Ask the specialist

We have prepared this section for readers to ask Graham questions and benefit from his 20 years experience in industry.

How can I tell if my hearing has been damaged?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

Everybody’s hearing gets worse as they get older, however the telltale signs of damaged hearing are when

• You have difficulty in participating in a conversation or using the telephone
• You get permanent or prolonged ringing in your ears more properly known as tinnitus
• You confuse words beginning with 't', 'd' and 's'

The noise from building work close by is causing a problem, can anything be done about it?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

Complaints about noise from building works and construction sites can be investigated under noise nuisance legislation or The Control of Pollution Act, contact your local Council for help.

What can be done about low flying aircraft noise?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

Aircraft noise problems are dealt with by the Civil Aviation Authority, go to http://www.caa.co.uk/ for more information
 

I want to design my own house, where can I find guidance for sound transmission?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

Approved Document E to the Building Regulations provides Guidance for sound transmission, this can be found at http://www.planningportal.gov.uk/england/professionals/buildingregs/technicalguidance/bcresistancetosoundparte/bcapproveddocuments3

I am setting up a small business which will have some noisy processes, what do I need to do to comply with the law to protect my staff?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

You need to comply with ‘The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ and this requires employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to noise at work. Employees have duties under the Regulations too. In particular you as an employer have to:

• Assess the risks to your employees from noise at work
• Take action to reduce the noise exposure that produces those risks
• Provide your employees with hearing protection if you cannot reduce the noise exposure enough by using other methods
• Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded
• Provide your employees with information, instruction and training
• Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health

My business has expanded and I need to move to new premises, my local Council is asking for a Noise Impact Assessment, what’s this?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

A Noise Impact Assessment is often required either for proposals that could cause significant noise disturbance or for noise sensitive developments, such as housing, that are proposed near to major sources of noise. The Assessment should provide information on noise levels and any proposed mitigation measures; you should contact a competent person or organisation that can advise you on this matter.

What is Baseline Noise Survey; my company has been asked to provide one for a proposed construction project?

17th October 2010 | Answered by Graham Elicott | +44 (0) 1252 872256

This is a noise survey that is carried out to quantify the existing ambient noise levels in the vicinity of the proposed site. It generally includes a combination of short term sampling and long term unattended measurement,s these being used to assess the ambient noise climate.