Philip Dunbavin Acoustics (PDA) Ltd. services

The `Noise at Work Regulations, 2005` is quite clear as to the requirements and duties placed on employers with regard to the noise in their factories.   In conducting a risk assessment, we measure the levels of noise to which workers are exposed. We then assess whether any employees are exposed to noise at or above a lower exposure action value, an upper exposure action value, or an exposure limit value.
The employee exposure to noise should then be controlled or eliminated by engineering means and noise control at source Our aim is to achieve this with the minimum cost in terms of noise control works.

At PDA we use CATT Acoustics to quickly and efficiently predict the acoustic behavious of rooms. This can include churches, theatres, lecture theatres, libraries, offices, sports halls and all types of performance spaces. Like many other acousticians we have found that CATT Acoustics has some of the best algorithms for handling the more difficult aspects of room acoustics. CATT Acoustics allows us to play sounds, speech or music, into the modelled space to listen to how this sounds. This process is known as Auralisation and allows clients to hear for themselves the effects of design changes and modifications long before any building work is commenced.

In 2003 the Building Regulations changed with the introduction of mandatory testing of 10% of all new attached homes whether new build, conversions or rooms for residential purposes. Builders now have to provide the Building Control Body with a certificate showing the sound insulation actually achieved in the dwellings. In order to conduct sound insulation testing the test bodies should be either UKAS accredited or ANC registered. All of PDA`s testers are ANC registered and are distributed across our offices so that we can ensure a fast response to builders who want to expedite the hand over process. We now offer air tightness testing to comply with Part L1 A&B of the Building Regulations. Click here for our information sheet on air tightness testing.

The starting point for all building projects is to obtain planning permission and this involves an environmental noise survey. Planning Policy Guidance 24 {PPG 24) gives guidance to local authorities in England on the use of their planning powers to minimise the adverse impact of noise. Although PPG 24 is quite broad in scope its principle use is in the determination of planning applications for residential or other noise-sensitive developments that will be exposed to existing noise sources. Some local authorities also require that a sound insulation scheme to meet the requirements of BS:8233 is submitted as part of the planning application. PDA`s consultants generally involve the local environmental health officer throughout the survey and design process in order to avoid any unpleasant surprises when the application is heard.

The services are an important part of most buildings, and controlling the noise and vibration associated with Ihem is essential in achieving an acceptable environment. Air conditioning, plumbing and ventilation systems, pumps, chillers and lifts are only some of the potential sources of noise and vibration.

When a new development or project is being considered, environmental noise will always be considered by the Local Authority. PDA`s acoustic modelling service is designed to provide the necessary predictions of noise the emission and the impact it will have on the local residents. This information will be needed by the Environmental Health Department to advise the planning department of the local authority on the planning application. In simple terms our modelling allows the design team to eliminate any noise problems from the protect before any work starts on site.

The perception of ground borne vibration within a building often raises concerns about the potential for building damage, be this cosmetic or structural. In the majority of cases the levels of vibration necessary to promote building damage would make continued occupation of the building intolerable.

The hallmark of our legal service is rigorous investigation, pragmatic application of our considerable knowledge, and clear and concise presentation. Our expert witnesses are thoroughly trained externally and in-house, are vetted by and listed in the UK Register of Expert Witnesses and have considerable experience of giving evidence in court and at public inquiries.