How is environmental noise assessed?
The assessment of environmental noise involves two main aspects.
- The first stage in carrying out an environmental noise assessment is the quantification of noise. This involves the measurement of existing sources or the prediction of noise from future sources.
- The second stage involves evaluating the actual or predicted value against some criteria. For example, this might be a noise level imposed by planning policy guidance or a limit imposed by the serving of an abatement notice.
British Standard 4142: "Method of Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential and Industrial Areas" is an example of a prediction tool. The standard is very complex, but essentially it allows an assessment to be made as to whether complaints from local residents are likely to occur, where commercial noise impacts upon residential areas.
The next easy step in environmental noise management
Each environmental noise assessment is likely to be different and therefore it is recommended that you contact us to discuss your needs in the first instance.
An acoustic specialist will be able to assist you and propose a practical and realistic noise assessment programme.
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See also our > workplace noise exposure services and our > Appointed safety advisor service.