Dynamic Response understands that the relationship of noise between industry and surrounding communities is very important. Both internal and external noise generating noise sources must be considered in order to minimise any noise related complaints which could result in a ‘Statutory Noise Nuisance’ Case investigated by the Local Authority.

British Standard 4142 or BS 4142: 1997 ‘Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas’ is one of the most commonly used standards for assessing industrial noise and is used to assess if the generated noise from industrial and commercial noise sources is considered acceptable in terms of complaints. BS 4142 provides a methodology which compares the generated noise against the existing background noise LA90 in order to determine the likelihood of complaints.

British Standard 4142 states that if the rated noise level exceeds the LA90 background noise level by 10 dB or more, then complaints would be likely. An excess of 5 dB over the background noise level is viewed as being ‘of marginal significance’. A noise rating level of 10 dB below the background noise is a positive indication that complaints will be unlikely.

If a new industrial development is proposed, the existing operating hours of industrial/commercial premises are changed or extended, or new external plant equipment is installed etc, planning permission may be required.

We can complete a noise survey and assessment to the relevant standards such as BS4142: 1997, ‘Method for rating industrial noise affecting mixed residential and industrial areas’, Minerals Policy Statement 2 (MPS2) ‘Controlling and mitigating the environmental effects of minerals extraction in England’ and more etc. If for some reason the results of the noise survey and assessment indicates that there is or would be a problem regarding noise, we will aim to provide noise mitigation advice to demonstrate to any Local Authority that the development should not cause any noise nuisance.

Some examples of fixed plant industrial noise assessments include:

• Air Conditioning Units Or External Heat Pumps
• Water Cooler Or Chiller Units
• Air Compressors
• External Storage Silo’s With Associated Pumps And
• Ventilation Or Extraction Systems Etc.

In addition to the above it must not be forgotten that industrial noise can also cause noise nuisance due to noise break-out from the existing building envelope as well as externally mounted equipment. In these cases it is vital to determine the internally generated noise levels within an area and hence control the noise break-out based on detailed calculations to include the correctly specified building elements such as any external walls, ceiling/roof constructions, access doors and any glazing etc.

Some examples of noise break-out assessments include:

• Joinery Shops
• Food And Drink Manufacturers
• Automotive Garages
• Product Manufacturing Premises
• Restaurants
• Scrap Yards Or Recycling Premises
• And Various Others Not Seen Above

Rest assured, any work undertaken is carried out using modern, fully calibrated instrumentation, working to the correct standards with relevant documentation produced showing the results and any advice or mitigation measures required.

We aim to carry out all types of industrial and occupational noise assessments from noise at work assessments to new industrial developments. Whatever your requirements are relating to industrial noise, please do not hesitate to contact us.