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 | BS 5228 :
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NO COPYING WITHOUT BSI PERMISSION EXCEPT AS PERMITTED BY COPYRIGHT LAW
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BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997 Issue 2, April 1999

Committees responsible for this

British Standard
The preparation of this British Standard was entrusted by Technical Committee
B/209, General building codes, to Subcommittee B/209/17, Noise control on open
sites, upon which the following bodies were represented:

Association of Consulting Engineers

British Aggregate Construction Materials Industries
British Coal Corporation

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

British Compressed Air Society
Building Employers' Confederation
Chartered Institute of Environmental Health
Concrete Society
Construction Health and Safety Group
Construction Plant-Hire Association
Department of the Environment (Building Research Establishment)
Department of the Environment (Pollution Control and Waste Directorate)
Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors
Federation of Dredging Contractors
Federation of Piling Specialists
Institution of Civil Engineers
Sand and Gravel Association Limited

This British Standard, having

been prepared under the
direction of the Sector Board for
Building and Civil Engineering,
was published under the
authority of the Standards Board
and comes into effect on
15 May 1997 Amendments issued since publication
 BSI 04-1999 Amd. No. Date Text affected
First published as BS 5228
May 1975 10394 April 1999 Indicated by a sideline
First published as BS 5228 : Part 1
May 1984
Second edition May 1997

The following BSI references

relate to the work on this
standard:
Committee reference B/209/17
Draft for comment 96/101064 DC

ISBN 0 580 26845 4

 Issue 1, April 1999 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Summary of pages
The following table identifies the current issue of each page. Issue 1 indicates that a page has been introduced
for the first time by amendment. Subsequent issue numbers indicate an updated page. Vertical sidelining on
replacement pages indicates the most recent changes (amendment, addition, deletion).

Page Issue Page Issue

Front cover 2 57 2
Inside front cover 2 58 2
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

a 1 59 original
b blank 60 2
i to iii original 61 2
iv 2 62 to 67 original
1 to 12 original 68 2
13 2 69 original
14 to 54 original 70 2
55 2 Inside back cover original
56 original Back cover 2

 BSI 04-1999 a
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

blank
b
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Contents

Page
Committees responsible Inside front cover
Foreword iii
Code of practice
1 Scope 1
2 References 1
3 Definitions 1
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

4 Legislative background 2
5 Community relations 4
6 Training 4
7 Noise and vibration and persons on site 5
8 Noise and vibration neighbourhood nuisance 6
9 Project supervision 8
10 Control of noise and vibration 9
Annexes
A (informative) EC and UK noise legislation 12
B (informative) Noise sources, remedies and their effectiveness 13
C (informative) Guide to sound level data on site equipment and site
activities 21
D (informative) Estimating noise from sites 54
E (normative) Noise monitoring 68
F (informative) Bibliography 69
Tables
B.1 Methods of reducing sound levels from construction plant 15
B.2 Sound insulation characteristics of common building materials 18
B.3 Sound-absorbing materials for lining covers and enclosures 18
B.4 Measured sound reduction given by types of partial enclosure 19
C.1 Index of site equipment referred to in tables C.2 to C.12 22
C.2 Sound level data on demolition 26
C.3 Sound level data on site preparation 27
C.4 Sound level data on piling: piling operations 31
C.5 Sound level data on piling: ancillary operations 33
C.6 Sound level data on concreting operations 33
C.7 Sound level data on general site activities 36
C.8 Sound level data on roadworks 40
C.9 Sound level data on motorway construction 42
C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) 44
C.11 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: recent data (post 1990) 52
C.12 Sound level data on dredging 53
D.1 EC noise limits for certain items of construction equipment 55
D.2 Relationship of distance ratio and on-time correction factor for slow
moving plant 62
D.3 Addition of steady sound levels 63
D.4 Example of prediction of noise from stationary plant 66
D.5 Example of prediction of noise from mobile plant 66
E.1 Estimation of daily LAeq according to sampling technique 68

 BSI 1997 i
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Page
Figures
B.1 Example of machine enclosure 18
B.2 Typical acoustic shed 19
B.3 Examples of acoustic open-sided sheds 20
D.1 Flow chart for the prediction of site noise 56
D.2 Distance adjustment K for activity LAeq method (see D.3.2.2.2) 58

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

D.3 Screening effect of barriers 59
D.4 Distance adjustment K for plant sound power method 61
D.5 Adjustment to sound level to give resulting LAeq (plant sound power
method) 61
D.6 Office development site showing plant locations in relation to the nearest
affected facade 65
D.7 Spoil movement on a haul road showing location of the nearest affected
property 67
List of references 70

ii  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Foreword

This Part of BS 5228, which has been prepared by Subcommittee B/209/17, covers the
control of noise and vibration from construction and open sites. It supersedes
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1984, which is withdrawn.
This standard refers to the need for the protection against noise and vibration of
persons living and working in the vicinity of, and those working on, such sites. It
recommends procedures for noise and vibration control in respect of construction
operations and aims to assist architects, contractors and site operatives, designers,
developers, engineers, local authority environmental health officers and planners.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Noise and vibration can cause disturbance to processes and activities in neighbouring
buildings, and in certain extreme circumstances vibration can cause or contribute to
building damage.
Noise and vibration can be the cause of serious disturbance and inconvenience to
anyone exposed to it and in certain circumstances noise and vibration can be a hazard
to health. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 [1] in England and Wales (and
Scotland by virtue of the Environment Act 1995 [2]) contains provisions for the
abatement of nuisances caused by noise and vibration. The provisions of the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 are extended to vehicles and equipment in streets
and public open spaces by the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 [3], the Control
of Pollution Act 1974 [4] in England, Wales and Scotland, and the Pollution Control and
Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 [5] in Northern Ireland. The 1974 and
1990 Acts (Sections 73(1) and 79(7), respectively) and the 1978 Order (Article 53(1))
define `noise' as including `vibration'. Insulation against noise is addressed in the Noise
Insulation Regulations 1975 [6] and (Amendment) Regulations 1988 [7], the Noise
Insulation (Scotland) Regulations 1975 [8] in Scotland and the Noise Insulation
(Northern Ireland) Regulations 1995 [9] in Northern Ireland.
It should be noted that BS 6472 covers the human response to vibration in structures
and BS 7385 : Part 1 covers the measurement and evaluation of structural vibration.
BS 7385 : Part 2 contains guidance on damage levels from groundborne vibration.
An item dealing with the vibratory loading of structures is being processed within ISO
Technical Committee ISO/TC 98/SC/2, Safety of structures. This is being monitored by
BSI.
This Part of BS 5228 is common to all the types of work covered by the other Parts of
BS 5228, which should be read in conjunction with this Part.
BS 5228 consists of the following Parts:

Part 1 Code of practice for basic information and procedures for noise and
vibration control
Part 2 Guide to noise and vibration control legislation for construction and
demolition, including road construction and maintenance
Part 3 Code of practice applicable to surface coal extraction by opencast
methods
Part 4 Code of practice for noise and vibration control applicable to piling
operations
Part 5 Code of practice applicable to surface mineral (excluding coal)
extraction1)

1)In preparation.

 BSI 1997 iii

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997 Issue 2, April 1999

Other Parts will be published in due course as and when required by industry.
Attention is drawn to the Control of Pollution Act 1974 [4] (Part III (Noise)), the
Environmental Protection Act 1990 [5] (Part III (Statutory Nuisances and Clean Air))
the Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993 [3], the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act
1974 [10] (in Northern Ireland, the Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern
Ireland) Order 1978 [5] and the Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order
1978 [11]), and to the Noise at Work Regulations, 1989 SI 1790 [12] and the Noise at
Work Regulations (Northern Ireland), 1990 Statutory Rules 147 [13].

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

As a code of practice, this Part of BS 5228 takes the form of guidance and
recommendations. It should not be quoted as if it were a specification and particular
care should be taken to ensure that claims of compliance are not misleading.
A British Standard does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users of British Standards are responsible for their correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard does not of itself confer immunity
from legal obligations.

iv  BSI 04-1999

Code of practice
1 Scope
This Part of BS 5228 gives recommendations for
basic methods of noise and vibration control relating
to construction and open sites where work
activities/operations generate significant noise and/or
vibration levels.
The legislative background to noise and vibration
control is described and recommendations are given
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
regarding procedures for the establishment of
effective liaison between developers, site operators
and local authorities.
This standard provides guidance concerning methods
of predicting and measuring noise and assessing its
impact on those exposed to it.
It also provides guidance, including, where
appropriate, reference to other British Standards,
concerning methods of measuring vibration and
assessing its effects on the environment.
2 References
2.1 Normative references
This Part of BS 5228 incorporates, by dated or
undated reference, provisions from other
publications. These normative references are made
at the appropriate places in the text and the cited
publications are listed on page 70. For dated
references, only the edition cited applies; any
subsequent amendments to or revisions of the cited
publication apply to this Part of BS 5228 only when
incorporated in the reference by amendment or
revision. For undated references, the latest edition of
the cited publication applies, together with any
amendments.
2.2 Informative references
This Part of BS 5228 refers to other publications that
provide information or guidance. Editions of these
publications current at the time of issue of this
standard are listed on page 70, but reference should
be made to the latest editions.
3 Definitions
For the purposes of this Part of BS 5228, the
definitions given in BS 3015 and BS 4727 : Part 3 :
Group 08 apply together with the following.
NOTE 1. Where applicable, the definitions are consistent with
those given in BS 7445 : Parts 1, 2 and 3.
NOTE 2. The term `noise level' is sometimes used in place of
`sound level'.
3.1 ambient noise
The total sound in a given situation at a given time,
usually composed of sound from many sources near
and far.
3.2 site noise
That component of the ambient noise in the
neighbourhood of a site that originates from the site.
 BSI 1997
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
3.3 A-weighted sound pressure level
The level of the A-weighted sound pressure,
calculated as follows:
p 
LpA = 20log10 A
 po 
where
LpA is the A-weighted sound pressure level
(in dB);
pA is the root mean square (r.m.s) sound
pressure determined using frequency
weighting A (in Pa);
po is the reference sound pressure (i.e. 20 mPa).
For correctness, the time weighting used to
determine the r.m.s. value of the sound pressure
should be specified.
NOTE. The time weightings `S' and `F' are standardized in
BS EN 60651. The symbols are LpAS and LpAF, respectively.
3.4 maximum sound level
The highest value of the A-weighted sound pressure
level that occurs during a given event or time period.
The time weighting should be specified.
NOTE. The maximum sound level is represented by LpA(max).
3.5 one percentile level
The A-weighted sound pressure level (obtained by
using the time weighting F) that is exceeded for 1 %
of the time interval T.
NOTE. The one percentile level is represented by LA01(T).
3.6 equivalent continuous A-weighted sound
pressure level
The value of the A-weighted sound pressure level of
a continuous, steady sound that, within a specified
time interval T, has the same mean square sound
pressure as a sound under consideration whose level
varies with time.
NOTE. The equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure level
is calculated as follows:
 1 ⌠ T p 2(t) 
LAeq(T) = 10log10
T  p02
 ⌡0
A
dt


where
LAeq(T) is the equivalent continuous A-weighted sound pressure
level (in dB), determined over a time interval T;
pA(t) is the instantaneous A-weighted sound pressure (in Pa);
po is the reference sound pressure (i.e. 20 mPa).
3.7 activity LAeq
The value of the equivalent continuous A-weighted
sound pressure level determined at a distance of
10 m from, and over the period of, a given activity.
NOTE. The activity may involve the operation of more than one
item of plant.
1
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

3.8 sound exposure level 4 Legislative background

The constant level which, if maintained for a period
4.1 General
of 1 s, would have the same acoustic energy as the
measured noise event. This standard provides a framework for good
NOTE. The sound exposure level may be calculated as follows: practice. Compliance with it does not confer
immunity from relevant legal requirements including
1 t2 
 
