Industrial noise is one of the most concerning issues in modern manufacturing facilities. Excessive noise levels not only directly affect workers’ health but also reduce productivity, operational accuracy, and equipment lifespan. Investing in a standard-compliant soundproofing system helps businesses ensure a safe and stable working environment while complying with industrial noise regulations under QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT.
In factory environments, noise originates from multiple sources such as air compressors, ventilation fans, mechanical stamping lines, and large conveyor systems. When sound waves reflect and resonate in enclosed spaces especially with steel structures and metal roofs, the noise level can multiply compared to its original source. Therefore, researching and applying appropriate soundproofing solutions from the design stage is essential to optimize operations and protect workers’ health.
With years of experience in industrial factory design and construction, BIC always prioritizes incorporating noise and vibration reduction solutions right from the initial design phase. By combining technical calculations, specialized materials, and optimized layout planning, BIC ensures effective noise control while meeting current technical and legal standards.
This article presents detailed soundproofing solutions for manufacturing facilities, including material selection, structural design, technical standards, and construction procedures, helping businesses minimize noise, improve productivity, and achieve sustainable development.
Noise in factories is one of the most significant factors affecting workers’ health and performance. Beyond causing fatigue and stress, prolonged exposure to noise exceeding permissible limits can lead to long-term damage to the nervous and auditory systems. According to occupational health studies, exposure to noise levels above 85 dBA for 8 continuous hours significantly increases the risk of hearing loss; levels above 90 dBA can cause permanent damage with frequent exposure.
The effects of noise go beyond health. In production environments, high noise levels hinder communication between workers, increase the risk of accidents due to missed warning signals, and reduce concentration leading to operational errors and product quality issues. For precision industries such as mechanical, electronic, or food processing, controlling noise is critical to maintaining operational efficiency.
Investing in a proper soundproofing system helps control noise scientifically while building a safe, stable, and regulation-compliant workplace under QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT. Implementing soundproofing solutions reduces occupational risks, protects worker health, and maintains sustainable production performance. Moreover, it reflects a company’s commitment to sustainable development and social responsibility in modern industrial operations.
Factory noise often comes from machines and equipment running continuously at high capacity. Common noise sources include mechanical presses, cutting machines, air compressors, conveyor belts, industrial ventilation systems, and electric motors. Additionally, metal impacts, heavy equipment operation, or forklift movement also contribute to overall noise levels.
Industrial noise is characterized by high intensity, wide frequency range, and continuous repetition. In steel-structured factories with metal roofs and walls, sound waves easily reflect and amplify, making actual noise levels much higher than the source. Acoustic resonance within enclosed spaces can spread noise beyond production areas into offices and auxiliary spaces.
Several factors affect sound transmission, such as roof height, room size, enclosure materials, and surface smoothness. Hard, flat surfaces like concrete, steel, or corrugated metal reflect sound strongly, prolonging and echoing the noise. Without proper acoustic treatment, sound waves travel through structural elements, causing vibrations and increasing background noise levels that impact nearby areas.
Accurately identifying noise sources and characteristics is the first step toward selecting optimal soundproofing solutions. An effective design must consider each production line’s specific conditions, building materials, and spatial configuration to ensure both sound control and adequate ventilation.
Industrial noise is strictly regulated by national standards to ensure workplace safety and minimize its impact on workers and nearby communities. The two most widely applied standards are QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT and TCVN 3985:1999.
According to QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT, maximum allowable noise levels at factory boundaries are 70 dBA during the day and 55 dBA at night. These limits aim to control industrial noise impact on surrounding environments, especially residential areas near factories.
Meanwhile, TCVN 3985:1999 sets safe noise levels in workplaces based on exposure duration:
- 85 dBA for 8 continuous hours
- 90 dBA for 4 hours
- 95 dBA for 2 hours
- 100 dBA for less than 1 hour
These standards are based on human physiological limits to prevent hearing loss, stress, and occupational diseases caused by noise. Factories exceeding these thresholds must implement control measures such as installing soundproof partitions, rearranging layouts, or enclosing noisy equipment.
Enterprises are responsible for periodic noise monitoring and reporting to environmental authorities. Measurements are taken in various areas, including main production zones, offices, and factory boundaries. If results exceed permissible levels, corrective actions and progress reports must be submitted.
Compliance with noise standards is not only a legal requirement but also crucial for maintaining stable operations, passing labor environment inspections, avoiding administrative penalties, and ensuring a safe, professional workplace.
Proper spatial organization during factory design plays a vital role in noise control. High-noise areas such as stamping, grinding, and compressor zones should be isolated from offices, control rooms, and rest areas. Production lines should follow a functional zoning layout with buffer zones like partition walls or technical corridors to minimize direct sound transmission.
