Noise Control Programs
Proactive Noise & Vibration Control
Starts with a Program
Memtech partners with your team to build long-term noise and vibration strategies through training, education, measurement, and prevention, so you stay ahead of compliance, risk, and disruption.
Why Proactive Programs Matter
Most facilities address noise only after problems emerge (violations, injuries, complaints, or lost productivity), but by that point, it’s already cost you. Memtech helps facilities move beyond one-time tests by implementing strategic acoustic programs that deliver long-term control, accountability, and compliance.
Left unchecked, noise leads to OSHA violations, community complaints, worker fatigue, and expensive retrofits. In commercial construction, poor acoustics can undermine productivity and privacy once buildings are occupied.
By integrating measurement, modeling, and design recommendations early, we protect people, productivity, and projects, ensuring noise is controlled before it becomes a liability.
Left unchecked, noise leads to OSHA violations, community complaints, worker fatigue, and expensive retrofits. In commercial construction, poor acoustics can undermine productivity and privacy once buildings are occupied.
By integrating measurement, modeling, and design recommendations early, we protect people, productivity, and projects, ensuring noise is controlled before it becomes a liability.
A structured, proactive noise control program:
- Prevents regulatory violations before they occur
- Improves team awareness and safety culture
- Reduces long-term exposure risks and liability
- Informs smarter equipment layout and upgrades
- Strengthens environmental and community relations
Common Challenges We Help Solve.
Uncertain OSHA Compliance
Many facilities don’t know whether current operations expose workers above the 85 dBA action level or the 90 dBA permissible exposure limit. Without data, they risk citations, fines, or legal exposure.
Retrofits After Construction
Noise is often overlooked during design. Once a facility is built, correcting acoustic issues can cost 4–5 times more than addressing them proactively in the planning stage.
Excessive Worker Exposure
Continuous machinery noise, compressed air, and impact sounds can exceed safe limits, leading to hearing loss, stress, and fatigue among employees if not addressed.
Community Noise Complaints
HVAC systems, generators, or exterior equipment can spill into surrounding neighborhoods, resulting in complaints, negative publicity, and regulatory attention.
Poor Speech Intelligibility
In offices, control rooms, or open production areas, echo and reverberation make communication unclear, increasing the likelihood of errors and reducing productivity.
Missed Design Opportunities
Architects and contractors sometimes lack the acoustical expertise to anticipate how materials, layouts, or mechanical systems will impact sound. Noise issues discovered post-occupancy damage both reputation and client satisfaction.
Noise control programs
Supporting General Contractors & Architects
Noise control isn’t just an operational problem, it’s a design and construction challenge. When acoustics are overlooked in the early stages, projects can face costly retrofits, client dissatisfaction, and post-occupancy complaints.
Memtech partners with architects and general contractors to integrate noise control strategies seamlessly into design and build phases:
Memtech partners with architects and general contractors to integrate noise control strategies seamlessly into design and build phases:
- Design-Phase Consulting
We review architectural plans and mechanical layouts to flag potential noise and vibration issues before construction begins. - Specification Development
Provide STC/NRC requirements, vibration isolation criteria, and product-neutral specifications so design intent is clear and enforceable. - Submittal Review & Coordination
Ensure acoustic requirements are met by subcontractors and that materials are installed as designed. - Predictive Modeling
Simulate reverberation times, HVAC noise, and equipment vibration to validate performance before build-out. - On-Site Testing & Validation
Post-construction verification to confirm that finished spaces meet design goals for speech clarity, privacy, and compliance. - Risk Reduction
Prevent downstream issues such as OSHA citations, tenant complaints, or failed inspections by addressing noise proactively.
Noise control programs
Our Approach & Capabilities
Memtech’s noise control program capabilities span industrial, commercial, and institutional environments.
For industry, we conduct OSHA-compliant noise exposure testing, dosimetry, and mapping, paired with engineering controls such as machine enclosures, damping, and isolation systems.
For construction projects, we provide design-phase acoustical consulting, including 3D modeling of reverberation, HVAC noise studies, and STC/NRC material specifications.
We coordinate directly with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure noise control is integrated without disrupting budgets or schedules. Every project concludes with post-install validation and compliance-ready reporting, giving stakeholders confidence in both safety and performance.
For industry, we conduct OSHA-compliant noise exposure testing, dosimetry, and mapping, paired with engineering controls such as machine enclosures, damping, and isolation systems.
For construction projects, we provide design-phase acoustical consulting, including 3D modeling of reverberation, HVAC noise studies, and STC/NRC material specifications.
We coordinate directly with architects, engineers, and contractors to ensure noise control is integrated without disrupting budgets or schedules. Every project concludes with post-install validation and compliance-ready reporting, giving stakeholders confidence in both safety and performance.