2
⌠ pA (t) dt those imposed by regulations, byelaws and
LAE = 10log10  2
 o ⌡t1
t po conditions attached to planning permissions. The

where other Parts of BS 5228, which cover a range of

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

LAE is the sound exposure level (in dB);
pA(t) is the instantaneous A-weighted sound pressure
(in Pa);
t2 2 t1 is a stated time interval long enough to encompass all
significant sound of a stated event (in s);
po is the reference sound pressure (i.e. 20 mPa);
to is the reference duration (i.e. 1 s).
3.9 A-weighted sound power level
The level of the A-weighted sound power, calculated
as follows:
P 
LWA = 10log10 A
 Po 
where
LWA is the A-weighted sound power level (in dB);
PA is the sound power of the source determined
using the frequency weighting A (in W);
Po is the reference sound power (10212 W).
3.10 noise-sensitive premises
Any occupied premises outside the site used as a
dwelling (including gardens), place of worship,
educational establishment, hospital or similar
institution, or any other property likely to be
adversely affected by an increase in noise level.
NOTE. Due consideration should be given to national parks, areas
of outstanding natural beauty or other outdoor spaces where
members of the public might reasonably expect quiet enjoyment
of the area.
3.11 open site
A site where there is significant outdoor excavation,
levelling or deposition of material (e.g. quarries,
mineral extraction sites, an opencast coal site or
other site where an operator is involved in the
outdoor winning or working of minerals).
NOTE. Waste disposal sites and long term construction projects
may, in most cases, be treated as open sites.
3.12 peak particle velocity (p.p.v.)
The instantaneous maximum velocity reached by the
vibrating element as it oscillates about its rest
position.
3.13 vibration dose value (v.d.v.)
A function of the weighted vibration acceleration
level integrated over time.
industrial methods and operations, provide further
information about the legal controls affecting
industry-generated noise and vibration.
Attention is drawn to the following legislation
dealing with control of environmental noise and
vibration, which was current at the date of
publication of this Part of this standard.
4.2 Statutory controls over noise and
vibration
Citizens have a right to seek redress through
common law action in the courts against the
intrusion of unreasonable levels of noise or vibration
which may affect their premises. In addition, there
are two significant statutory remedies which
enforcing authorities may employ to achieve the
following two similar objectives:
a) enforcement action to prevent or secure the
abatement of a statutory nuisance; and
b) use of specific national legislation to control
noise and vibration from construction sites and
other similar works.
Part III of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 [1]
contains the mandatory powers available to local
authorities within England and Wales in respect of
any noise or vibration which either constitutes or is
likely to cause a statutory nuisance. Section 79 of
this Act defines statutory nuisance and places a duty
on a local authority to inspect the area to detect any
statutory nuisances which ought to be dealt with
under section 80. Under this section, where a local
authority is satisfied of the existence, recurrence or
likely occurrence of a statutory nuisance it has to
serve an abatement notice on the appropriate person
or persons. Failure to comply with the terms of this
notice is an offence which may result in proceedings
in a Court of Summary Jurisdiction.
Section 82 of the Environmental Protection Act
permits the court to act on a complaint by any
person who may be aggrieved by the existence of a
statutory nuisance and in these circumstances the
court may follow the procedures described in the
previous paragraph. Similar procedures to the above,
for the control, in Scotland, of statutory nuisances
caused by noise or vibration, are found under
sections 58 and 59 of the Control of Pollution Act
1974 [4]. In Northern Ireland the relevant equivalent
provisions are contained in the Pollution Control and
Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 [5].

2  BSI 1997

Sections 60 and 61 of the Control of Pollution Act
1974 [4] give local authorities in England, Scotland
and Wales special powers for controlling noise and
vibration arising from construction and demolition
works on any building or civil engineering sites. In
Northern Ireland, equivalent powers are contained in
the Pollution Control and Local Government
(Northern Ireland) Order 1978 [5]. Powers under
sections 60 and 61 and their equivalent in Northern
Ireland are confined to construction, including
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
maintenance and repair, and to demolition works
carried out on all building structures and roads. They
are described in detail in Part 2 of BS 5228.
In section 71 of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 [4],
it is stated that:
`1) For the purpose of giving guidance on
appropriate methods (including the use of specified
types of plant or machinery) for minimizing noise,
the Secretary of State may Ð
a) prepare and approve and issue such codes of
practice as in his opinion are suitable for the
purpose; and
b) approve such codes of practice issued or
proposed to be issued otherwise than by the
Secretary of State as in the opinion of the
Secretary of State are suitable for the purpose.
2) The Secretary of State shall under paragraph a) or
paragraph b) of the preceding sub-section approve a
code of practice for the carrying out of works to
which section 60 of this Act applies.
3) The powers conferred by this section on the
Secretary of State shall be exercisable by order, and
shall include power to vary or revoke a previous
order under this section.'
The statutory powers of local authorities to require
the implementation of noise control measures remain
the same whatever the character of the area within
which the works are taking place, although the
requirements will vary according to local
circumstances.
4.3 European Commission (EC) Directives
As part of its programme for the removal of barriers
to trade (Article 100 of the Treaty of Rome) the EC
has prepared directives which set noise emission
levels for new items of construction equipment.
These directives have been implemented by
regulations. Details of the directives and
corresponding regulations are given in annex A.
Article 118A requires harmonization of existing
health and safety laws. The Council of the European
Communities Directive of 12 May 1986 (86/188/EEC)
on the protection of workers from the risks related
to exposure to noise at work [14] is implemented by
the Noise at Work Regulations, 1989 SI 1790 [12].
Proposals are in hand for a new directive on
physical agents. Several action levels for noise are
expected to be included. Vibration will also be
covered.
 BSI 1997
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
4.4 Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
The protection of employed persons is covered by
the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Section 2 of the Act requires all employers to ensure,
so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety
and welfare at work of all their employees. Section 3
concerns employers' duties to persons not in their
employment who may be exposed to health and
safety risks. Section 6 requires designers,
manufacturers, importers or suppliers to ensure, so
far as is reasonably practicable, that articles for use
at work are so designed and constructed as to be
safe and without risks to health when properly used,
that any necessary research to this end is carried out
and that adequate information on the safe use of the
articles is made available.
Section 7 places a duty on employees to take
reasonable care for the health and safety of
themselves and of other persons who may be
affected and to co-operate with their employers, so
far as is necessary to enable any duty or requirement
to be performed or complied with. In Northern
Ireland, equivalent powers are contained in the
Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order
1978 [11].
4.5 Noise at Work Regulations 1989
The Noise at Work Regulations, 1989 SI 1790 [12]
implements the Council of the European
Communities Directive of 12 May 1986 on the
protection of workers from the risks related to the
exposure to noise at work, 86/188/EEC [14]. The
main requirements are triggered by three `action
levels': daily personal noise exposures of 85 dB(A)
and 90 dB(A) (the first and second action levels
respectively), and 200 Pa (the peak action level).
These Regulations are concerned with the protection
of people at work, and do not, therefore, deal with
exposure to noise for the public.
Regulation 4 places a duty upon employers to carry
out an assessment where exposures are at or above
the first action level. Such assessments should
identify which employees are exposed and provide
enough information to facilitate compliance with
duties under Regulations 7, 8, 9 and 11. Attention is
drawn to Regulation 7, which states that, when any
employee is exposed to levels at or above the second
action level or peak action level, the employer shall
reduce so far as is reasonably practicable, other than
by the use of personal ear protection, the exposure
to noise of that employee.
The provision of personal ear protection is covered
by Regulation 8, and Regulation 9 concerns ear
protection zones.
3
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Under Regulation 11, the employer has a duty to
each employee who is likely to be exposed to the
first action level and above, or to the peak action
level or above, to provide adequate information,
instruction and training on:
a) the risks to that employee's hearing that such
exposure may cause;
b) what steps the employee can take to minimize
that risk;
c) the steps that the employee has to take in order
to obtain personal ear protectors; and
d) the employee's obligations under the Noise at
Work Regulations 1989 [12].
Regulation 12 modifies the section 6 duties of the
Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 [10] on
manufacturers, suppliers, etc., to include specific
requirements for provision of information on noise
transmission. These duties include that, if a machine
is likely to produce noise capable of harming health,
action will need to be taken to reduce the noise to a
reasonably practicable extent and to provide
information on any measures needed to keep the
noise under control when the machine is used.
In Northern Ireland, equivalent powers are contained
in the Noise at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland)
1990 [13].
4.6 Local authorities
The local authorities exercising powers under Part III
of the Control of Pollution Act 1974 [4] and Part III
of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 [1] are as
follows: in England and Wales, the council of a
district or of a London borough, the Common
Council of the City of London, the Sub-Treasurer of
the Inner Temple and the Under Treasurer of the
Middle Temple; and in Scotland, District or Islands
Councils. In Northern Ireland, district councils
exercise similar functions under the Pollution
Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland)
Order 1978 [5].
The local authorities exercising planning powers may
be, according to the circumstances, in England,
County Councils or District Councils, and in
Scotland, the Regional Councils in the Borders,
Highland, and Dumfries and Galloway Regions and
District or Islands Councils elsewhere; in Northern
Ireland, planning control is a function of the
Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland).
For the winning and working of minerals, the
relevant authority should be consulted as follows:
England: county councils, metropolitan boroughs,
unitary authorities and national park planning
boards where appropriate;
Wales: the unitary planning authorities and
national park planning boards where appropriate;
Scotland: unitary planning authorities;
Northern Ireland: Department of the Environment
for Northern Ireland.
4  BSI 1997
In the case of uncertainty as to which local authority
or local authority department to consult about a
noise problem, a good starting point will often be the
environmental health department of the district or
London borough council or in Scotland, the District
or Islands Council, or in Northern Ireland, the
Department of Environment (Northern Ireland) in
Belfast.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
5 Community relations
Good relations with people living and working in the
vicinity of site operations are of paramount
importance. Early establishment and maintenance of
these relations throughout the carrying out of site
operations will go some way towards allaying
people's fears.
It is suggested that good relations can be developed
by keeping people informed of progress and by
treating complaints fairly and expeditiously. The
person, company or organization carrying out work
on site should appoint a responsible person to liaise
with the public. The formation of liaison committees
with members of the public can be considered for
longer term projects when relatively large numbers
of people are involved.
Noise from blasting operations is a special case and
can under some circumstances give rise to concern
or even alarm to persons unaccustomed to it. The
adoption of good blasting practices will reduce the
inherent and associated impulsive noise: prior
warning to members of the public, individually if
necessary, is important.
NOTE. The Department of the Environment has commissioned
research on the environmental effects of noise and vibration from
blasting and may issue appropriate guidance.
6 Training
Under Regulation 11 of the Noise at Work
Regulations 1989 [12], all employees should be
informed about the need to minimize noise and
about the health hazards of exposure to excessive
noise. As part of their training they should be
advised regularly of the following:
a) the proper use and maintenance of tools and
equipment;
b) the positioning of machinery on site to reduce
the emission of noise to the neighbourhood and to
site personnel;
c) avoidance of unnecessary noise when carrying
out manual operations and when operating plant
and equipment;
d) protection of persons against noise;
e) the operation of sound measuring equipment
(selected personnel).
Special attention should be given to the use and
maintenance of sound-reduction equipment fitted to
power tools and machines.

