Amazon Fulfillment Centres

Location: Greater Toronto Area, Ontario
Client: Amazon Canada

Since 2012 HGC Engineering has been contracted by Amazon Canada to conduct interior workplace noise exposure measurements at their fulfillment facilities across the Greater Toronto Area: in Milton, Mississauga, and at their three Brampton locations. The studies focus on several areas of each facility including packing, sorting, racking, facilities, loading dock, office space, and the lunch room. Measurements of overall A-weighted energy-equivalent sound levels are conducted throughout each of these facility areas. Intelligent dosimetry methods can also be used to assess exposure levels in areas that are impacted by frequent or unpredictable changes in sound levels. The occupational sound exposures are then evaluated with respect to the limits in Ontario Regulation 381/15. These measurements are required to satisfy Amazon Canada’s internal health and safety policy.

Brampton Amazon Fulfillment Centre

HGC Engineering was also retained by the industrial real estate developer Orlando Corporation to conduct a noise feasibility study for the, at the time, proposed Amazon Fulfillment Centres located at the northwest corner of Heritage Road and Steeles Avenue West in Brampton, Ontario. A noise study was required by the municipality as part of the planning and approvals process, specifically for rezoning and site plan approval. The building is approximately 110,500 m2 in size.

Site Description and Sources of Sound

The lands to the north and east of the site are existing residential lands. Typical sources of sound associated with warehousing facilities are rooftop mechanical equipment and trucking activities. Trucking activities generally include brief accelerations and idling at loading bays.

HGC Engineering conducted measurements of the existing sound levels near the proposed facility, reviewed the site plan, obtained typical sound rating data for HVAC units and trucking activity and performed calculations to determine the potential noise impact at nearby noise sensitive land uses with respect to MOECC guidelines. Receptor locations were taken at the most potentially impacted residences.

Conclusion

Our analysis, assuming typical worst-case equipment and operating scenarios indicated that the noise impact of the facility could comply with MOECC criteria at the receptors with the implementation of noise control measures. HGC also participated in meetings with the City and concerned residents regarding the potential noise impact from the facility to refine noise control measures to everyone’s satisfaction.

Acoustical Engineering Service Delivered:

• Workplace Noise Survey
• Conducted detailed noise studies in accordance with Ontario Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change procedures
• Specified noise controls
• Developed noise control plan