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Acoustic Testing Services
Noise Nuisance
At APT we realise that Noise nuisance, in common with other types of environmental
noise, is a minefield of standards, guidance, industry sector codes of
practice all mixed in with subjective assessments of a noise’s nature.
Again many of these codes and guidance documents can be contradictory.
The allegation of nuisance usually comes from the local authority on behalf
of residents. In the past Air pressure Testing Ltd has been instructed
by private and industrial, commercial or leisure clients, and by the Local
Authority.
Environmental health officers will only act against an alleged noise polluter
unless he or she genuinely believes there is an actionable problem which
could not have been dealt with by informal or formal arbitration and mediation.
However, when disagreements occur they are usually based upon the misapplication
of the assessments standards or methods.
The first step would nearly always be a basic environmental noise assessment,
followed by an open and frank discussion of the facts of the case what
the client is hoping to achieve. Where we agree that our client is right
on the grounds of noise nuisance, we will move to act on their behalf.
What is Noise
Noise is transient; once the pollution stops, the environment is free
of it. This is not the case for chemicals, sewage, and other pollutants
introduced into the air, soil, or water. The definition of noise itself
is highly subjective. To some people the roar of an engine is satisfying
or thrilling; to others it is an annoyance. Loud music may be enjoyable
or a torment, depending on the listener and the circumstances. Broadly
speaking, any form of unwelcome sound is noise pollution, whether it is
the roar of a jet plane overhead or the sound of a barking dog a block
away.
One measure of pollution is the danger it poses to health. Noise causes
stress, and stress is a leading cause of illness. Therefore any form of
noise can be considered pollution if it causes annoyance, sleeplessness,
fright, or any other stress reaction.
Measurement of Noise (dB type of noise):
0dB Threshold of Audibility - Rustle of leaves
30dB Quiet conversation or in a quiet location in the country
45dB Typical office space. Ambience in the city at night
50dB Background noise in an office
60dB The sound of an average radio
70dB The sound of a car passing on the street
80dB An intercity train from a station platform/loud music in a home
90dB Pneumatic drill at 3 metes / sound of a truck passing on the street
100dB Jet plane taking off at 50 metes /sound of a rock band
115dB Limit of sound permitted in industry / Screaming baby
120dB Deafening
140dB Threshold of pain
60-130 dB Dog Barking
What is dB:
Decibel. A unit for measuring the relative strength of a signal. Usually
expressed as the logarithmic ratio of the strength of a transmitted signal
to the strength of the original signal. A decibel is one tenth of a "bel".
How does Sound Travel:
Sound travels in different ways depending on the medium. The medium is
the material the sound is using to travel. Air is the most common. When
sound travels through the air it normally originates from somewhere in
space, like a speaker or a person's voice, the waves travel in spherical
ripples, this is similar to water waves; those travel in circular ripples
because the surface of water is flat.
Acoustic Testing - Further Information
For further information on Acoustic Testing please visit the 'why
acoustic_testing page'.
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