Persons issued with ear protection equipment should
be instructed on its use, care and maintenance.
Education programmes should draw attention to the
harmful effects of noise and make it clear that there
are several ways in which employees can help
themselves to protect their hearing, for example:
± by using and maintaining measures adopted for
noise control;
± by reporting defective noise control equipment
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
to their superiors;
± by not damaging or misusing ear protectors
provided and by immediately reporting damage to
or loss of such items to their superiors.
Managers and supervisors can help by recognizing
the need for employees to make proper use of
equipment so that noise emission will be minimized
and to make proper use of ear protectors when
required.
7 Noise and vibration and persons on
site
7.1 Protection from noise-induced hearing loss
Exposure to high noise levels for unprotected ears
can be a serious hazard to health, causing permanent
damage to hearing.
The risk can be reduced by limiting the exposure
(i.e. the combination of the quantity of noise and the
duration of exposure) to ensure that it does not
exceed specified levels for unprotected exposure as
stated in the Noise at Work Regulations 1989 [12].
The use of plant and/or power tools on site can
create areas of potential noise hazard. These areas
should be identified by displaying warning signs.
Such measures will be included in the assessment
carried out under Regulation 4 of the Noise at Work
Regulations 1989 [12]. The ear protection zones
should be clearly identified with notices displayed in
prominent positions, indicating that ear protectors
are required to be worn inside the specified areas.
Noise exposure can be increased to a hazardous
level by reverberation from reflecting surfaces and
special care should be exercised when using
equipment in confined spaces, e.g. in basements and
between reflecting walls. Steps should be taken to
reduce noise levels when several items of equipment,
that may be relatively quiet when in use singly, are
to be used simultaneously, to avoid hazard to the
users and to persons working in the vicinity.
If persons that are on site but not engaged in noisy
operations cannot be given quiet areas in which to
work and noise from machines cannot be properly
silenced, then noise screens should, whenever
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BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
possible, be erected having due regard for safety
considerations. (See also annex B.) Certain
operations, e.g. mechanical crushing, may necessitate
the use of purpose-made acoustic cabins to afford
proper protection to the operators.
Screens and barriers themselves reflect noise which
can be reduced by covering their inner surfaces with
noise-absorbent material to protect persons required
to work on the noisy side. (See also annex B.)
Account should always be taken of the need to
minimize noise and to protect quiet areas from its
impact when the layout of plant and the phasing of
operations are being considered. (See also annex C.)
7.2 Ear protectors
Effective noise control at source should always be
regarded as the prime means of affording proper
protection to employees from risks to hearing.
Circumstances may arise, however, where this is not
reasonably practicable. On such occasions,
employees should be provided with, and should
wear, personal ear protectors. This will be necessary
when all reasonably practicable means of reducing
noise at source have been applied but occupational
noise exposure still exceeds the levels stated in the
Noise at Work Regulations 1989 [12].
A method of test for estimating the risk of hearing
handicap due to noise exposure is described in
BS 5330.
It may be necessary for the tone and/or volume of
warning signals to be modified or for additional
steps to be taken to alert employees to hazards in
areas where personal ear protectors are used.
Checks will be necessary, when sound warning
signals are used, to ensure that the signals can be
heard and orientated by employees wearing ear
protectors.
It is important that ear protectors are reliable and
capable of producing the necessary degree of noise
attenuation. BS EN 24869-1 describes methods of
measurement of attenuation of hearing protectors.
The protectors to be used should be selected from
suppliers able to certify that their product has been
tested in accordance with BS EN 24869-1 and to
provide the resultant attenuation values. Noise
Guide 5, Types and selection of personal ear
protectors [15], describes the most commonly
available forms of ear protector and provides
information on suitability and efficiency of
protection.
5
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
The following points relate to the introduction of ear
protectors.
a) The type of ear protector provided should be
appropriate to the particular noise conditions to
which the wearer will be subjected. (See
Regulation 8, Noise at Work Regulations 1989 [12].)
b) Employees required to wear ear protectors,
should, where this is practicable, be able to
choose the type of protector to be worn. The final
choice will be dictated by the consideration
outlined in item a).
c) Ear protectors should be regularly inspected for
damage and deterioration, by a competent person.
(See Regulation 10, Noise at Work Regulations
1989 [12].)
d) Facilities for the cleaning and the clean storage
of ear protectors should be provided.
e) Safety training programmes should include
information on the proper use of control measures
and instruction on the need for and the use, care
and maintenance of ear protectors. (See
Regulation 11, Noise at Work Regulations
1989 [12].)
Management should demonstrate by example its
commitment to the protection of hearing.
7.3 Noise and vibration-induced stress
Noise and vibration can interfere with working
efficiency by inducing stress, by disturbing
concentration and by increasing accident risk.
Effects of noise and vibration on persons on site are
similar to, albeit far greater than, the effects on
nearby residents and the benefits of good control
measures will apply equally on and off site.
7.4 Protection from vibration exposure
Exposure to prolonged and regular work with
high-vibration hand held tools can be a serious
hazard to health. Workers using such equipment may
suffer various forms of adverse effects, collectively
known as `hand-arm vibration syndrome' (HAVS).
The best known effect is `vibration white finger'
(VWF) which is a prescribed industrial disease.
Whilst there are no specific legal duties or measures
which are required to be taken to reduce the risk of
HAVS, if workers are at risk employers need to
consider what action should be taken to reduce the
risk so far as is reasonably practicable in order to
meet the requirements of general legislation,
including the Health and Safety etc. at Work Act 1974
and the Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations 1992.
Useful guidance on this matter is contained within
the Health & Safety Executive booklet HS(G)88 [16].
Applying the advice given in this guidance should, in
the view of HSE, ensure that the risks from HAVS
are properly controlled.
6  BSI 1997
8 Noise and vibration neighbourhood
nuisance
8.1 Disturbing effects of noise
The effects of noise on the neighbourhood are varied
and complicated. They include loudness sensation,
interference with speech communication,
disturbance of work or leisure, disturbance of sleep,
annoyance and possible effects on mental and
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
physical health. A complicating factor is that in any
neighbourhood some individuals will be more
sensitive to noise than others.
8.2 Disturbing effects of vibration
Vibrations, even of very low magnitude, may be
perceptible to people and can interfere with the
satisfactory conduct of certain activities, e.g. delicate
procedures in hospital operating theatres, use of very
sensitive laboratory weighing equipment. Vibration
nuisance is frequently associated with the
assumption that, if vibrations can be felt, then
damage is inevitable; however, considerably greater
levels of vibration are required to cause damage to
buildings and structures (see, for example, BS 7385 :
Part 2) or to cause computers and similar electronic
equipment to malfunction. Vibrations transmitted
from site activities to the neighbourhood may,
therefore, cause anxiety as well as annoyance, and
can disturb sleep, work or leisure activities. As with
noise, in any neighbourhood some individuals will be
more sensitive to vibration than others.
8.3 Site noise descriptor
The A-weighted sound pressure level, LpA, will give
an indication of the loudness of, and degree of
speech interference from noise. Some of the other
effects mentioned in 8.1 are less clearly dependent
upon a simple measure of the noise.
A measure that is in general use and is
recommended internationally for the description of
environmental noise is the equivalent continuous
A-weighted sound pressure level, LAeq. The time
period, T, (e.g. 1 h, 12 h) involved (see 3.6) should
always be stated.
When describing noise from isolated events that may
not always be apparent from a longer period LAeq, it
can be useful to use a short period (e.g. 5 min) LAeq.
Alternatively, the maximum sound level, LpA(max), or
the one percentile level, LA01, can be used.
Whichever measure is used to describe site noise, it
should always be made clear to which period of the
day any particular value of the measure applies.
Annex D deals with the estimation of site noise and
annex E is concerned with noise measurement and
monitoring.

8.4 Site vibration descriptor
The peak particle velocity (p.p.v.) is the simplest
indicator of both perceptibility and the risk of
damage to structures. In order to obtain a typical
value of p.p.v. a representative number of cycles or
operations should be monitored.
The vibration dose value (VDV) is recommended in
BS 6472 as the appropriate measure of nuisance from
vibration.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
As for noise, whichever measure is used to describe
vibration from the site it should always be made
clear to which period of time any particular value
applies.
NOTE. BS 7385 : Part 1 is concerned with vibration measurement
and monitoring in buildings.
8.5 Criteria for setting noise and vibration
control targets
It is not possible to provide detailed guidance for
determining whether or not noise and vibration from
a site will constitute a problem in a particular
situation. However, a number of factors are likely to
affect considerations of acceptability of site noise
and vibration and the degree of control necessary, as
follows.
a) Site location. The location of a site in relation
to noise or vibration sensitive development will be
a major factor. The nearer a site is to sensitive
premises, the more stringent should be restrictions
upon noise or vibration emanating from the site.
b) Existing ambient noise and vibration levels.
Experience of complaints about noise that has
originated from new industrial sources indicates
that the likelihood of complaint increases as the
difference between the industrial noise and
existing background noise increases. It is possible
that a similar effect occurs with the noise
originating from construction and open sites since
the noise will, in general, be more noticeable in
quieter areas. However, the relationship between
response and noise level difference may well be
different. For example, a greater difference may be
tolerated when it is known that the operations are
of short duration.
There is no known relationship between response
and levels when comparing newly intruding and
ambient vibrations.
c) Duration of site operations. In general, the
longer the duration of operations, the more likely
it is that noise or vibration from the site will prove
to be an issue. In this context, good public
relations are important. Local residents may be
willing to accept higher levels of noise or vibration
if they know that such levels will only last for a
short time. It is then important that site operations
are carried out according to a stated schedule.
d) Hours of work. For any noise sensitive premises
some periods of the day will be more sensitive
than others. For example levels of noise that
would cause speech interference in an office
during the day would cause no problem in the
same office at night. For dwellings, times of site
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BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
operation outside normal weekday working hours
will need special consideration. Noise control
targets for the evening period in such cases will
need to be stricter than those for the daytime and,
when noise limits are set, the evening limit may
have to be as much as 10 dB(A) below the daytime
limit. Very strict noise control targets should be
applied to any site which is to operate at night.
The periods when people are getting to sleep and
just before they wake appear to be particularly
sensitive. Site noise expressed as LAeq(1 h) at the
facade of noise-sensitive premises may need to be
as low as 40 dB(A) to avoid sleep disturbance.
Sensitivity to vibration at different times of the day
is far more complex than sensitivity to noise. The
sensitivity of the human frame to vibration varies
according to the axis of vibration relative to the
human body (e.g. x, y or z axis) and to the
frequency of vibration. In general, except at very
low frequencies, sensitivity is greater in the z axis
(i.e. head to foot). When setting vibration control
targets it is reasonable to assume that people will
normally be sitting or standing (i.e. vertical) during
the day and lying down (i.e. horizontal) during the
night. The guidance given in BS 6472 is useful but
it should be remembered that when construction
activities are of a temporary nature situations will
exist, both during the day and night, where
vibration magnitudes above those generally
corresponding to minimal adverse comment level
can be tolerated.
e) Attitude to the site operator. It is well
established that people's attitudes to noise can be
influenced by their attitudes to the source itself.
Noise from a site will tend to be accepted more
readily by local residents if they consider that the
site operator is doing all that he or she can to
avoid unnecessary noise. The acceptability of the
project itself may also be a factor in determining
community reaction. People's attitudes to vibration
may be similarly influenced.
f) Noise and vibration characteristics. In some
cases a particular characteristic of the noise, for
example the presence of impulses or tones, may
make it less acceptable than might be concluded
from the level expressed in terms of LAeq. In
certain circumstances it may be appropriate to
apply a weighting, or character correction, of
5 dB(A) to the source of intermittent, tonal or
impulsive noise, as specified in the assessment of
industrial noise in BS 4142 : 1990.
Similarly, the characteristics of vibration,
e.g. whether it is continuous, intermittent or
impulsive, may influence its acceptability.
g) Effect on buildings. Consideration should be
given to the effect of vibration on buildings
adjacent to the site. Guidance on the evaluation of
these effects may be obtained in BS 7385 : Part 1
and guidance on damage levels from groundborne
vibration may be found in Part 2 of the same
standard or in BS 5228 : Part 4 : 1992.
7
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Both operators and local authorities can assist their
decision making in this area by maintaining records
of situations where site noise or vibration has caused
problems.
In addition to the factors that affect community
response, described in items a) to f), the feasibility of
noise or vibration control in a particular situation,
including type of work to be carried out, will
influence the final choice of control targets.
9 Project supervision
9.1 General
The intention at each stage of a project should be to
minimize levels of site noise and vibration whilst
having due regard to the practicability and economic
implication of any proposed control or mitigation
measures.
Planners, developers, architects, engineers and
environmental health officers can all play a part in
avoiding potentially excessive noise and vibration
levels. This can be achieved by giving careful
consideration to the design of a proposed project,
the processes and equipment implied by the design
and the phasing of operations. Attention is drawn to
the Construction (Design and Management)
Regulations and Approved Code of Practice [16].
Developers, architects and engineers will need to
know whether the processes they intend using are
likely to be permitted. Therefore an early
consultation should be made with local authorities in
order to ascertain the limits or restrictions, if any,
likely to be imposed. Before seeking consultation,
they may find it useful to determine the expected
levels of site noise in accordance with annex D.
Annex C gives typical noise levels created by site
plant and activities. Some guidance on levels of
vibration from piling is given in BS 5228 : Part 4 and
on levels of vibration from blasting in BS 5228 :
Part 5.
Local authorities should ensure that any noise and
vibration level limits or restrictions being imposed
are necessary and practicable.
9.2 Works preparation
A project design should be so arranged that the
number of operations likely to be particularly
disturbing is kept to a minimum. Designers should
also remember that project designs can have
considerable influence upon operators' use of sites.
Project designs should include the location of items
such as haulage roads, batching plants and
generators.
Appropriate investigations into ground conditions
should be made when preliminary surveys are being
carried out in order that consideration may be given
to methods of working which could avoid problems.
2)Available from the Construction Industry Research and Information Association, 6 Storey's Gate, Westminster, London SW1P 3AU.
8  BSI 1997
A survey of the immediate neighbourhood
surrounding a site will indicate the location of
sensitive areas.
Guidance should be sought concerning
recommended noise and vibration levels for the
neighbourhood surrounding a site, and concerning
acceptance of the proposed methods of working, in
very general terms, from the relevant authorities at
the same time as approvals are being requested for
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
the commencement of work. This procedure should
enable work to proceed smoothly.
When works involve a tender stage, details of
consents or other restrictions should be given to
tenderers as early as possible.
When a number of site operators will be working on
one site, overall site operations should be
coordinated. Preferred routes for off-site movement
of vehicles should be established with the local
highway authority and the police. Access traffic
should be routed away from sensitive premises.
Additional guidance on planning site operations may
be found in CIRIA Report 120 A guide to reducing
the exposure of construction workers to noise [18].2)
Tenderers will need to select the most appropriate
plant for a job in order that limits will not be
exceeded. They will also need to know the extent of
control measures that will be necessary so that
appropriate cost allowances can be made.
Tenderers for a project should satisfy themselves
that proposed methods of working and phasing of
operations will meet the local authority's
requirements. They should be clear about this before
submitting their tenders.
Tenderers should take due regard of the following
before tendering:
a) site layout, e.g. location of static noise and
vibration sources, and use of site buildings,
material dumps, etc., as ad hoc barriers;
b) types of machinery likely to be used and
whether alternative types or techniques would
achieve less disturbance.
9.3 Execution of works
All available techniques should be used to minimize,
as far as is necessary, the level of noise to which
operators and others in the neighbourhood of site
operations will be exposed.
NOTE. In practice, a balance may need to be struck between the
requirement to use all available techniques and the resulting costs
of so doing. The use of `best practicable means' (BPM) to control
emissions constitutes a ground of defence against charges that a
nuisance is being caused under Part III of the Control of Pollution
Act 1974 [4] or Part III of the Environmental Protection Act
1990 [1]. The newer concept of using `best available techniques not
entailing excessive cost' (BATNEEC) features in the integrated
pollution control system set up under Part I of the Environmental
Protection Act 1990 [1] and also in EC Directives on pollution
control issues.

