Controlling Noise Emissions from Construction Sites

Scaling new heights is truly the only way when it comes to construction. From the banks of the River Thames to the middle of business districts, everyone who visits London can attest to the level of construction work that is taking place; with high-rise buildings taking centre stage. In a move that is reshaping the visual and fiscal landscape of the entire nation, a rebirth of residential and commercial developments is taking place across the nation, as this investment is not just limited to the capital.

How Does the Economy Benefit from Construction?

According to figures published by the Office for National Statistics, by the end of the year 2018, the value of construction to the nation’s economy soared to record-setting levels of £113,127,000. Similarly, the number of construction companies serving the UK rose by a whopping 11,146 firms (3.5%), to raise the total to a new historical high of 325,736 companies; reflecting the increased activity in the construction industry.

Increasing Cases of Noise Pollution

While the current construction boom is great for both residential and commercial sectors of the economy, it results in increased noise pollution shown repeatedly in sound survey london; something that needs to be attended to and managed. To safeguard the wellbeing of surrounding communities, the power to assess, and track noise emissions from construction sites lies with the local authorities. It is important to control noise levels from building sites, as exposure to noise pollution may lead to delayed learning in kids and negative physical and mental effects.

The implemented measures are also meant to protect workers, even though the main concern is to safeguard the nearby community. For developers, noise is an important issue because around 21,000 workers lost their hearing as a result of work-related causes from 2017 to 2019 in the UK, according to existing records.

Applicable Government Laws

Site operators and developers are required to follow a number of codes of practice and laws, such as British Standard 5228, to control noise levels emanating from open site operations and construction sites. To make sure that vibration and noise levels remain within acceptable levels – in order to safeguard the nearby community, including hospitals, schools, commercial operations and residential properties – BS 5228 lists the stringent compliance guidelines.

To make sure that sites follow these guidelines to the letter, at all times, they must be evaluated and managed on a regular basis. Site developers risk serious cost implications if their site is closed down or they are slapped with an enforcement notice by the local authority for failure to meet these guidelines.

Legislation Recommends the Following Control Measures

The following control measures are recommended by the legislation, with the aim of reducing any disruption that might be occasioned by the noise coming from the site:

• Choosing the most suitable equipment for the job

• Keeping plant and machinery in the best condition through regular maintenance

• Making sure that manufacturer guidelines are followed during the operation of equipment and machinery

• Avoiding diesel- or petrol-powered compressors in favour of electrical ones

• Centralised generator system installation

• Opting to use of electric and hydraulic tools as much as possible

• Running machines only when necessary

Why You Should Partner with an Acoustic Consultant

Adhering to British Standards and any other relevant guidelines is essential, as you can see. Otherwise, you might have to bear the cost of an idle workforce, or paying for hired machines that are not being used, as you wait for the necessary control measures to be implemented after your site is closed down for non-compliance. As such, it is essential that you work with an Acoustic Consultant from the very start of the project.