The British Standard BS 4142: 2014 – Methods of rating and assessing commercial and industrial sound can be used to aid in the evaluation of noises that is industrial and commercial in nature. It offers methods to rate and evaluate noise of an industrial and/or commercial nature. These include:
Sound that comes from manufacturing and industrial processes
Sound produced by stationary electrical and mechanical plant as well as equipment. This typically comprises air conditioning units as well as extraction systems.
Sound generated by the load and unloading of materials and goods on commercial and industrial locations.
Sound produced by mobile plants and vehicles is integral to the general sound that emanates from the premises or from the processes like forklift trucks, or is generated by ship or train moves in the or near an industrial or commercial location.
The method for assessing industrial noise that is described in the BS4142 assessment is based on the differences between the measured background sound level free of the impact from any noise sources in the industrial sector and the “rating level” for the particular industrial sound source at the location of the receiver. The BS4142:2014 says: “The significance of sound of commercial and industrial nature is dependent on the extent to which the rating level of the particular sound source is higher than what the sound levels of background, and the environment in which sound originates”. The significance of the particular sound can be determined using the difference between the sound level of the rating in comparison to the background level, and taking into account the following:
“Typically the larger this distinction is, the more significant that the impact.”
“A deviation of 10dB or more could indicate an important adverse effect, dependent on the situation.”
“A variation of about +5dB could indicate an adverse effect, based on the situation.”
“The less the rating level is in comparison to the background sound level and the lower the likelihood is that the particular sound source has an adverse impact or have a major adverse impact. If the rating level is not surpass what is the level of background noise, that indicates that the particular source of sound having minimal impact in accordance with the situation.”
Why would you require the BS4142 Noise assessment?
The noise surveys in BS4142 are conducted to evaluate the effect of commercial and industrial noise sources on noise-sensitive areas. Therefore, if you’re installing equipment for plant installation outside such as extraction units, air conditioning systems, or generators in your commercial property. This Local Authority will request a an BS4142 noise analysis to be carried out to ensure that the noise impact on the nearest sensitive building is reduced to an acceptable level. The BS4142 rules also apply when you’re developing new premises that are sensitive, such as homes or apartments as well as schools, healthcare facilities or hotels, located in close proximity to commercial or industrial noise sources.
The BS4142 noise report is required at the time of the application of planning permission when it is determined that the Local Authority considers noise to pose a risk that is high enough to influence the chances of the application being granted. It could also be subject to condition in the planning permission approval. The information contained in the report of a noise survey allows departments of Environmental and Planning to evaluate the impact on noise anticipated from the development and ensure that the appropriate noise management measures are put into the place.
The main purpose in this BS4142 Noise survey’s purpose is to verify that the project is in compliance in accordance with National Planning and Policy Framework and Noise Policy Statement for England.
What are the typical planning conditions?
Here are some examples of common planning conditions that are related to the 2014 edition of BS4142:
Example 1: Prior to initial occupation of the floorspace Class A1/A2/A3/D1 within the development which is hereby allowed details of the mechanical equipment used in the use being proposed, including the proposed location of installation, and an evaluation of the noise impact that it will have, will be provided to and then approved in written form from the Local Planning Authority. The report must clearly define mitigation measures to be taken by the development that will reduce noise-related impact at acceptable levels. The report should contain
all data and calculations should be outlined so they can be viewed by all calculations and baseline data are clearly laid out so that the Local Planning Authority can fully review the report and critically examine the recommendations and contents. The development will be carried out in accordance with the specifics that have been approved.
2. Example 2:”The rate level (LAeq,T) for the fixed equipment and plant related to the development, in operation simultaneously, must not exceed the level of background noise (LA90,T) in any point when measured from the closest location with a noise-sensitive. Assessments and measurements of noise must conform to the BS 4142:2014 “Rating industrial noise that affects industrial and residential zones”.
Generally typically, most of the time, Local Authority considers that new developments should enhance and contribute to the locality within which they are situated Therefore, they are considered to be a benefit for the area. Local Authority will normally define the following criteria:
The design should be developed in a way to reach the at 5dB (LAeq) lower than the standard level of background (LA90) level in the closest noisy location’.
What exactly do you conduct an BS4142 noise survey carried out?
The goal of a BS4142 noise study is to get an estimate of the background noise that is prevalent. The second goal is to determine the background noise.
We will conduct an assessment of the noise level in the environment to determine the background noise level, minus the commercial or industrial noise source operating near the most sound receptor.
A study of noise emissions from industrial noise sources under review is conducted. If the source of noise isn’t yet operational Acoustic modeling will be conducted to estimate the magnitude of noise emission. If the noise source is operational, measurements of noise are conducted on the most sensitive receptor, with the source of noise active.
The impact of noise is determined by the standard BS4142:2014. The degree at which industrial noise levels exceed the level of background sound determines the potential impact.
We recommend and analyze appropriate mitigation measures to safeguard the premises that are the most sensitive from the ravages of noise.
We will send you an technical report to submit at the local authorities in order to help with your planning application
What is the report’s technical specifications?
The objective of this report is to succinctly explain authorities Local Authority the level of noise impact that is expected to result from the plans in line with BS4142:2014. It also aims to ensure that the appropriate noise-control measures are in place. The report on noise surveys will provide the following information:
A brief description of the aim and goals of the report.
A thorough analysis of the development plan
An overview of the area around and the sources of noise that are being evaluated
The procedure that was employed to determine the level of noise levels, which includes monitoring locations and the equipment utilized, information about the calibration process along with a weather summary, and the time the survey was conducted.
Summary of the results relevant to the survey. They usually include LAeq,t, LaMax,T, LA90 and Los Angeles, and 1/3 octave LZeq.
A review of the noise levels results in line with BS4142:2014
The need for mitigation and recommendations to safeguard the most sensitive buildings, which includes estimation of the anticipated reduction in noise due to noise-control measures.
What recommendations and mitigation measures are anticipated from your report on noise?
The report is expected to employ every reasonable measure to control noise to ensure that the impact of noise is minimized to meet the requirements of the BS4142:2014. It is always better to control noise at the source, however it isn’t always possible. These mitigation options are available:
The specification of low noise equipment
Distance Separation
Acoustic Barriers and Screening
Layout of Buildings and Design
Acoustic Closures
Sound Insulation Schemes
Doors and Acoustic Glazing
Alternative Strategies for Ventilation
What is it that you must do?
After you have completed the BS4142 Noise survey done, and received the technical report, then you must review the recommendations and make sure any changes to the layout of the project are clearly stated in the layout of your site, in detail plans and other documents. The report should be submitted by the local council to be considered for their approval to be accepted in written form.
The responsibility rests with the designer to ensure that all mitigations and recommendations are implemented. The quality of workmanship and control can have a significant influence on the proper effectiveness of noise control measures, therefore it is essential to maintain an excellent standard of work to ensure proper execution of the acoustic detailing that is recommended.