Measures which could be taken include the
following.
a) Planning the hours of working and considering
the effects of noise and vibration upon persons in
areas surrounding site operations and upon
persons working on site, taking into account the
nature of land use in the areas concerned, the
duration of work and the likely consequence of
any lengthening of work periods.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
b) Where reasonably practicable, ensuring the use
of quiet working methods, the use of the most
suitable plant, reasonable hours of working for
noisy operations, and economy and speed of
operations. Site work continuing throughout 24 h
of a day should be programmed, when
appropriate, so that haulage vehicles will not
arrive at or leave the site between 19.00 h and
07.00 h. On tunnel sites, for example, it is common
practice to provide night-time storage areas for
soil and debris.
c) Controlling noise and vibration at source and
limiting the spread of noise, using the
recommendations given in clause 10 of this
standard.
d) On-site noise levels should be monitored
regularly, particularly if changes in machinery or
project designs are introduced, by a suitably
qualified person appointed specifically for the
purpose.
A method of noise measurement should be agreed
prior to commencement of site works. If this is not
specified, the method used should be one of those
described in annex E.
e) Where construction site processes are likely to
give rise to significant levels of vibration,
appropriate monitoring should be undertaken. A
method of vibration measurement should be
agreed prior to commencement of site works. If
this is not specified, reference can be made to
BS 7385 : Part 1 or BS 5228 : Part 4, as appropriate.
f) On those parts of a site where high levels of
noise are likely to be a hazard to persons working
on the site, prominent warning notices should be
displayed and, where necessary, ear protectors
should be provided (see also clause 7).
When potential noise or vibration problems have
been identified by the application of procedures
referred to earlier in this standard, or when
problems have already occurred, consideration will
have to be given to the implementation of
practicable measures to avoid or minimize those
problems. Local authorities, consulting with
developers and their professional advisers or with
site operators, will need to consider the extent of
noise or vibration control measures necessary to
prevent the occurrence of significant problems, and
will also need to consider whether the
implementation of those measures will be
 BSI 1997
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
practicable. Local authorities may wish to consider
whether to specify quantified limits on site noise or
vibration and whether, additionally or instead, to lay
down requirements relating to work programmes,
plant to be used, siting of plant, periods of use,
working hours, access points, etc. The latter
approach will often be preferable in that it facilitates
the monitoring of formally or informally specified
requirements, both for the authorities and for the
site operators.
10 Control of noise and vibration
10.1 Control of noise at source
10.1.1 Substitution
Where reasonably practicable, noisy plant or
processes should be replaced by less noisy
alternatives. Annex B gives some examples.
10.1.2 Modification of existing plant and
equipment
Noise from existing plant and equipment can often
be reduced by modification or by the application of
improved sound reduction methods, but this should
only be carried out after consultation with the
manufacturer.
Noise caused by resonance of body panels and cover
plates can be reduced by stiffening with additional
ribs or by increasing the damping effect with a
surface coating of special resonance damping
material. Rattling noises can be controlled by
tightening loose parts and by fixing resilient
materials between the surfaces in contact.
10.1.3 Enclosures
As far as reasonably practicable sources of
significant noise should be enclosed. The extent to
which this can be done depends on the nature of the
machines to be enclosed and their ventilation
requirements.
When it is necessary to enclose a machine and its
operator in an acoustic shed, precautions should be
taken to protect the operator from any consequential
hazard (see annex B).
Tools should be sound-reduced and the operator
should be supplied with the appropriate ear
protection equipment (see 7.2).
Materials suitable for constructing machine
enclosures are listed in annex B, which also includes
a design for an acoustic shed.
Noise in the cabs of machines may be reduced by
damping of the cab walls, provision of a
sound-absorbing lining and a well sealed floor cover,
as appropriate.
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BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
The effectiveness of partial noise enclosures and of
screens can be reduced if they are used incorrectly,
e.g. the noise being enclosed should be directed into
and not out of enclosures. There should not be a
reflecting surface, such as a parked lorry, opposite
the open side of noise enclosures. Any openings in
complete enclosures, e.g. for ventilation should be
effectively sound-reduced.
10.1.4 Use and siting of equipment
Plant should always be used in accordance with
manufacturers' instructions. Care should be taken to
site equipment away from noise-sensitive areas.
Where possible, loading and unloading should also
be carried out away from such areas. Special care
will be necessary when work has to be carried out at
night.
Circumstances can arise when night-time working is
unavoidable. Bearing in mind the special constraints
under which such work has to be carried out, steps
should be taken to minimize disturbance to
occupants of nearby premises.
Machines such as cranes that may be in intermittent
use should be shut down between work periods or
should be throttled down to a minimum. Machines
should not be left running unnecessarily, as this can
be noisy and waste energy.
Plant known to emit noise strongly in one direction
should, when possible, be orientated so that the
noise is directed away from noise-sensitive areas.
Attendant operators of the plant can also benefit
from this acoustical phenomenon by sheltering,
when possible, in the area with reduced noise levels.
Acoustic covers to engines should be kept closed
when the engines are in use and idling. The use of
compressors that have effective acoustic enclosures
and are designed to operate when their access
panels are closed, is recommended.
Materials should be lowered whenever practicable
and should not be dropped. The surfaces on to
which the materials are being moved could be
covered by resilient material.
10.1.5 Maintenance
Regular and effective maintenance by trained
personnel is essential and will do much to reduce
noise from machinery. Increases in plant noise are
often indicative of future mechanical failure.
Sound-reducing equipment may lose its effectiveness
before failure is indicated by visual inspection.
Noise caused by vibrating machinery having rotating
parts can be reduced by attention to proper
balancing. Frictional noise from the cutting action of
tools and saws can be reduced if the tools are kept
sharp. Noises caused by friction in conveyor rollers,
trolleys and other machines can be reduced by
proper lubrication.
10
10.2 Control of vibration at source
10.2.1 General
Vibration can be more difficult to control than noise,
and there are few generalizations which can be made
about its control. It should be borne in mind that
vibration may cause disturbance by causing
structures to vibrate and radiate noise in addition to
perceptible movement.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
10.2.2 Substitution
Where reasonably practicable, plant and/or methods
of work causing significant levels of vibration at
sensitive premises should be replaced by other less
intrusive plant and/or methods of working.
10.2.3 Vibration isolation of plant at source
Vibration from stationary plant (e.g. generators,
pumps, compressors) may, in some instances, prove
disturbing when located close to sensitive premises
or when operating on connected structures. In these
instances, equipment should be relocated or isolated
using resilient mountings.
10.3 Controlling the spread of noise
10.3.1 Methods of control
If noisy processes can be avoided, then the amount
of noise reaching the neighbourhood should be
limited. Alternative ways of doing this are either to
increase the distance between the noise source and
the listener or to introduce noise reduction screens.
10.3.2 Distance
Increasing the distance is often the most effective
method of controlling noise. This may not be
possible when work takes place on a restricted site
or fixed structures, e.g. railway tracks. The effect of
distance on noise attenuation is explained in
annex D.
Stationary plant such as compressors and generators
can be located away from the work area so as to
avoid being close to any noise-sensitive area.
10.3.3 Screening
On sites where it is not possible to reduce a noise
problem by increasing the distance between the
source and receiver, screening may have to be
considered. Annex D gives information on the noise
attenuation to be expected from typical barriers. If
possible, decisions as to the most suitable types of
screening should be made at project planning stages,
because it will often be found that a site layout can
itself contribute quite effectively towards the
provision of useful screening.
 BSI 1997