Our approach:
- Baseline Measurement & Risk Assessment
We perform site testing or review design intent to establish noise exposure risks. - Predictive Modeling
Acoustic modeling simulates noise behavior in facilities, construction sites, or planned mechanical systems. - Engineering Recommendations
Design/build specifications for enclosures, barriers, isolation, or absorptive treatments. - Integration with Design & Construction
Work with architects and GCs to embed noise control into specifications. - Implementation & Validation
Post-installation testing to confirm noise levels meet standards and design intent. - Program Support
Documentation and training for ongoing monitoring, compliance, and continuous improvement.
What’s Included?
Every program is tailored to your operation, but key components often include:
Noise & Vibration Risk Assessment
Baseline surveys of exposure risk, equipment-driven vibration, and environmental noise propagation using calibrated SLMs and dosimeters.
Workforce Education & Training
Onsite or virtual sessions designed to educate staff, safety leads, and managers on noise risk awareness, personal protection best practices, OSHA/NIOSH guidelines, how to recognize and report changes in acoustic environment.
Mitigation Roadmapping
We help you prioritize mitigation efforts based on budget, impact, and feasibility, including engineered barriers, enclosures, dampers, or layout reconfiguration.
Policy & Procedure Development
Assistance in integrating acoustic oversight into hearing conservation programs, maintenance checklists, equipment procurement guidelines, and capital project reviews.
Recurring Testing & Program Evaluation
Scheduled reassessments, trend analysis, and compliance check-ins to maintain momentum and adapt the program as conditions evolve.
Noise Risk Timeline
2
Construction Stage
Equipment selection, mechanical layouts, and materials can introduce hidden noise paths. Early coordination with contractors keeps projects on track.
4
Expansion Stage
New machinery or facility growth amplifies existing problems. Continuous noise control programs scale with operations to maintain compliance and performance.
1
Design Stage
Acoustics overlooked during design result in costly retrofits later. Integrating noise control upfront avoids downstream headaches.
3
Operations Stage
OSHA compliance risks, employee exposure, and community complaints surface once systems are running. Proactive monitoring ensures safety and compliance.
The Benefits of a Proactive Approach
- Every $1 spent on proactive noise control can save $5–10 in retrofits, fines, and downtime.
- Better project delivery confidence when sound and vibration are addressed up front.
- Clear documentation to support owners, inspectors, and LEED/WELL certifications.
- Proactive planning prevents noise complaints from neighboring businesses or residents.
- Fixing noise issues after construction costs 4–5x more than addressing them in the design phase.
- Avoid fines, citations, and mandated retrofits by addressing noise proactively.
Why Choose Memtech Acoustics
Certified and Licensed Professionals
Every project is guided by acoustical engineering expertise, not guesswork.
National Standards Alignment
Our products follow IBC, ASTM E90 / ASTM E413 / ASTM C423, NFPA 80 & NFPA 285, and AASHTO Design Guide Specifications.
Turnkey, Full-Service Delivery
One partner for assessment, engineering, sourcing, and installation* from concept to compliance.
High Responsiveness, Proven Reliability
Fast mobilization, accurate timelines, and dependable project execution.
Trusted Local Partner, On-Demand Support
Michigan-based with regional reach and national shipping capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a noise control program?
A structured, proactive system for measuring, managing, and mitigating noise in industrial and commercial environments. It combines testing, engineering controls, and ongoing monitoring to protect workers and ensure compliance.
Who needs a noise control program?
Industrial operators with employees exposed to noise above 85 dBA TWA.
General contractors and architects who want to avoid post-construction complaints or costly retrofits.
Facility managers seeking compliance confidence for OSHA or local noise ordinances.
General contractors and architects who want to avoid post-construction complaints or costly retrofits.
Facility managers seeking compliance confidence for OSHA or local noise ordinances.
What’s included in your noise control program?
Baseline noise measurement, predictive modeling, design/build recommendations, implementation support, and validation testing. Programs also include documentation and training to support long-term compliance.
How is this different from one-time noise testing?
One-time testing only tells you where you are today. A noise control program is ongoing and proactive, designed to catch risks before they escalate, integrate solutions into facility design, and support compliance year after year.
What standards do your programs align with?
Our programs are aligned with OSHA 29 CFR 1910.95, NIOSH RELs, ANSI S12.60 (architectural acoustics), and ASTM/ISO standards for transmission loss, absorption, and vibration control.
How does Memtech work with architects and contractors?
We embed noise control into project specifications, review submittals for compliance, and provide performance criteria that help GCs and architects deliver spaces that are both code-compliant and user-friendly.
Can you provide documentation for regulators or clients?
Yes. We provide compliance-ready reports suitable for OSHA inspections, insurance audits, client deliverables, or municipal hearings.
How much disruption does installation cause?
Minimal. Many solutions, such as acoustic panels or masking systems, can be installed with phased scheduling or off-hours work to avoid disruption to ongoing operations.
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