Acoustic Consultancy for Industrial Sites
There is a wide range of consultancy we undertake for industrial sites. These include
- Noise Impact Assessments for new, refurbished or extended industrial developments
- Investigation of complaints and design of mitigation
- Surveys and assessments to accompany permit applications to the Environment Agency
- Noise at Work Assessments
- Workplace audiometry
Industrial Noise Impact Assessments
A Noise Impact Assessment (or NIA) for an industrial site is commonly undertaken to British Standard BS 4142. To give it’s full name, BS4142:2014+A1:2019, ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ has existed in various forms for several decades.
The most recent version is a very detailed document and provides an excellent basis for quantifying noise impact, but requires a good deal of experience and expertise to do correctly.
We have extensive experience in preparing BS 4142 surveys that are widely accepted by Local Planning Authorities and the Environment Agency as part of permit applications.
Investigation of Complaints and Mitigation Design
If you have received complaints about noise from your site, or the Local Planning Authority have issued a Noise Abatement Notice it can be somewhat concerning, but we can help.
In many cases, the first step is to undertake a noise impact assessment to quantify the extent of any noise problem, then work with you to find practicable solutions.
If there is permission in place for your premises and operation, an important factor is what is practicable. The vast majority of councils will only enforce ‘Best Practicable Means,’ which cannot have material harm on your business.
If you are facing noise complaints, please contact us to discuss the best way forward.
Noise at Work Surveys and Workplace Audiometry
With the increased focus of health and safety in the workplace and the rise in compensation claims for industrial deafness it is becoming more important to protect employees from exposure to noise. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations give guidelines as to how employers can protect their employees and in turn protect themselves from compensation claims.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations were updated in 2005 with more stringent requirements. We can undertake workplace surveys in accordance with the current regulations for companies of any size and type. The survey report will identify the exposure action values at all work stations and the statutory requirements for further action by the employer. We can provide acoustic design advice for any work areas that require a reduction in noise levels.
When it is found that employees are exposed to sound levels exceeding 85dB(A) it becomes a legal requirement to provide hearing tests (audiometry) to employees so that their hearing levels can be monitored to prevent any deterioration. These hearing tests take around 15 minutes per person and are an effective method of identifying any employees who may be suffering with loss of hearing that could be associated with exposure to noise at work. Audiometry tests are conducted on site either in a quiet room such as an empty office or meeting room.
Environment Agency EA Permits
If you have a site or application that is subject to a permit application, to be issued by the Environment Agency, it is likely to require a noise impact assessment. The EA usually require that an assessment is prepared precisely to the requirements of BS 4142 and even have their own document describing the level of detail that must be provided.
We have extensive experience in providing noise impact assessments for use in EA permit applications or permit variations for many different types of industry, including waste recycling, minerals extraction / quarrying and land restoration.
Ready to optimize the acoustic performance of your industrial facilities in Mainland UK? Partner with S&D Garritt for expert consultancy services that deliver results. Contact us today to discuss your acoustic requirements, schedule a consultation, or learn more about how we can help you achieve your acoustic goals and create exceptional industrial environments that prioritize safety, productivity, and environmental sustainability across Mainland UK.
Please contact us to discuss any aspect of industrial acoustics
No matter your project size or location, we are happy to help.