Site buildings such as offices and stores can be
grouped together to form a substantial barrier
separating site operations and nearby noise-sensitive
premises. On some sites, stacks of certain materials
such as bricks, aggregate, timber or top soil can be
strategically placed to provide a barrier. Areas which
have been excavated below ground level such as
basements or river works can be used to position
static plant such as generators, compressors and
pumps. This is a useful and often necessary method
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
of reducing noise from plant that is required to
operate continually day and night. Mechanical plant
operating in confined spaces should be adequately
ventilated, to allow for fume dispersal and to provide
cooling air. Safety issues should be taken into
account.
Earth bunds can be built to provide screening for
major earth-moving operations and can be
subsequently landscaped to become permanent
features of the environment when works have been
completed. When earth barriers are not practicable
due to lack of space, it may be possible for
protective features ultimately needed as permanent
noise screening to be built in during the early stages
of site work. Such an approach is particularly
pertinent to major road construction works.
 BSI 1997
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
The effectiveness of a noise barrier will depend upon
its length, effective height, its position relative to the
noise source and to the listener and the material
from which it is made. Further guidance on this is
given in annex B.
10.4 Controlling the spread of vibration
Where reasonably practicable, vibrating equipment
should be located as far from sensitive premises as
possible, and if on a structure, not on one which is
continuous with that of the sensitive premises. In
some instances it may be possible to reduce
transmitted vibration by cutting a structure to
separate site work from sensitive premises. Clearly,
it is important to take account of safety and
structural issues before carrying out any work of this
nature.
NOTE. The use of trenches to reduce transmitted vibration
through the ground is described in 9.2.3 of BS 5228 : Part 4 : 1992.
11
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Annexes
Annex A (informative)
EC and UK noise legislation
A.1 Relevant Community Directives
a) Council Directive 79/113/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the determination of the noise emission
of construction plant and equipment (OJ No L33,
8.2.1979, p 15).
b) Council Directive 81/1051/EEC amending
Directive 79/113/EEC on the approximation of the
laws of the Member States relating to the
determination of the noise emission of construction
plant and equipment (OJ No L376, 30.12.1981, p 49).
c) Council Directive 84/532/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to common provisions for construction plant
and equipment (OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 111).
d) Council Directive 84/533/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
compressors (OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 123).
e) Council Directive 84/534/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
tower cranes (OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 130).
f) Council Directive 84/535/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
welding generators (OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 142).
g) Council Directive 84/536/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
power generators (OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 149).
h) Council Directive 84/537/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
powered hand-held concrete-breakers and picks
(OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 156).
i) Council Directive 84/538/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
lawnmowers (OJ No L300, 19.11.1984, p 171).
j) Commission Directive 84/405/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 79/113/EEC on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the determination of the noise emission
of construction plant and equipment (OJ No L233,
30.8.1985, p 9).
k) Commission Directive 85/406/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 84/533/EEC on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
compressors (OJ No L233, 30.8.1985, p 11).
12
l) Commission Directive 85/407/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 84/535/EEC on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
welding generators (OJ No L233, 30.8.1985, p 16).
m) Commission Directive 85/408/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 84/536/EEC on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
power generators (OJ No L233, 30.8.1985, p 18).
n) Commission Directive 85/409/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 84/537/EEC on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
powered hand-held concrete-breakers and picks
(OJ No L233, 30.8.1985, p 20).
o) Commission Directive 87/252/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 84/538/EEC on
the approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
lawn mowers (OJ No L117, 5.5.1987, p 22 with
corrigenda at OJ No L158, 18.6.1987, p 31).
p) Council Directive 87/405/EEC amending Directive
84/534/EEC on the laws of the Member States
relating to the permissible sound power level of
tower cranes (OJ No L220, 8.8.1987, p 60).
q) Council Directive 88/180/EEC amending Directive
84/538/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the permissible sound
power level of lawnmowers (OJ No L81, 26.3.1988,
p 69).
r) Council Directive 88/181/EEC amending Directive
84/538/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to the permissible sound
power level of lawnmowers (OJ No L81, 26.3.1988,
p 71).
s) Council Directive 86/662/EEC on the limitation of
noise emitted by hydraulic excavators, rope-operated
excavators, dozers, loaders and excavator-loaders
(OJ No L384, 31.12.1986, p 1).
t) Council Directive 89/392/EEC on the
approximation of the laws of the Member States
relating to machinery (OJ No L183, 29.6.1989, p 9).
u) Commission Directive 89/514/EEC adapting to
technical progress Council Directive 86/662/EEC on
the limitation of noise emitted by hydraulic
excavators, rope-operated excavators, dozers,
loaders and excavator-loaders (OJ No L253, 30.8.1989,
p 35).
v) Council Directive 91/368/EEC amending Directive
89/392/EEC on the approximation of the laws of the
Member States relating to machinery (OJ No L198,
22.7.1991, p 16).
w) Council Directive 95/27/EC amending Directive
86/662/EEC on the limitation of noise emitted by
hydraulic excavators, rope-operated excavators,
dozers, loaders and excavator-loaders (OJ No L168,
18.7.1995, p 14).
 BSI 1997
 Issue 2, April 1999
A.2 Corresponding UK Regulations
Listed below are the implementing Regulations for
each relevant Community Directive. The Regulations
are listed in the same order as the Directives listed
in A.1.
a) Construction Plant and Equipment
(Harmonization of Noise Emission Standards)
Regulations, 1985 SI 1968. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 057968 2.
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonization
of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations, 1988
SI 361. London: The Stationery Office.
ISBN 0 11 086361 5.
Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonisation
of Noise Emission Standards) (Amendment)
Regulations 1989, SI 1127. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 097127 2.
Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonization
of Noise Emission Standards) (Amendment)
Regulations, 1992 SI 488. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 023488 X.
b) As item a).
c) As item a).
d) Construction Plant and Equipment
(Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards)
Regulations, 1985 SI 1968. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 057968 2.
e) Construction Plant and Equipment
(Harmonisation of Noise Emission Standards)
Regulations, 1985 SI 1968. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 057968 2.
Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonization
of Noise Emission Standards) (Amendment)
Regulations 1989, SI 1127. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 097127 2.
f) As item d).
g) As item d).
h) As item d).
i) Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission
Standards) Regulations, 1986 SI 1795. London: The
Stationery Office. ISBN 0 11 067795 1.
j) As item a).
k) As item d).
l) As item d).
m) As item d).
n) As item d).
o) Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission
Standards) (Amendment) Regulations, 1987 SI 876.
London: The Stationery Office. ISBN 0 11 076876 0.
p) As item e).
q) Lawnmowers (Harmonization of Noise Emission
Standards) Regulations, 1992 SI 168. London: The
Stationery Office. ISBN 0 11 023168 6.
r) As item q).
 BSI 04-1999
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
s) Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonization
of Noise Emission Standards) Regulations, 1988
SI 361. London: The Stationery Office.
ISBN 0 11 086361 5.
t) Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonization
of Noise Emission Standards) (Amendment)
Regulations, 1992 SI 488. London: The Stationery
Office. ISBN 0 11 023488 X.
u) Machinery (Safety) Regulations, 1992 SI 3073.
v) As item s).
w) Construction Plant and Equipment (Harmonization |
of Noise Emission Standards) (Amendment) |
Regulations, 1995 SI 2357. London: The Stationery |
Office. |
Annex B (informative)
Noise sources, remedies and their
effectiveness
B.1 The effectiveness of noise control at source
Examples of typical attenuations afforded to various
noise sources by equipment modifications, the use of
acoustic enclosures and sheds (see B.2 and B.3) or the
replacement of inherently noisy plant by less noisy
alternatives are given in table B.1 together with
resulting LAeq sound levels, in decibels, at 10 m. It
should be noted that the degree of attenuation
achieved will vary from the typical value quoted
depending on such parameters as source size,
orientation and noise spectrum characteristics.
Furthermore, the effectiveness of any given measure in
controlling noise will depend very much on the
prevailing circumstances. For example, noise from
hammer-driven piling operations can be controlled to a
limited extent by the use of the various methods
described in table B.1. However, the attenuations
provided are not likely to alleviate totally any
disturbance from such high intensity sources.
Alternative methods of piling, where practicable, can
provide more beneficial reductions in sound levels.
Other simple noise control measures can provide
useful reductions in overall site sound levels. These
include the use of screws as opposed to nails, the use
of sharp saws and drills, and good practice when
handling materials, for example, lowering, rather than
dropping, materials such as scaffold poles.
B.2 Machinery enclosure design
The principles governing the design of covers for
machinery are simple, for example, covers should
enclose machines as fully as possible (at least the
noisy part), they should possess adequate insulation so
that noise energy does not readily pass through them,
and they should be lined inside with an efficient sound
absorbent so that noise is not built up within them or
reflected out through openings. Because a certain
number of openings are nearly always necessary, either
for access or for ventilation, it is usually sufficient if
the insulation value of the structure forming a cover is
about 25 dB; a sheet material mass of 10 kg/m2 should
give this insulation. See table B.2 for a list of materials.
13
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
The effective insulation value allowing for openings is
unlikely to be more than 20 dB, but this is a useful
reduction of machinery noise. If a machine produces
predominantly low-frequency noise, a heavier cover
than that suggested should be provided.
The sound-absorbent lining inside covers should
normally be at least 25 mm thick, unless the noise is
almost entirely high frequency when 12 mm thickness
may be sufficient. Useful inexpensive materials for the
purpose are mineral wool or woodwool, though
proprietary absorbent tiles, etc., can be used if
preferred. See table B.3 for a list of materials. Mineral
wool should be contained behind some sort of
perforated facing, which can take the form of wire
netting, expanded metal perforated sheet or perforated
boards, etc. The degree of perforation should normally
be not less than 10 %. The usual method of
construction for machinery covers is timber or metal
framing with an absorbent material placed between the
frame members, an external insulating cover and an
internal protective mesh or perforated lining. The
possible existence of a fire hazard should be borne in
mind, whatever absorbent material is chosen;
particularly if the absorbent material can become
contaminated with oil.
The enclosure of compressors, generators, etc., can
pose cooling and ventilation problems. Such problems
can sometimes be solved by using the radiator cooling
fan to induce a flow of air through the enclosure as a
whole by placing a baffle in the plane of the radiator,
as shown in figure B.1. The advice of the manufacturer
(of the machinery to be enclosed) should be obtained
to ensure that adequate ventilation is provided by the
enclosure and that there is sufficient access for
maintenance.
B.3 Acoustic shed design
Effective screening depends on the extent to which the
noise source can be enclosed without the operation of
the equipment being adversely affected or the operator
being exposed to additional occupational health and
safety hazards such as:
a) increased noise levels inside through reflection;
b) excessive heat;
c) increased dust exposure;
d) exacerbated effects of flash-over should an
electric cable strike occur;
e) increased risk of dangerous accumulations of gas
from a leak;
f) poor lighting.
Acoustic sheds can also be a traffic hazard, especially
during erection and dismantling.
An acoustic shed designed by the Building Research
Establishment is shown in figure B.2. Performance
characteristics are given in table B.4.
An acoustic shed can be made of 9 mm plywood or
other solid material weighing about 5 kg/m2, on simple
timber framing. There should be no gaps at joints or
corners. There is no worthwhile advantage in using a
14
heavier construction for portable sheds. The inside
should be lined with 50 mm of sound-absorbent
material, or with 25 mm of similar material if mounted
on battens. Such linings should not constitute a fire
hazard. Mineral wool blankets used as sound-absorbent
material will usually need to be protected by wire
mesh or perforated sheets. Sheet coverings should
have at least 10 % of their surface area perforated and
the distance between perforations should not exceed
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
13 mm. The lining prevents a build up of noise inside
the enclosure and improves conditions for the
operator. It does not reduce the noise transmitted
through the screen or shed. Gaps between the sides
and the ground should be closed with a flap of a
special tough grade of polyethylene sheeting or other
similar flexible material. An extractor fan may be
required to prevent a build-up of dust. Artificial lighting
may also be necessary.
For more permanent enclosures, blockwork is a useful
form of construction.
Open-textured lightweight aggregate blocks provide a
useful degree of sound absorption and breeze blocks,
which can be used for robust enclosures, are durable,
relatively inexpensive and quick to assemble, and their
rough surface texture provides a degree of sound
absorption. Joints should be properly made.
B.4 Acoustic screens
Care is needed in the design, siting and construction of
a barrier for screening purposes if it is to be effective.
It should be noted also that a barrier may, by reflecting
sound, simply transfer a problem from one receiving
position to another. On level sites, for maximum
effectiveness, a barrier should be brought as close as
possible to either the noise source or the receiving
positions. In addition, there should be no gaps or
openings at joints in the barrier material.
In design it may be necessary for sound transmitted
both through and around the barrier to be considered.
However, in most practical situations the overall
attenuation will be limited by transmission over and
around the barrier, provided that the barrier material
has a mass per unit of surface area in excess of about
7 kg/m2 and there are no gaps at the joints. When
equipment is to be screened for many months, sand
bags can be useful as they are durable, easy to erect
and easy to remove. Ordinary building materials
normally stored on site (e.g. bricks, aggregate, timber
or top soil) can, if carefully sited, provide noise
screening without additional cost. Woodwool slabs are
also effective when fixed to posts. Plywood sheets can
be fixed to a scaffold support frame and if constructed
in sections provide a portable barrier.
Some sound will pass round the ends of short straight
barriers. As a rough guide, the length of a barrier
should be at least five times greater than its height. A
shorter barrier should be bent round the noise source.
The minimum height of barriers should be such that
no part of the noise source will be visible from the
receiving point.
 BSI 1997
 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
 BSI 1997

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table B.1 Methods of reducing sound levels from construction plant
Plant Typical 1) Sound reduction of plant Alternative plant
standard plant Source of noise Possible remedies (to be A-weighted Plant description Typical LAeq
LAeq sound level discussed with machine sound reduction sound level at
at 10 m manufacturers) 10 m
dB dB dB
Hammer drive piling 100 Pneumatic/diesel hammer or Enclose hammer head and top 5 to 10 Bored piling using crane or 85
equipment steam winch vibrator driver of pile in acoustic screen lorry mounted auger or tripod
winch
Vibratory system 90
Sheet pile Acoustically dampen sheet Drop hammer completely 75
steel piles to reduce levels of enclosed in box with opening
resonant vibration at top for crane access
Impact on pile Use resilient pad (dolly) Steel jacket completely 80
between pile and hammer enclosing drop hammer with
head. Packing should be kept dolly and polystyrene chips fed
in good condition to impact surface to dissipate
energy
Cranes cables, pile guides and Careful alignment of pile and
attachments rig
Power units or base machine Fix more efficient sound Oil hydraulic pile driver which 70
reduction equipment or generates its driving force from
exhaust. Acoustically dampen the frictional restraint of other
panels and covers. When piles
intended by the manufacturer,
engine panels should be kept
closed. Use acoustic screens
when possible
Earth-moving plant: 72 to 92 Engine Fit more efficient exhaust 5 to 10 Alternative super silenced plant Ð
± bulldozer sound reduction equipment may be available. Consult
± compactor manufacturers for details
± crane Manufacturers' enclosure
± dump truck panels should be kept closed
± dumper
± excavator
± grader
± loader
± scraper
15
16

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table B.1 Methods of reducing sound levels from construction plant (continued)
Plant Typical 1) Sound reduction of plant Alternative plant
standard plant Source of noise Possible remedies (to be A-weighted Plant description Typical LAeq
LAeq sound level discussed with machine sound reduction sound level at
at 10 m manufacturers) 10 m
dB dB dB
Compressors and 82 Engine Fit more efficient sound Up to 10 Super silenced plant is 67
generators reduction equipment available. Consult
Compressor or generator body manufacturers for details
shell Acoustically dampen metal
casing Electric-powered compressors 62
are available as opposed to
Manufacturers' enclosure diesel or petrol
panels should be kept closed
Sound-reduced compressor or
generator can be used to
supply several pieces of plant.
Use centralized generator
system
Total machine Erect acoustic screen between Up to 10
compressor or generator and
noise-sensitive area. When
possible, line of sight between
top of machine and reception
point should be obscured
Enclose compressor or Up to 20
generator in ventilated acoustic
enclosure
Pneumatic concrete 102 Tool Fit suitably designed muffler or Up to 15 Hydraulic and electric tools are 82
breaker, rock drills and sound reduction equipment to available
tools reduce noise without impairing
machine efficiency
Ensure all leaks in air line are For large areas of concrete, 82
sealed machine designed to break
concrete in bending can be
used
Bit Use dampened bit to eliminate Thermic lance 66
ringing
Total machine Erect acoustic screen between Up to 10
compressor or generator and
noise-sensitive area. When
possible, line of sight between
top of machine and reception
point should be obscured
Enclose breaker or rock drill in Up to 20
 BSI 1997

portable or fixed acoustic

enclosure with suitable
ventilation

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
 BSI 1997

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table B.1 Methods of reducing sound levels from construction plant (continued)
Plant Typical 1) Sound reduction of plant Alternative plant
standard plant Source of noise Possible remedies (to be A-weighted Plant description Typical LAeq
LAeq sound level discussed with machine sound reduction sound level at
at 10 m manufacturers) 10 m
dB dB dB
Rotary drills, diamond 78 Drive motor and bit Use machine inside acoustic Up to 15 Thermic lance 66
drilling and boring shed with adequate ventilation
Riveters 95 Impact on rivet Enclose work area in acoustic Up to 15 Design for high tensile steel Ð
shed bolts instead of rivets
Pumps 75 Engine pulsing Use machine inside acoustic Up to 20
enclosure with allowance for
engine cooling and exhaust
Batching plant 78 Engine Fit more efficient sound 5 to 10 Use electric motor in 65
reduction equipment on diesel preference to diesel or petrol
or petrol engines engine

