not be in a good position for a variation and could therefore have to deal with unplanned-for costs.

Step two: Get advice from noise experts

Once you understand the issues, it’s time to talk to the professionals.

Flexshield can provide you with a branded report to include with your tender submission that considers:

• Typical construction noise for that project

• The distance to the nearest receiver

• Estimated noise levels from your work, and

• Recommended solutions and costs.

We’ll also consider any potential pitfalls and the practical workability of the solution we put forward – so that you can submit your tender response with confidence.

With Flexshield’s input, your tender submission can cover o� on a number of issues that will be important to the contract administrators, such as perceived public consideration; lower cost; ease of movement in a mobile situation; or the ease of managing workflow.

Having the right detail in your tenders shows that you are professional, have thought about all potential hassles, and are a more competent contractor — increasing the opportunities for you to win more work because of the extra value that you bring, and not simply competing on price.

Australia Phone:1300 799 969

Fax:1300 367 313 Email:[email protected]

New Zealand Phone:0800 002 663

Email:[email protected]

Accounts Head O�ce Postal Address PO Box 243, Drayton North, QLD 4350

f l e x s h i e l d . c o m . a u

Australian Made

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Australia’s noise control & safety screen SPECIALISTS · Easy ways to keep noise levels low • Buy the quietest plant and machinery for the job and always ask the manufacturer/supplier