How is a BS4142 noise survey conducted?

How do I find out what BS4142 is?

The British Standard BS 4142: 2014 – Methods of rating and evaluating commercial and industrial noise is used for the evaluation of sound from industrial and commercial nature. It offers methods to rate and evaluate the sound of an industrial or commercial nature, such as:

Sound that comes from manufacturing and industrial processes
Sound produced by fixed electrical and mechanical plant as well as equipment. This typically comprises air conditioning units as well as extraction systems.
The sound of load and de-loading of products and other materials in industrial and/or commercial locations
Sound produced by mobile plants and vehicles is an integral part in the general sound coming from processes or premises like forklift trucks or comes from ship or train movement within the or near an industrial or commercial location.

The method for assessing industrial noise described in BS 4142 is based on the distinction between the measured background sound level, that is 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 document states: “The significance of sound of commercial and industrial nature is dependent on the extent to which the rating level of the particular source of sound exceeds what the sound levels of background as well as the environment in which sound is heard”. The significance of the particular sound is determined by the difference between the level of the rating sound in comparison to the background level, and looking at the following factors:

“Typically the more significant this distinction in magnitude, the greater the impact in the force.”
“A variation 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 specifics.”

“The less the rating level is in comparison to the background sound level the more likely it is that the particular sound source will have an adverse effect or have a significant adverse effect. If the rating level is not surpass that of the sound background, it indicates that the sound source’s having minimal impact in accordance with the situation.”

What is the reason you require an BS4142 Noise assessment?

The noise surveys in BS4142 are conducted to determine the potential effects of commercial and industrial noise sources on noise-sensitive areas. Therefore, if you’re installing equipment for plant installation outside that includes extraction units, air conditioning generators, or other systems on your commercial location. This Local Authority will request a Noise assessment under BS4142 that is carried out to ensure that the impact of noise on the nearest sensitive building is reduced to an acceptable level. The BS4142 requirement also applies when you’re developing new premises that are sensitive, such as apartments or houses for residential use as well as schools, healthcare facilities or hotels that are in close proximity to existing commercial or industrial noise sources.

The BS4142 noise report is requested during the pre-application phase of planning permission in the event that 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 approved. The report may also be conditional on the approval of the planning permission. 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 appropriate noise management measures are put in the place.

In the end, the goal in this BS4142 the noise study is verify that the project is in compliance in accordance with National Planning and Policy Framework and Noise Policy Statement for England.

Common Planning Conditions?

Here are some examples of common plans that pertain to the BS4142:2014 standard:

Example 1. Before the first occupation of the floorspace Class A1/A2/A3/D1 within the development which is hereby permitted the details of any mechanical equipment that is required for the use being proposed, as well as the proposed site for installation, and an evaluation of noise-related impacts will be provided to and authorized in written form from the Local Planning Authority. The report must clearly define mitigation strategies for the development that will reduce noise-related impact in acceptable amounts. The report should contain

all data and calculations must be presented in a manner 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 review the report’s contents and recommendations. The development must be carried out in accordance with the specifics that have been approved.

2. Example 2:”The rate level (LAeq,T) of all fixed machinery and fixed plant related to the development, that are operating at the same time, should not exceed the noise level in the background (LA90,T) for any point when measured at the closest location with a noise-sensitive. Measurements and assessments of noise should be in line with the BS 4142:2014 “Rating industrial noise that affects areas that mix industrial and residential”.

Typically it is most of the time, Local Authority considers that new developments should enhance and contribute to the locality within which they are located Therefore, they are considered to be a benefit for the area. Local Authority will normally define the following criteria for new developments:

The design should be developed in such a way that it can achieve the at 5 decibels (LAeq) less than the normal level of background (LA90) level in the closest noisy location’.

What do you conduct an BS4142 noise survey carried out?

The goal of a BS4142 noise study is to begin by obtaining an estimate of the background noise that is prevalent. The second goal is to determine the background noise.

We will perform an assessment of the noise level in the environment to evaluate the current background noise level, minus the commercial or industrial noise source operating close to the most sound receptor.
A study of noise emissions from the industrial noise source under evaluation is carried out. If the source of noise is not operational yet Acoustic modelling is conducted to estimate the magnitude of noise emission. If the noise source is operational, noise measurements will be made on the most sensitive receptor, with the source of noise active.
The degree of noise impact is assessed in accordance with the standard BS4142:2014. The degree at which industrial noise levels exceed the background noise level will determine the impact likely to occur.
We suggest and evaluate appropriate mitigation measures to safeguard the premises that are the closest to sensitive from the ravages of noise.
We will prepare an technical report to submit at the local authorities in order to aid in the preparation of your application for planning.

What will be included in the report’s technical specifications?

The objective of this report is to provide a concise description local authorities Local Authority the level of noise impacts expected from the proposed plans in accordance with BS4142:2014. It also aims to ensure that proper noise control measures are in place. The report on noise surveys will include the following elements:

A brief description of the aim and goals of the report.
A thorough analysis of the development plan
The description will include the area around and the sources of noise that are being evaluated
The procedure that was used to evaluate the noise level, including the locations of the monitoring as well as the equipment used information about the calibration process as well as a summary of the weather the time the survey was conducted.
A summary of the findings relevant to the study. These generally include, LAeq,t Los Angeles Max, T, LA90, the 1/3 octave of LZeq,t.
A review of the noise levels results in line with BS4142:2014
Recommendations and mitigation measures are required to safeguard the most sensitive buildings, which includes calculation of the expected reduction in noise from noise-control measures.

What recommendations and mitigation measures are to be expected out of your Noise Report?

The report will seek to employ every reasonable measure to control noise to ensure that the impact of noise is minimized according to the standards of the BS4142:2014. It is always better to control noise at the source, but it isn’t always possible. These mitigations can be used:

The specification of low noise equipment
Distance Separation
Acoustic Barriers and Screening
Layout of Buildings and Design
Acoustic Closures
Sound Insulation Schemes
Acoustic Doors and Glazing
Strategies for Alternative Ventilation

What is it that you must do?

Once you’ve had your BS4142 survey of noise completed and you have received the technical report, you must go through the recommendations and make sure any changes to the plan of your development are clearly stated in the layouts of your site, in detail plans and other documents. The report should be submitted by the local council to be considered for its approval to be accepted in written form.

After that, it is rests with the designer to ensure that all recommendations and mitigations are in place. The quality of workmanship and control will have a major impact on the effectiveness of noise control measures, which is why it is crucial to set an excellent standard of work to ensure that the proper implementation of the acoustic detailing that is recommended.