Enclose the engine

Filling Do not let aggregate fall from
an excessive height
Concrete mixers 72 Cleaning Do not hammer the drum
Materials handling 80 Impact of material Do not drop materials from Up to 15 Ð
excessive heights. Screen
dropping zones, especially on
conveyor systems. Line chutes
and dump trucks with a
resilient material
1)These are typical levels and will vary from plant to plant.
17
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table B.2 Sound insulation characteristics of Table B.3 Sound-absorbing materials for lining
common building materials covers and enclosures
Material Thickness Surface Mean Material Thickness Average
mass sound absorption
reduction coefficient
index between 125 Hz
(100 Hz to and 4000 Hz
3150 Hz) mm
mm kg/m2 dB
Mineral wool 50 0.7 to 0.8

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Fibre cement boards 6 12 26 Straw slabs 50 0.4
Brickwork 113 220 35 to 40 Woodwool slabs 50 0.6
Chipboard 18 12 26
Clinker blocks 75 100 23
Fibreboard (insulation 12 4 18
board)
Compressed straw 50 17 28
Plasterboard 13 12 26
Plywood 9 4.5 24
Woodwool/cement 76 70 35
slabs 50 mm thick,
each face with 13 mm
thick plaster

,,,,,,,,,,,,,
,,,,,,,,,,,
Enclosure

,, ,
,,,,,,,,,,,
,, ,
,, ,
,,,,,,,,,,,
,, ,
Machine

,,,,,,,,,,,,,
,
,,,,,,,,,,,,,
Sound-absorbent material

Baffle
Air flow
Figure B.1 Example of machine enclosure

18  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table B.4 Measured sound reduction given by

types of partial enclosure
Type of enclosure Reduction
(see figure B.3) dB(A)
Facing the Sideways Facing
opening(s) rear of
shed
Open-sided shed 1 9 14
lined with absorbent
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

material; no screen
Open-sided shed 10 6 8
lined with absorbent
material; with
reflecting screen in
front
Open-sided shed 10 10 10
lined with absorbent
material; with
absorbent screen in
front

Acoustic shed
Acoustic screen 2 m square
2 m wide 2.7 m high
2.7 m high

Figure B.2 Typical acoustic shed

 BSI 1997 19
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

9 mm plywood outer 2
covering on wood
framework

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

2.7
Inner lining of
50 mm sound-
absorbent material
(see B3)

a) Open-sided shed

Inner lining of 2
50 mm sound-
absorbent material
(see B3)
2.7
2.7

Weighted or 2
tied down

2
9 mm plywood screen

b) Open-sided shed with screen

Unless otherwise stated, dimensions are in metres
Figure B.3 Examples of acoustic open-sided sheds

20  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Annex C (informative) C.2 Presentation of data

Guide to sound level data on site
equipment and site activities
NOTE. Much of the information given in annex C is reproduced by
permission of the Director of the Construction Industry Research
and Information Association (CIRIA). The levels recorded
represent individual measurements on specific items of plant.
More detailed information is included in CIRIA Report 64 Noise
from construction and demolition sites Ð measured levels and
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
The lists of site equipment and activities given in
tables C.2 to C.12 do not cover the complete range of
equipment used or of the activities undertaken during
the various stages of site work. Users of this code will
need to be aware of the processes involved in the
development of a site and of the equipment that can be
used. When necessary, the tables can be extended to
include additional information concerning site

their prediction [19] available from CIRIA, 6 Storey's Gate, equipment and activities, and their sound levels, for
Westminster, London SW1P 3AU. future reference.
C.1 Introduction Values of the sound power levels for a particular type
Table C.1 provides an index of site equipment. The and size of machine and the equivalent continuous
subsequent table, or tables, in which an entry or sound pressure levels for the site activities given in
entries will be found of sound level data for particular tables C.2 to C.12 will apply in the majority of cases,
types of equipment is marked by an asterisk; a tick but can be lower or higher due to the make and
represents other categories of site work in which these maintenance of the machines, their operation and the
types of equipment may also be operated. The final procedures adopted when work is carried out.
column, under Quarrying, is included for use with An estimate can be made of site noise by averaging the
Part 5 of BS 5228 to be published in due course. sound levels of equipment of similar type and size, and
Tables C.2 to C.12 provide a guide to the sound power of site activities as discussed in annex D.
levels for stationary and quasi-stationary site
equipment, and the equivalent continuous sound
pressure levels at 10 m distance from the site activities.
For a single noise source, whose dimensions are small
in relation to 10 m, generating noise at a constant level,
the equivalent continuous sound pressure level at 10 m
distance is 28 dB(A) below the sound power level.
Maximum sound pressure levels at 10 m distance from
the drive-by of mobile plant are also included.
Tables C.4 and C.5, and C.10 and C.11 are included for
use with Parts 4 and 3 of BS 5228, respectively.
The noise emissions of certain categories of plant are
governed by regulations implementing European
Directives. The current permissible sound power levels
are given in annex D (table D.1).

 BSI 1997 21
22

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.1 Index of site equipment referred to in tables C.2 to C.12
Equipment Sound level data table
C.2 C.3 C.4 and C.6 C.7 C.8 C.9 C.10 and C.11 C.12
C.5
Demolition Site Piling Concreting General site Roadworks Motorway Opencast Dredging Quarrying
preparation operations activities construction coal sites
Air hammer pile driver *
Asphalt melter * ì
Asphalt spreader * ì
Asphalt spreader and chipping * ì
hopper
Auger, crane mounted *
Auger, lorry mounted *
Batching plant * ì
Chip spreader * ì
Circular saw, bench mounted *
Club hammer *
Coal lorry *
Compactor rammer *
Compressor * * * * ì ì ì
Compressor, tractor mounted ì * ì
Compressor and pneumatic * ì
drilling rig
Concrete mixer *
Concrete pump, lorry mounted *
Crane, lorry mounted * ì ì ì
Crane mounted auger *
Crane mounted auger, pile case *
vibratory driven
Diesel combined rig (rotary) *
Diesel dragline * ì
Diesel face shovel * ì
Diesel front end loader * ì
(crawler)
Diesel front end loader * ì
 BSI 1997

(wheeled)
Diesel hammer pile driver *

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
 BSI 1997

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.1 Index of site equipment referred to in tables C.2 to C.12 (continued)
Equipment Sound level data table
C.2 C.3 C.4 and C.6 C.7 C.8 C.9 C.10 and C.11 C.12
C.5
Demolition Site Piling Concreting General site Roadworks Motorway Opencast Dredging Quarrying
preparation operations activities construction coal sites
Diesel hoist *
Diesel hydraulic shovel * ì
Diesel tractor scraper * ì
Double acting air hammer pile *
driver
Double acting air trenching *
hammer
Dozer * ì * * ì
Dragline excavator * ì ì
Drop hammer pile driver *
Dump truck * ì * * ì
Dumper * *
Electric dragline * ì
Electric face shovel * ì
Electric percussion drill *
Electric vibratory pile extractor *
Enclosed drop hammer pile *
driver
Generator (power) * * ì ì
Generator (welding) * ì ì
Grader * * *
Groove cutter * ì
Grout mixer and pump *
Hand-held electric circular saw *
Hand-held hammer * ì ì
Hydraulic pile driver *
Lorry * * * ì ì ì
Lorry mounted auger *
Lorry mounted concrete pump *
Lorry mounted crane * ì ì ì ì
23
24

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.1 Index of site equipment referred to in tables C.2 to C.12 (continued)
Equipment Sound level data table
C.2 C.3 C.4 and C.6 C.7 C.8 C.9 C.10 and C.11 C.12
C.5
Demolition Site Piling Concreting General site Roadworks Motorway Opencast Dredging Quarrying
preparation operations activities construction coal sites
Lorry mounted road sweeper * ì ì ì
Oscillatory boring machine for *
bored piling
Paving train * ì
Petrol driven chainsaw *
Petrol driven disc cutter, * ì
hand-held
Pneumatic breaker * * * * ì ì
Pneumatic chipper/drill *
Pneumatic chipping hammer * *
Pneumatic circular saw *
Pneumatic concrete grinder *
Pneumatic drilling rig and * ì
compressor
Pneumatic hammer * ì
Pneumatic hammer fitted with *
attachment for pinning
reinforcing
Pneumatic rock drill mounted * ì
on tracked excavator
Pneumatic rock drill, hand-held * ì
Pneumatic spade *
Poker vibrator *
Power float *
Road planer * ì
Road raiser and lorry * ì
Road roller * ì
Scaffold frames and clips *
Scaffold poles and clips *
 BSI 1997

Scraper * * ì
Ship chain bucket *

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
 BSI 1997

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.1 Index of site equipment referred to in tables C.2 to C.12 (continued)
Equipment Sound level data table
C.2 C.3 C.4 and C.6 C.7 C.8 C.9 C.10 and C.11 C.12
C.5
Demolition Site Piling Concreting General site Roadworks Motorway Opencast Dredging Quarrying
preparation operations activities construction coal sites
Site fork lift truck * ì ì
Tipper lorry * ì ì ì ì
Tracked crane * * * ì * ì
Tracked crane fitted with * ì ì
excavator attachment
Tracked excavator * * * * ì * ì
Tracked excavator fitted with *
breaker
Tracked excavator fitted with * ì ì
hydraulic rock breaker
Tracked excavator/loader * ì ì ì ì
Tracked loader * ì ì ì * ì
Tracked pneumatic rock drill * ì ì
Tractor ì ì * ì
Tractor mounted compressor ì * ì
Tractor pulling dump truck ì * ì ì
Trenching machine *
Tripod winch *
Truck mixer *
Vibratory roller * ì ì
Water bowser ì ì ì * ì
Water pump * * ì * ì
Wheeled crane * ì ì
Wheeled excavator/loader * * * ì ì ì
Wheeled excavator/loader fitted * ì
with hydraulic rock breaker
Wheeled loader * ì ì * * ì
25
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.2 Sound level data on demolition

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity equivalent
number rating weight (mass), level LWA continuous sound
capacity pressure level LAeq at
10 m
kW dB dB
Dropping ball demolition
1 Tracked crane 123 Ð 121 93

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Breaking concrete below ground
level
2 Pneumatic breaker Ð 20 kg 109 81
Breaking concrete for drainage
3 Pneumatic breakers (2) Ð  35 kg 118 95
Ð  35 kg 121
Breaking concrete foundation
4  Ð  200 kg´m 119 91
5  Tracked excavator fitted with breaker Ð  200 kg´m 119 91
6  Ð  200 kg´m 124 96
Breaking concrete
7  Ð  18 kg 120 92
8  Ð  25 kg 119 91
9  
Pneumatic breaker
10  
Ð 27 kg 116 88
Ð 35 kg 110 82
Breaking hard ground
11 Pneumatic breaker Ð 27 kg 115 87
Breaking brickwork
12 Pneumatic breaker Ð 35 kg 117 89
Breaking rubble Ð
13 Pneumatic breaker 33 kg 118 90
Sawing timber
14 Petrol driven chain saw Ð Ð 114 86
Boarding windows
15 Hand-held hammer Ð Ð 112 84

26  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.3 Sound level data on site preparation

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power level Activity
number rating weight (mass), LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m
kW dB dB
Clearing site
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

751) (15)
1   41 Ð 103
2  Wheeled loader
 52 Ð 101 731) (15)
3 52 Ð 102 741) (15)
4   52 Ð 108 801) ( 5)
5 Tracked loader 31 Ð 111 83
6 Tracked loader (idling) 37 Ð 101 731) (Ð)

 
7   37 Ð 107 791) (10)
8 37 Ð 110 82
9 37 Ð 110 82
10 37 Ð 113 85
11 37 Ð 118 90
12 41 Ð 116 88
13 45 Ð 113 85
 

 
14 Tracked loaders 56 Ð 108 80
15 56 Ð 112 84
16 60 Ð 104 76
17 60 Ð 113 85
18 61 Ð 114 86
19 67 Ð 112 841) (10)
20 72 Ð 115 87
21   97 Ð 110 82
22 Tracked loader 60 Ð 110 82
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 82
23 Tracked loader (no exhaust silencer) 72 Ð 118 90
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 90
24 Tracked excavator/loader 46 Ð 108 80
25 Tracked excavator 73 Ð 113 85
26   104 Ð 116 88
27 
Dozer  81
239 Ð 109
Ground excavation

28 Dozer  201 Ð 115 Ripping 92

 201 Ð 120 Dozing 92
29 Dozer 290 Ð 114 86
30 Dozer (no exhaust silencer) 290 Ð 124 96
31 Tracked crane fitted with 52 Ð 116 88
excavator attachment
32 
  56 Ð 109 81
33  Dragline excavator  69 Ð 114 86

 BSI 1997 27
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.3 Sound level data on site preparation (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power level Activity
number rating weight (mass), LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m
kW dB dB
34  

