Solution Summary: Quieter Generators
Generators are frequently used to supply electrical power on construction sites. While convenient and often necessary, generators frequently produce noise levels that are hazardous to those working in their vicinity. Quieter generators use one or more of the following to reduce sound levels: mufflers, sounds absorbing insulation, barriers and baffles.
Use of quieter generators can reduce noise exposures from the generator to less than 85 decibels, the OSHA action level. It is likely exposures from other equipment and tools will still necessitate participation in a hearing conservation program and the use of hearing protection.
Description:
Generators are frequently used to supply electrical power on construction sites. While convenient and often necessary, generators frequently produce noise levels that are hazardous to those working in their vicinity. Quieter generators use one or more of the following to reduce sound levels: mufflers, sounds absorbing insulation, barriers and baffles.
Use of quieter generators can reduce noise exposures from the generator to less than 85 decibels, the OSHA action level. It is likely exposures from other equipment and tools will still necessitate participation in a hearing conservation program and the use of hearing protection.
Shindaiwa kWiet Power Generators
- Fuel: diesel
- Output, 1 phase (switchable): 120, 127, 139, 240, 254, 277 volts
- Output, 3 phase (switchable): 208, 220, 240, 416, 440, 480 volts
- Air dams and insulated panels redirect cooling air, doubling the length-of-travel to minimize airflow noise without the need for power-robbing auxiliary fans.
- The enclosure features heavy-gauge steel and sound-absorbing foam insulation. The result is lower sound levels as well as increased unit rigidity.
- Specially-tuned muffler and a longer exhaust pipe improve the balance of high and low noise frequencies.
- Standard features: Voltage, frequency, amperage and hour meters; automatic voltage regulator; oil pressure and water temperature gauges; battery charge warning indicator.
- Options: Electronic governors (standard on DGK150D), electronic auto-start modules, battery chargers and block heaters. A variety of trailers, fuel tanks and trailer accessories are available.
| Model | Continuous Output, 1 phase / 3 phase (kilowatts) | Weight (pounds) | Sound Level, Full Load at 23 feet* (dBA) |
| DGK25C Ultra Quiet | 15 / 20 | 1,543 | 56 |
| DGK45C Ultra Quiet | 27 / 36 | 2,513 | 56 |
| DGK150D Ultra Quiet | 90 / 120 | 6,504 | 60 |
*measurement conditions are based on industry standard
Subaru Robin Inverter – Silent Generators
- Foam lined sound attenuated poly-resin panels fully enclose each inverter generator to ensure ultra-quiet operation.
- Fuel: gasoline
| Model | Rated Output / Maximum Output (kilowatts) | Rated Output / Maximum Output (amps) | Weight (pounds) | Sound Level, Full Load at 23 feet* (dBA) |
| R1700i | 1.4 / 1.65 | 11.7 / 13.8 | 45 | 59 |
| RG3200iS | 2.8 / 3.2 | 23.3 / 26.7 | 130 | 58 |
| RG4300iS | 3.8 / 4.3 | 31.7 / 35.8 | 163 | 62 |
*measurement conditions are based on industry standard
Risks Addressed:
Over time, exposure to noise levels at or above 85 decibels will lead to permanent hearing loss. The NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL) for occupational noise is 85 decibels on an A-weighted scale as an 8-hour time weighted average. OSHA limits noise exposure to 90 decibels, also on an A-weighted scale and as an 8-hour time weighted average.
How Risks are Reduced:
Shindaiwa kWiet Power generators use a combination of enclosures, absorption materials and barrier materials to reduce worker and bystander noise exposure. Baffles and insulated panels redirect airflow through the enclosure to double the path length. This increases noise absorption and containment without reducing the need for a fan to cool the generator. The enclosure is made from heavy-gauge steel and covered in sound-absorbing foam insulation. Finally, the generators feature a specially tuned muffler and longer exhaust pipe to reduce noise emissions.
Shindaiwa indicates that its “Ultra-Quiet technology significantly reduces generator sound levels” and Subaru Robin and Genie Industries make similar claims for their generators. Based on the advertised sound levels, measured at 23 feet, safety and health experts believe that the risk of hearing loss will be lower than with most generators.
Effects on Productivity:
Lower noise levels may reduce hypertension, stress and fatigue, and increase the concentration and mental performance of workers. Improved worker health, comfort and concentration may lead to greater productivity. Quieter generators eliminate the work and time required to construct standalone noise barriers and enclosures and allow placement closer to work areas.
Additional Considerations:
The use of diesel and particularly gasoline-powered equipment poses the risk of carbon monoxide exposure, especially in areas where airflow is reduced. Steps to control exposure are important because the gas is invisible, odorless and tasteless. Small, inexpensive personal monitors should be worn by the operator to warn of unacceptable exposures.
Availability
Genie Industries Terex Super Quiet Generators
To obtain information, visit http://www.genielift.com
or contact 1-800-536-1800
Shindaiwa kWiet Power Generators
To obtain information, visit http://www.kwietpower.com
or contact 1-866-205-0199
Subaru Robin Inverter – Silent Generators
To obtain information, visit http://www.robinamerica.com
or contact 1-800-277-6246
