Noise Assessment is a growing and complex issue, benefiting from sound competent
advice. There are various noise control authorities and legislations. The Control
of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 requires workplace assessments and compliancy under
the environmental noise assessment may be gained through PPG2f planning requirements.
Noise assessments are crucial where industrial areas are close by to residential estates.
Hearing protection is also a fundamental aspect of noise assessments and by law an employer must
assess and identify dangers from noise exposure.
Risks that are normally considered to be low normally only require a simple in-expensive approach. Where noise
risks are high, a suitable assessment and noise control plan should be priority. Over the years, regulations
have tightened by lowering noise exposure action levels to 80 from 85 dB. Every 3 dB doubles the noise level so
a small an apparent small change may make a large difference. A noise assessment is required to identify these risks
and minimise their effects. It is important to review a noise assessment frequently. A noise assessment should be carried out at new sites,
upon receiving new machinery and site plan alterations. Noise issues are often overlooked during the planning
stages. It is far more cost effective to assess noise during the planning stages, rectification of a noise
problem later down the line may require large changes to the acoustic properties of a building. Very costly, very time consuming.
It is recommended that a noise assessment and noise planning be thought of early in the design and planning stages. Noise
is considered pollution and Noise monitoring sections 60 to 61 feature in the Control of Pollution Act 1974.
