Noise Control; Noise at Work
Too much noise can cause permanent hearing damage. The law says that noise levels need to be assessed when they reach a certin level; the broad "rule of thumb" trigger is having to raise your voice to be understood at 2 metres.
Funny stuff, noise, especially the decibel scale (it's logarithmic). Sound level meters are even worse! Fast or impulse settings? A, C or L weightings? Octave or third octave filters?
As you'd expect, we can help by accurately measuring hte levels of noise that affect your work place and help with assessing them to protect your employees and comply with the regulations. Contact Richard for further information.
Noise Control; Nuisance/Planning Applications/Licensing
Noise Nuisance; What Does The Law Require?
Householders can complain to their local Council if they feel they are being unduly disturbed by noise from a business. The Council will investigate, and ask the business to do something about the noise if they feel it’s too much. Typical examples we’ve dealt with are noise from plant and equipment such as fans, refrigeration equipment, and noisy deliveries.
What Can We Do To Help You?
We can assess noise, on your behalf, and see if we agree with any complaints the Council has received and brought to you. We can also mediate with the Council on your behalf, and advise you on how to reduce any problem noise.
Planning Applications; What Do Councils Want?
Often, Councils will look in detail at planning applications for potentially noisy commercial development that might affect nearby households. They often require detailed reports on how much noise will be generated by commercial activity, and how it is proposed to reduce this to acceptable levels. Quite often, this is required before application is granted.
What Can We Do To Help?
We can provide the reports that he Council needs, in the right format in the right technical language. This often involves surveying existing noise levels in an area (“background” levels) and calculating how much noise will be added to this. It usually involves some negotiation about the various factors involved.
By way of examples, we’ve recently looked at a new conference/event venue located in a quiet area, and air conditioning/refrigeration equipment for a new restaurant. Needless to say, all applications were passed after our intervention!
Entertainment Licensing; What Do Councils Want?
Applications for liquor or entertainment licences always ask about how the applicant proposes how to prevent nuisance from being caused (by music, customers leaving, etc.). Similar to noise nuisance (above), we can help with your application form or any complaints that are made to the Council.
