Noise Monitoring
At Echoz CIC, we understand the critical importance of addressing noise-related concerns for clients across various industries. With our extensive expertise, we specialize in providing comprehensive noise surveys for the manufacturing industry, property developers, railway systems, local authorities, and individuals experiencing noise nuisances.
When discussing environmental noise, we refer to any unwanted sound in and around your home or community. This includes noise from industrial operations, transportation sources, and even residential properties. Noise pollution is a significant environmental issue, often leading to numerous complaints handled by Environmental Health Officers.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), approximately 170,000 people in the UK suffer from noise-induced hearing loss, tinnitus (persistent ringing in the ears), temporary or permanent threshold shifts, or other acoustic trauma conditions due to excessive workplace noise exposure.
At Echoz CIC, we prioritize the well-being of our clients by offering tailored solutions to their noise-related challenges. Our commitment to accuracy and reliability ensures that you can effectively address and mitigate the impact of excessive noise.
What is environmental and occupational noise?
Environmental noise refers to unwanted or harmful outdoor sound that affects a given premises and its surrounding locality. This noise is typically generated by human activities and includes sources such as industrial operations (welding, hammering, drilling, grinding, etc.), transport noise, and even noise from domestic premises, like recreational activities.
Examples of environmental noise include:
• Industrial and commercial noise
• Railway and traffic noise
• Construction noise
• Quarry noise
• Industrial process noise
• Hospitality noise
Occupational noise, on the other hand, involves high levels of sound exposure in the workplace. Noise-induced hearing loss remains a significant occupational health issue caused by excessive noise levels at work. With years of experience, Echoz CIC provides comprehensive occupational noise exposure monitoring across various industries, including automotive, food, manufacturing, and railway sectors.
By collecting and analyzing noise level data, organizations can identify trends and implement measures to reduce noise pollution, ensuring safer and more acceptable noise levels both in the workplace and the wider community.
Typical Applications
Noise Nuisance Assessment: To evaluate noise nuisance in mixed industrial and residential areas, following the guidelines of BS 4142 ‘Method for Rating Industrial Noise Affecting Mixed Residential & Industrial Areas.’
Construction Site Noise Monitoring: To determine noise levels generated by construction sites and recommend control measures in accordance with BS 5228 ‘Noise Control on Construction & Open Sites.’•
Environmental Noise Measurement: To measure environmental noise from industrial sites as part of ISO 14001 Environmental Management System requirements or to ensure compliance with planning consent.•
Support for Land Developers: To assist land developers with planning applications, adhering to the guidance provided in the Department of Environment Publication PPG 24 ‘Planning & Noise.’
What is the Purpose of an Occupational Noise Assessment?
The primary goal of an occupational noise assessment is to protect employees from excessive noise in their workplace. A competent person must assess noise exposure to identify those at risk, determine exposure levels, and implement noise reduction and control measures where necessary.
A suitable and sufficient risk assessment is essential for those likely to be exposed to noise levels at or above the lower exposure action value.
The assessment results can then be compared to the exposure action values and exposure limit values as defined by regulations. If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer is required to eliminate the noise at its source or reduce exposure to the lowest level reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a program of organizational and technical measures.
