Construction Noise & Vibration
As bustling hubs of activity punctuated by high levels of noise and vibration, construction sites can sometimes have a detrimental impact on the community if effective means of monitoring, measuring, assessing and managing noise and vibration emissions from the on-site construction activities aren’t embedded into the project lifecycle.
When it comes to the whirr of heavy machinery and mobile plant, the rumble of bulldozers, the grinding of excavators and the intensity of jackhammers and piledrivers, developers, contractors and site managers all have a responsibility to control intrusive noise and vibration.
As an expert in Construction Noise & Vibration, and with experience working on an impressive array of nationally significant civil engineering, road and railway projects, inacoustic partners with some of the UK’s leading construction and engineering companies. We deliver Construction Noise & Vibration solutions which uphold the amenity of receptors, outline a process for systematic compliance with strict off-site Limits and achieve favourable results from Local Authority bodies when negotiating permitted hours of operation.
Why seek Construction Noise & Vibration advice?
If a Local Authority receives complaints relating to construction site noise or vibration then, under the Control of Pollution Act 1974, they have the authority to issue a Section 60 notice on the site.
A Section 60 Notice can limit the site's operating hours, restrict the working practices of on-site contractors (such as restricting the equipment used or operational times of certain plant items), and, possibly, impose a noise level limit that cannot be exceeded.
As all of this can escalate project costs and challenge deadlines and, as a Section 60 notice can be issued at any time and without prior warning, seeking advance input from an experienced acoustic consultant is an excellent way to ensure that unforeseen obstacles are avoided.
How is Construction Noise & Vibration assessed?
Construction Noise and Vibration Assessments are undertaken in line with the guidance outlined in British Standard 5228 Parts 1 and 2 (BS 5228:2009-1), BS 5228:2009-2, British Standard 7385 (BS 7385) and British Standard 6472 (BS 6472).
Once we have reviewed the proposed schedule of construction work, we consult with the Local Authority to establish any core requirements in respect of the site and noise-sensitive receptors (NSRs) before analysing the intended project phasing and assessing the potential impacts from plant and operations.
We then prepare a robust construction Noise Management Plan for delivery to the client, informed (where necessary) by detailed site noise-source measurements and state-of-the-art noise modelling calculations, and provide ongoing noise and vibration measurement, management and mitigation support throughout the construction project lifecycle.
A State-of-the-Art Approach to Construction Noise & Vibration
All of our clients benefit from the deployment of state-of-the-art equipment (such as continuous remote access noise and vibration monitoring systems and software), a market-leading level of experience within the construction sector, a versatile and creative approach to receptor management and Local Authority liaison, and the ability to respond at short notice and deliver complex scopes of work within constrained timeframes.
If you would like to learn about our specific project portfolio, our existing client base (many of whom are national contractors who work with us on a preferred-repeat or exclusive basis) or our capabilities within occupational noise and vibration management, please get in touch. Our helpful team is always on hand!
What are the benefits of a Section 61 Application?
Instructing inacoustic to submit a Section 61 application to the local authority on your behalf showcases a proactive stance in reducing the environmental impact of construction or demolition activities. It not only outlines the measures in place to minimise disturbances to the surrounding community (ultimately reducing the possibility of complaints) but also reduces the likelihood of the issuance of a highly problematic Section 60 notice (as discussed above).
In addition to reducing the likelihood of costly work stoppages, a section 61 application establishes a prior consent agreement between the developer and the local authority in terms of noise and vibration. As a result, if a Section 61 agreement is in place then the developer is protected from legal action being taken under Section 60 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 or Section 80 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.