There are a lot of different assessments that need to be done when you’re building a property, especially if it’s an industrial or commercial space, one of which is a BS4142 noise survey and assessment. Below, we’ve looked at the BS4142 survey and assessment, and why you might need one.

 

What is a BS4142 Noise Survey and Assessment?

A BS4142 noise survey and assessment is used to evaluate the impact of industrial and commercial noise on nearby areas, helping you to determine whether or not the noise is likely to cause a disturbance, and whether or not noise mitigation is needed.

By carrying out a BS4142 assessment, the noise levels coming from a source of commercial and/or industrial nature can be measured and evaluated, making sure that levels meet regulatory standards. The assessment is done to assess sound from newly introduced/modified/additional sources of an industrial/commercial nature, and to determine how noise from noise sources and activities associated to commercial and industrial properties impacts people in existing and/or future residential premises in the surrounding areas. The assessment is done on noise coming from industrial and commercial premises, manufacturing premises, fixed installations, mobile plants and vehicles.  

There are various noises that are considered during a BS4142 survey and assessment, including noise from industrial and manufacturing processes, noise from mechanical and electrical plant installations – such as air conditioning units and extraction systems – and noise from loading and unloading operations. Noise generated by mobile plants and vehicles that are a key part of the site’s operations – such as forklift trucks, trains or ships moving within or around a facility – are also looked at.

 

How Do BS4142 Assessments Work?

A BS4142 survey and assessment works by comparing two noise levels, the background sound level and the rating level, and determining the difference between the two. The background sound level is the noise level without the industrial or commercial source, and the rating level is the resultant noise level of a specific source (measured specific level) plus any characteristics that may make the specific level more intrusive, including if it’s intermittent or impulsive noise, or whether it’s at an especially distributive tone.

The difference between background noise and rating level (specific level + any needed correction) helps to determine the impact of the noise at the receiver location, such as nearby residential areas. For example, if there’s a difference of 10dB or more, it’s a sign that the noise level could have an adverse impact on others and that complaints are likely.

 

Why Do You Need a BS4142 Noise Assessment for Planning Permission?

A BS4142 noise assessment is important for many reasons, particularly when you’re planning a new development or managing the noise impact of existing operations. Here’s why you might need a BS4142 survey:

 

  • To Comply with Planning Permission and Environmental Regulations – Many local authorities require a BS4142 assessment when approving applications for new industrial or commercial developments, or for newly introduced fixed plant in proximity of residential properties. It ensures that businesses or specific plant operate within acceptable noise limits to avoid disturbing nearby residents and communities.

 

  • To Mitigate Noise Complaints and Legal Issues – Noise pollution can lead to complaints from residents, which can result in enforcement actions or legal disputes. A BS4142 assessment helps to identify potential noise problems and provides recommendations of how to mitigate matters, before the noise has a negative impact.

 

  • To Protect Business Reputation and Community Relations – Addressing noise issues shows that you’re taking your building regulation responsibility seriously, helping you to maintain positive relationships with surrounding communities. This can prevent reputational damage, as people don’t tend to look favourably on being disturbed by high levels of commercial or industrial noise.

 

What Goes into a BS4142 Noise Assessment?

A BS4142 noise survey and assessment follows a structured process, all of which is focused on measuring and evaluating the potential impact of industrial and commercial noise.

 

  • Identifying the Sound Source – The first step is to determine the specific industrial or commercial source that’s generating the noise. This could include mechanical plants, factory processes, air conditioning units, or loading and unloading operations.

 

  • Measuring Background Noise Levels – Before assessing the impact of the specific noise source, it is important to measure the background noise levels. This is the general noise of the area without the industrial noise source. This provides a baseline for noise comparison.

 

  • Rating the Sound Source – The noise from the industrial or commercial source needs to be measured to obtain the specific sound level. The rating of the specific sound level is then carried out, taking various acoustic characteristics, including tone, impulsivity, intermittency and intrusiveness into account, including how much the noise stands out from the background environment.

 

  • Comparing Sound Levels – The rated sound level is compared with the background noise level. The difference between the two helps to determine the likelihood of noise disturbance to those in the local area, such as nearby residents.

 

  • Assessing the Impact – Based on the results, the noise impact is classified as having either a low, adverse or significant impact. A low impact is when the noise creates little to no disturbance, an adverse impact is when some level of noise disturbance may occur, and a significant adverse impact is when noise levels are likely to cause considerable disturbance and could potentially result in complaints. This is when mitigation may be required.

 

 

 

By following these procedures, a BS4142 assessment provides a clear and objective evaluation of noise impact, helping you to comply with planning and environmental regulations.

 

At JosTec, we specialise in conducting noise surveys and assessments, helping you to comply with building regulations and noise standards. Our team of building compliance experts uses specialist equipment and techniques to accurately measure noise levels, assess potential impacts and provide tailored recommendations for compliance. Get in touch to find out more.