Ceiling height should be optimized to limit acoustic resonance, while sound-absorbing materials such as mineral wool, fiberglass, or acoustic panels on roofs and walls significantly improve absorption and reduce reflections.
Walls, partitions, and roofs are key factors determining soundproofing efficiency. Solutions include double-layer brick walls with air gaps or PU, EPS, and rockwool panels with excellent sound insulation. Three-layer soundproof roofing sheets or mineral fiber ceilings can greatly reduce reflected noise.
Vibration-heavy equipment areas should use rubber pads, foam, or anti-vibration mats under machines to reduce structure-borne noise. Doors should be sealed with rubber gaskets or designed as double doors to minimize sound leakage, especially between production and administrative zones.
Modern industrial systems can integrate soundproofing technologies at the noise source. Compressors, generators, and industrial fans can be enclosed in acoustic chambers or fitted with silencers. Movable sound barriers or acoustic panels allow flexibility when production lines change.
Some advanced factories employ Active Noise Control (ANC) technology, which cancels noise by emitting inverse sound waves particularly effective for low-frequency sources like engines and large fans.
When combined from the design construction stages, these integrated solutions significantly reduce noise, improve working conditions, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental standards.
Widely used in industrial projects for its high heat resistance and long-term stability. Its porous fiber structure effectively absorbs mid- to high-frequency sound. Rockwool is ideal for walls, partitions, and roofs requiring both sound and heat insulation and also offers excellent fire resistance.
Made from fine glass fibers, lightweight, and elastic suitable for ceilings or lightweight walls. It is easy to install, cost-effective, moisture-resistant, and minimizes heat loss in high-temperature environments.
PU (Polyurethane) and EPS (Expanded Polystyrene) foams have closed-cell structures that block sound and reduce heat transfer. PU is often used in three-layer roofing and wall panels for dual insulation. EPS, though lighter, provides decent sound absorption and is ideal for cost-optimized projects.
Highly elastic and effective for vibration and low-frequency noise absorption, rubber foam is commonly placed under heavy machinery or technical floors. It is durable, moisture-resistant, and suitable for harsh industrial conditions.
Used in areas requiring aesthetics, such as offices or control rooms, these materials absorb mid- and high-frequency sound and offer a natural appearance. When combined with Rockwool backing, they enhance overall soundproofing performance.
Combining materials achieves comprehensive noise reduction for instance, using PU panels with Rockwool cores and rubber layers beneath machinery effectively controls both noise and vibration. This integrated approach optimizes acoustic performance, reduces cost, and ensures long-term durability.
Conduct on-site noise measurements at critical points (machinery areas, operation zones, offices, and factory boundaries) to determine sound intensity, frequency range, and propagation direction.
Based on survey data, design a detailed technical plan specifying material types, thickness, and installation methods.
- Main production areas: PU/EPS/Rockwool panels.
- Heavy machinery areas: Rubber or anti-vibration foam.
- Office/control rooms: Wood fiber acoustic panels for aesthetics and noise reduction.
Ensure airtight installation seal all joints, corners, and around doors to prevent “sound leakage.” Panels are fixed using steel frames, specialized adhesive, or vibration-resistant fasteners. Roof and ceiling joints must be checked to prevent resonance during machine operation.
Measure post-installation noise levels with specialized equipment and compare before - after results. Adjust or add materials if any area fails to meet QCVN 26:2010/BTNMT limits.
Regular maintenance is crucial. Inspect areas prone to deterioration such as panels, ceilings, and machine zones. Repair peeling, torn, or water-damaged materials promptly to maintain effectiveness. Proper maintenance extends the system’s lifespan and ensures continued compliance with workplace safety and environmental standards.
Installing a standard soundproofing system brings long-term technical and operational benefits. A quieter workplace enhances concentration, reduces fatigue, and prevents hearing loss and occupational diseases.
Soundproofing also minimizes vibration-related wear on machines and structures, extending equipment lifespan and reducing maintenance costs. In precision and automated manufacturing, a low-noise environment ensures better accuracy and consistent product quality.
Complying with industrial noise standards helps factories pass environmental inspections and achieve certifications such as ISO 45001, ISO 14001, or equivalent international safety standards boosting global credibility.
A clean, quiet, and well-organized factory also strengthens brand image, reflecting professionalism and care for employees factors that build partner trust and support sustainable growth strategies.
Thus, soundproofing is not merely a technical upgrade but a strategic investment enhancing productivity, protecting human resources, reducing long-term costs, and reinforcing competitiveness in the modern industrial sector.
A properly designed, quiet, and environmentally friendly factory provides the foundation for long-term, safe, and sustainable business growth. Contact BIC today for expert soundproofing solutions!