 
34 Ð 111 83

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

35 45 Ð 106 78
36 54 Ð 110 82
37  Tracked excavator  63 Ð 111 83

 
38 65 Ð 111 83
39 71 Ð 114 86
40   72 Ð 108 80
41 Tracked excavator (idling) 73 Ð 96 68
42 Tracked excavator 186 Ð 116 88
43 Tracked excavator 60 Ð 113 85
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 85
44 Tracked excavator 72 Ð 109 81
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 81
45 Tracked excavator 72 Ð 110 82
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 82
46 Tracked excavator 72 Ð 110 82
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 82
47 Tracked excavator/loader 60 Ð 115 87
48   90 Ð 115 87
49  Wheeled loader  242 Ð 123 95
50   410 Ð 104 76
51 Wheeled loader 37 Ð 112 84
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 84
52 Wheeled loader 242 Ð 114 86
Dump truck 309 Ð 109 86
53   37 Ð 110 82
54  Tracked loader  71 Ð 111 83
55   205 Ð 112 84
56 Tracked loader 37 Ð 110 82
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 82
57 Tracked loader 71 Ð 108 80
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 80
58 Tracked loader 138 Ð 110 82
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 82
59 Tracked loader 243 Ð 105 77
Lorry 310 35 t 105 77

28  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.3 Sound level data on site preparation (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power level Activity
number rating weight (mass), LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at 10 m
kW dB dB
Tipping fill
60 Dump truck 450 50 t 110 82
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Spreading fill
61 Wheeled excavator/loader 46 Ð 104 76
62   200 Ð 109 81
63  Dozer  200 Ð 112 84
64   240 Ð 117 89
Levelling ground
65   46 Ð 111 81
66  Dozer  48 Ð 112 84
67   104 Ð 116 88
68 Dozer (blown exhaust) 104 Ð 122 94
  170  112 forward 87

 
69 Ð 
 115 reverse 87
70 200 Ð  117 forward 90

 Dozer   118 reverse 90

 
71 218 Ð  113 forward 85

 108 reverse 85
72 218 Ð 111 83
73   289 Ð 114 86
74   105 forward 77

75 
 Grader
 87

 168
Ð
Ð

 104 reverse
112
76
84
 Ð
76
  Ð 111 83

Trenching
77  

 
46 Ð 109 81
78 46 Ð 111 83
79 52 Ð 101 731) (10)
80  Wheeled excavator/loader  52 Ð 106 781) (10)

 
81 52 Ð 107 79
82 52 Ð 108 80
83   52 Ð 110 82
84 Wheeled excavator/loader 34 Ð 110 82
Lorry Ð Ð Ð 82
85 Wheeled excavator/loader 52 Ð 105 77
86 Water pump 0.6 75 mm bore 100 72
87   45 Ð 112 84
88
89 
 Tracked excavator
 37
46
Ð
Ð
107
109
79
81
90
91    70
70
Ð
Ð
104
104
76
76
92 Tracked excavator (plus lorry) Ð Ð 104 76

 BSI 1997 29
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.3 Sound level data on site preparation (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power level Activity
number rating weight (mass), LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at 10 m
kW dB dB
93   72 Ð 110 821) (15)
94  Tracked excavator  78 Ð 116 88
95  

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

83 Ð 110 82
96 Tracked excavator/loader 45 Ð 109 81
97 Tracked excavator/loader 52 Ð 105 77
98 Dumper 13 Ð 101 73
99 Compressor Ð 3.5 m3/min 1062) 86
Pneumatic breaker Ð 14 kg 113 86
100 Compressor Ð 3.5 m3/min 112 84
Pneumatic breaker Ð 27 kg 112 84
101 Compressor Ð 4 m3/min 100 85
Pneumatic breaker Ð 30 kg 113 85
102  Ð  4 kg 113 85
103  Ð  4 kg 115 87
104  Pneumatic spade Ð  14 kg 115 87
105   Ð 
 27 kg 115 87
106 Trenching machine 25 Ð 105 77
Trench filling
107 Wheeled excavator/loader 46 Ð 110 82
108 Tracked excavator 57 Ð 97 69
109 Tracked excavator 73 Ð 108 80
110 Dumper 13 2t 102 74
111 Tracked loader 42 Ð 110 82
Unloading and levelling hardcore
112 Tipper lorry 75 Ð 113 85
113 Tracked loader 52 Ð 112 84
Rolling gravel/brick
114 Road roller 5 Ð 108 80
Compacting fill
115 Vibratory roller 9 Ð 102 74
116 Vibratory roller 50 7000 kg 106 78
 104 Ð 114 86
Dozer plus vibratory roller 
117  Ð Ð 114 86
118 Compactor rammer Ð 111 kg 108 80
Compacting sub-base
119 Compactor rammer 3 Ð 105 77
120 Compactor rammer 225 Ð 117 89
Compacting earth
121 Compactor rammer Ð 111 kg Ð 91
Ground consolidation drilling
122 Tracked pneumatic rock drill Ð 120 mm piston 122 94
123   Ð 120 mm piston 128 100
Pneumatic rock drill mounted on
 
124  tracked excavator
 Ð 120 mm piston 132 104
Diaphragm wall construction
125 Tracked excavator 46 Ð 113 85
1)Drive-in maximum sound pressure level, LpA (max), at 10 m. Values of equipment speed, in kilometres per hour, are given in
parentheses.
2)Side panels open.

30  BSI 1997
 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
 BSI 1997

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.4 Sound level data on piling: piling operations
Reference Pile Method Energy, power Dolly Sound Soil Cycle On-time Activity
number rating power time equivalent
level LWA continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m (1 cycle)
Depth Width1)
m m dB % dB
Trenching sheets
1 3 0.4  Double acting air  48 kg´m Steel 126 Mixed fill 15 min to 90 97
 trenching hammer  30 min
2 3 0.4   22 kgm None 113 Chalk/ballast 12 min 84 85
Sheet steel piling
3 3 0.95
 Diesel hammer  5500 kg´m None 136 Silt/rock 45 min 65 106
4 Last 1.5 0.95   3731 kg´m None 128 Sand/gravel driving Ð 100 100
5 5 0.48   3000 kg´m None 133 Clay 50 min 80 104
6 3 0.48 Air hammer 22 kg piston None 126 Clay 10 min 50 93
7 3 0.95 Double acting air 300 kg´m None 122 Wet clay extraction Ð 100 94
hammer
8 8 0.5   2.75 t, 2 m drop Wood 114 Fill 67 min 40 83
9 8 0.5  Drop hammer  2.5 t, 2 m drop Wood 111 Fill 50 min 40 81
10 11 0.4   2.5 t, 1 m drop Wood 122 Chalk Ð 40 91
11 9 0.4 Enclosed drop 3t Wood 110 Boulder clay 60 min 50 75
hammer
12 4 0.95
  220 000 kg/pile None 94 Clay 120 min 90 65
13 6 0.9  Hydraulic  220 000 kg/pile None 106 Wet clay 12 h 100 78
14 6 0.9   220 000 kg/pile None 98 Wet clay 12 h 45 68
Sheet steel piling (pairs)
15 8 0.4 each  Enclosed drop  3 t, 1 m drop Wood/plastic 117 Fill/clay 60 min 75 88
 hammer 
16 8 0.4 each   3 t, 1 m drop Wood/plastic 109 Fill/clay 52 min 40 77
Tubular steel casing/pile cast in place
17 23 0.4 dia.   4 t, 1 m drop Aluminium alloy 129 Fill/clay 33 min 60 100
18 23 0.4 dia.  Drop hammer
 4 t, 1 m drop Wood 119 Fill/clay 58 min 80 89
19 23 0.4 dia. 4 t, 1 m drop Wood 118
 
Fill/clay 75 min 50 87
20 23 0.4 dia. 4 t, 1 m drop Wood 122 Chalk Ð 50 91
21 10 0.4 dia. Diesel hammer 5500 kg´m Wood 132 Clay 60 min 50 101
22 8 1.25 Electric vibratory 24 Hz None 125 Clay 15 min 35 93
extractor
31
32

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.4 Sound level data on piling: piling operations (continued)
Reference Pile Method Energy, power Dolly Sound Soil Cycle On-time Activity
number rating power time equivalent
level LWA continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m (1 cycle)
Depth Width1)
m m dB % dB
Impact bored/pile cast in place
23 14 0.5 dia. 
  25 kW None 103 Hard clay 1.5 days 85 73
24 9.5 0.5 dia.  Tripod winch  18 kW None 104 Rough/fill/clay/limestone 9h 85 76
25 10 0.3 dia.   12 kW None 112 Gravel/clay 4h 65 84
26 10 0.5 dia. Pair tripod winches 2 3 16 KW None 112 Sand fill/driving wet clay Ð 100 83
H-section steel piling
27 8 0.37 sq. Drop hammer 5t Wood 125 Clay/flint/chalk 60 min 50 94
28 10 0.36 sq. Diesel hammer 6219 kg´m None 125 Fill/clay sandstone 30 min 70 96
Precast concrete piles
29 10 0.535 dia.   6 t, 0.5 m drop Wood 124 Fill 5 min 30 91
30 25 0.285 sq.  Drop hammer  5 t, 1.0 m drop Wood 123 Clay/flint/chalk 2.5 h 80 87
31 20 0.275 sq.  4 t, 0.5 m drop Wood 116 Chalk/clay 47 min 60 87
32 20 
0.275 sq.   4 t, 0.5 m drop Wood 116 Fill/clay/sand 67 min 30 82
Bored piling/pile cast in place

 
33 15 1.5 dia.   Crane 113 kW  None 116 Clay 60 min 55 87

Donkey 85 kW 
34 19 1.07 dia. Crane 100 kW  None 116 Fill/clay 40 min 25 83

Donkey 75 kW 
35 13 1 dia. Crane 116 kW  None 113 Clay Boring 100 85

Donkey 82 kW 
36 26 0.82 dia. Crane 75 kW  None 118 Clay Boring 100 90

Donkey 150 kW 
37 20 0.75 dia. Crane 99 kW  None 111 Clay/silt 30 min 30 79

Crane mounted auger Donkey 125 kW 

 
38 15 0.75 dia.   Crane 58 kW
 None 116 Clay 60 min 50 85

Donkey 97 kW 
39 10 0.75 dia. Crane 58 kW  None 112 Clay 40 min 50 82

Donkey 97 kW 
40 13 0.61 dia. Crane 100 kW  None 124 Clay 52 min 15 88

Donkey 37 kW 
41 15.7 0.55 dia Crane 100 kW  None 112 Clay 90 min 50 81

Donkey 134 kW 
42 8 0.4 dia. Crane 58 kW  None 116 Clay Boring 100 88
  Donkey 134 kW 

43 8 0.4 dia. Crane mounted Ð None 116 Dry clay Ð 100 88
auger, pile case
vibratory driven
44 10 0.48 dia. 
  75 kW None 109 Sand/clay Ð 50 79
 BSI 1997

45 5 0.25 dia.  Lorry mounted auger  54 kW None 112 Clay 10 min 50 81

46 4 0.225 dia.   39 kW None 102 Clay 10 min 30 71
47 33 1.18 dia. Oscillatory bored 164 kW None 115 Clay/chalk 8h 100 81
1)dia. = diameter; sq. = square section.

