Industrial

Managers of industrial premises need to be aware of potential noise issues both internally and externally. Internal noise levels can impact on employees hearing, and external noise levels can cause complaints from neighbours and action from regulating authorities. In the past, external noise problems were only likely to arise as a result of complaints from neighbours, or the serving of a Noise Abatement Notice from the local authority. Nowadays, regulating authorities are being more pro-active and the Environment Agency may require a noise assessment to be carried out under IPPC regulations even where there have been no complaints. The recent introduction of the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 has led to requirements for lower workplace noise levels and increased requirements for health monitoring of staff. Many more industrial premises have been brought in to the scope of the Regulations as a consequence of the lower noise limits.