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.5 Sound level data on piling: ancillary operations

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power On-time Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m
kW kg dB % dB
Cleaning welds on piles
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

48 Pneumatic chipping hammer Ð 4 116 100 88

Shaping top of bored pile for fitting concrete cap
49 Pneumatic chipping hammer Ð 11 each 119 30 86
(2)

Table C.6 Sound level data on concreting operations

Reference Equipment Power rating Equipment size, Sound power Activity equivalent
number weight (mass), level LWA continuous sound
capacity pressure level LAeq
at 10 m
kW dB dB
Preparation, mixing and discharging of concrete
 1.1 0.1 m3

 
1  92 64
2 1.1 0.1 m3 100 72
3 2 0.14 m3 89 61
4 Concrete mixer 2 0.14 m3 91 63
5   4.1

 
0.14 m3 102 74
6 4.1 0.2 m3 99 71
7 4.1 0.3 m3 104 76
8   Ð 0.4 m3 90 62
9   Ð 19 m3/h 104 76
10  Batching plant  Ð 27 m3/h 106 78
11   Ð 360 m3/day 108 80
12 Truck mixer (discharging) Ð 6 m2 112 841)
Mixing and pumping grout
13 Grout mixer and pump 34 Ð 108 80
Pinning reinforcing
14 Pneumatic hammer fitted with Ð 15 kg 118 90
attachment for pinning
reinforcement
Pumping concrete into bored pile
15 Truck mixer 222) Ð 109 81
16 Lorry mounted concrete pump 130 Ð 109 81
Pumping concrete to foundations, and compaction
17 Lorry mounted concrete pump 97 Ð 109 81
18 Tracked crane 92 Ð 109 81
19 Compressor Ð 4 m3/min 100 72
20 Poker vibrators (5) 2 each Ð 102 each 81
poker poker
Pumping concrete to 2nd floor
21 Truck mixer 222) Ð Ð 74
22 Lorry mounted concrete pump 100 Ð 106 78

 BSI 1997 33
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.6 Sound level data on concreting operations (continued)

Reference Equipment Power rating Equipment size, Sound power Activity equivalent
number weight (mass), level LWA continuous sound
capacity pressure level LAeq
at 10 m
kW dB dB
Oversite concreting
23 Truck mixer 222) 6 m3 100 72

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

24 Tracked excavator 63 Ð Ð 72
Placing concrete to office complex superstructure
25 Truck mixer 22 Ð 111 83
26 Tracked crane 200 Ð 116 88
Placing concrete for road foundation
27 Truck mixer 222) Ð 116 88
28 Wheeled excavator/loader 52 Ð 102 74
Placing concrete and compaction
Truck mixer (2) Ð 5 m3 each 108
Tracked crane 62 Ð 101 (lifting) 86
29 94 (idle)
Poker vibrator 3 Ð 112
Hosing down truck mixer drum
30 Truck mixer Ð 10 t (6 m3) 108 80
Pumping concrete to bridge sections and compaction
31 Lorry mounted concrete pump 97 Ð 118 90
32 Poker vibrators (5) 2 each Ð 100 each 79
poker poker
Pumping concrete
33 Truck mixer Ð 6 m3 96 68
34 Lorry mounted concrete pump 100 Ð 107 79
35 Truck mixer Ð 5 m3 100 72
36 Lorry mounted concrete pump 100 Ð 106 78
Placing concrete for bored piles (including hosing down of the truck mixer drum)
37 Truck mixer Ð 5 m3 114 86
Placing concrete for building foundations, and compaction
38 Truck mixer Ð 6 m3 116 88
39 Lorry mounted crane 78 Ð 116 88
40 Poker vibrators (2) 0.75 each Ð 98 each 73
poker poker
Compaction of concrete
41 Generator Ð 200 kV´A 122 94
42 Poker vibrator Ð Ð 122 94
3/min
 Compressor Ð 3 m 105 
43
 Compressor, small petrol
 driven
Ð Ð Ð

 77

 Poker vibrators (2) Ð Ð Ð  
Floating concrete
44 Power float 3 Ð 100 72
Scabbling concrete
 Compressor 4.1 3.5 m3/min 100 
45  Pneumatic chipper 111  83
 Ð Ð

34  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.6 Sound level data on concreting operations (continued)

Reference Equipment Power rating Equipment size, Sound power Activity equivalent
number weight (mass), level LWA continuous sound
capacity pressure level LAeq
at 10 m
kW dB dB
Chipping concrete
46   Ð 4 kg 103 75
47   Ð 4 kg 117 89
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

48  Pneumatic chipping hammer  Ð 5 kg 110 82

49   
 Ð 14 kg 106 78
Grinding foundation slab
50 Pneumatic concrete grinder Ð 225 mm blade 115 87
Remedial work on concrete beam
51 Pneumatic breaker Ð 41 kg 124 96
Repair to wall cladding
52  Ð 10 kg 105 
Electric percussion drills (2)  Ð 98  78
 4 kg
Cutting concrete pipes
53 Hand-held petrol driven disc Ð Ð 112 84
cutter
Drilling into a concrete beam
54 Electric percussion drill Ð 10 kg 104 893)
Drilling for soil stack passing through concrete floors
55 Pneumatic chipper/drill Ð 4 kg 114 953)
1)Drive-by maximum sound pressure level, LpA(max), at 10 m.
2)Truck mixer provided with donkey engine.
3)Includes the reverberation of sound within the building.

 BSI 1997 35
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.7 Sound level data on general site activities

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at 10 m
kW dB dB
Dismantling scaffolding

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

1 Scaffold poles and clips Ð Various Ð 80
Loading scaffolding
2 Scaffold poles Ð 6 m length 100 72
3 Scaffold frames and clips Ð 2 m 3 0.5 m 96 68
Supplying air to power tools and for general site use

  
4   26  1.1 m3/min 76 front 48
79 side 51
81 rear 53
(Side panel 91 side 63
open)
5 26 2.8 m3/min 91 63
6 26 3 m3/min 105 77
7 Ð 3.5 m3/min 89 61
  Ð 

  
8 Compressor 3.5 m3/min 98 70
9 Ð 3.5 m3/min 102 74
10 Ð 3.7 m3/min 106 78
11 Ð 4 m3/min 102 74
12 Ð 4 m3/min 108 80
13 Ð 4 m3/min 92 64
14 Ð 4 m3/min 92 64
15 Ð 4 m3/min 93 65
16   Ð  4 m3/min 96 68
17 Compressor (sound reduced) Ð 4 m3/min 90 62
 
 
18 Ð 4.5 m3/min 99 71
19 Ð 4.5 m3/min 102 74
20 Compressor Ð 4.5 m3/min 104 76
21
22  Ð
Ð  4.5 m3/min
4.5 m3/min
107
109
79
81
23 Compressor (sound reduced) Ð 4.5 m3/min 98 70
  5 m3/min
 
24 Ð 95 67
25  Compressor Ð 7 m3/min 98 70
26
 Ð 7 m3/min 100 72
27
28 Compressor (sound reduced)
Ð
Ð  7 m3/min
7 m3/min
100
100
72
72

36  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.7 Sound level data on general site activities (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at 10 m
kW dB dB

 
29  Ð  8.5 m3/min 102 74
30 Ð 10.5 m3/min 105 77
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

31 Ð 10.5 m3/min 114 86

32 Ð 13.6 m3/min 111 83
33 Ð 17 m3/min 108 80
34 
Compressor


Ð  17 m3/min 111 83


35 Ð 17 m3/min 111 83
36 Ð 17 m3/min 120 92
37 Ð 17 m3/min 123 95
38  Ð 4.5 m3/min 104 83
 7.1 m3/min 110 79
39   Up to 1131) 892)3)

Ð

40 
 Compressor (unsilenced) Ð
10 m3/min
10 m3/min to 1171) 932)3)
 34 m3/min
41   Ð

Above 1211) 852)3)
Ð  34 m 3/min
42 

 Up to

1001) 722)3)
Ð 3
10 m /min
43  Compressor (sound reduced) 10 m3/min to 1021) 742)3)
 Ð 


34 m3/min
44  Ð Above 1031) 752)3)
 34 m /min
3

Supplying electricity for power tools, site machines and ancillary equipment
45   1.5 kV´A

 
Ð 95 67
46 Ð 2 kV´A 105 77
47 Ð 2 kV´A 111 83
48  Petrol driven generator Ð  2.5 kV´A 98 70

 
49 Ð 4 kV´A 104 76
50 Ð 4 kV´A 108 80
51  Ð  7.5 kV´A 100 72
52 Petrol driven generator (power supply Ð Ð 94 66
for temporary traffic lights)
53 Diesel driven generator 9 Ð 102 74
54  Diesel driven generator (power supply  Ð Ð 89 61
 for hydraulic piling rig) 
55   Ð 50 kV´A 92 64
56 Diesel driven generator (power supply Ð 75 kV´A 110 82
for tower crane)
Electric supply for arc welders
57   Ð

 
5 kV´A 104 76
58 Ð 9 kV´A 107 79
59 Ð 10 kV´A 103 75
60  Diesel driven generator  Ð 10 kV´A 108 80

 
61 Ð 12.5 kV 107 79
62 Ð Ð 100 72
63   Ð Ð 107 79
Drilling concrete
64 Hand-held pneumatic rock drill Ð 14 kg 118 90

 BSI 1997 37
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.7 Sound level data on general site activities (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at 10 m
kW dB dB
Draining trench
65   1 Ð 95 67

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

66  Water pump  1.5 Ð 100 72
67   41 0.42 m3/s 105 77
Pumping water
68  

 
4.5 Ð 94 66
69 4.5 Ð 104 76
70 4.5 Ð 108 80
71  Water pump  4.5 Ð 109 81

 
72 7.5 Ð 102 74
73 7.5 Ð 106 78
74   Ð 7.5 mm bore 100 72
Cutting timber
75   Ð 150 mm blade 105 77
76  Hand-held electric circular saw  Ð 225 mm blade 109 81
77   Ð 225 mm blade 110 82
78 Circular saw, bench mounted Ð 660 mm blade 106 78
(free running)
79 Pneumatic circular saw Ð (Cutting 250 103 75
mm 3 250 mm
cedar beam)
Hammering
80 Club hammer Ð 1.5 kg 107 79
Distribution of materials
81 Dumper 5.5 Ð 96 684) ( 1.5)
82   5.5 Ð 91 63
83
84 
 Dumper (idling)
 6
9
Ð
Ð
95
88
67
60
85
86   
13
13
Ð
2t
92
95
64
67
87   13 Ð 103 754) (15)

88  Dumper  13 2.25 t 106 784) (10)
89   13 Ð 110 824) (15)
90 Dumper (pulling away) 13 Ð 112 844) (Ð)
91   28 Ð 117 894) (20)
92  Dumper 
 Ð Ð 107 794) ( 5)
93   32 Ð 104 764) (10)

94  Site fork lift trucks  32 Ð 116 884) (15)
95   57 Ð 122 944) (15)
 57 Ð 105 77
96 Site fork lift trucks (idling)  944) (15)
 57 Ð 122
97
  6 Ð 101 73
98  Diesel hoist  6 Ð 104 76
99   Ð 1.27 105 77
100 Diesel hoist (poorly maintained) Ð Wheelbarrow 116 88
(2)

38  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.7 Sound level data on general site activities (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at 10 m
kW dB dB
Lifting operations


101  4 Ð 94 66
102 
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

4 Ð 103 75

103  Wheeled crane
104   4
30
Ð
Ð
110
112
82
84
105   30 Ð 108 80
Tracked crane 
106   42 22 t 99 71
107 Tracked crane (moving) 42 22 t 114 86
108 Tracked crane (idling) 56 20 t 99 71

 
109   56 Ð 103 75
110 56 Ð 106 78
111 56 Ð 109 81
112 58 34 t 102 74
113 58 Ð 107 79
114 62 Ð 101 73
115 
Tracked crane


 62 Ð 110 82


116 67 Ð 108 80
117 75 25 t 110 82
118 80 Ð 99 71
119 100 Ð 109 81
120  42 22 t 104 76
 72 25 t 104 76
Arrival and departure of vehicles
121 Lorry (pulling up) Ð 10 t 98 704)
122 Lorry (unloading) Ð 6 m3 112 Ð
1)Average sound power levels.
2)L
Aeq at 10 m calculated from LWA 2 28.
3)These are typical noise level values for portable diesel driven compressors both in unsilenced and sound-reduced forms. (Source:
British Air Society.)
4)Drive-bymaximum sound pressure level, LpA(max), at 10 m. Values of equipment speed, in kilometres per hour, are given in
parentheses.

 BSI 1997 39
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.8 Sound level data on roadworks

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m
kW dB dB
Breaking road surface

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

1   Ð 35 kg 114 86
2   Ð
 35 kg 118 90
 Pneumatic breaker
3
  Ð 35 kg 121 93
4  Ð 35 kg 123 95
3.5 m3/min

5 Compressor Ð 112
6   Ð 35 kg 115  91

7 
Pneumatic breaker (2)  Ð 
35 kg 115
8 Compressor Ð 4 m3/min 106 
 87
9 Pneumatic breaker Ð 35 kg 114 
10 Tractor mounted compressor 39 Integral 
compressor  122 94
11 Pneumatic breaker Ð 27 kg 
12 Wheeled excavator/loader fitted with 52 Ð 106 78
hydraulic rock breaker
 Tracked excavator fitted with 73 Ð 
13   110 82
 hydraulic rock breaker Ð 200 kg
Removing road surface
14 Road raiser and lorry 97 Ð 115 87
Removing broken road surface
15 Wheeled excavator/loader 57 Ð 103 75
 Wheeled excavator/loader 46 Ð 
16  Lorry  108 801) (0.3)
 Ð 10 t 
Road planning
17 Road planer 124 Ð 111 831) (0.3)
Pinning rails for slipform paving
18 Tractor mounted compressor 41 4 m3/min 114 
19 Pneumatic hammer Ð Ð 114  89

Slipforming concrete road
20 Paving train 195 Ð 109 811) (0.4)
Road surfacing
21 Asphalt melter Ð Ð 103 75
22 Asphalt spreader 53 Ð 110 821) ( 2)
23 Asphalt spreader and chipping hopper 53 Ð 114 861) ( 1.5)
24 Asphalt spreader 90 13 t 101 731) ( 1.5)
 Road roller Ð 10 t 
25  Lorry  96 681) ( 4)
 Ð 24 t 
 Asphalt spreader 90 13 t 
26
Chip spreader
 Road roller
Ð Ð  108 801) ( 1.5)
Ð 10 t

 Lorry Ð Ð 
27 Road roller (2) Ð 10 t each 104 761) ( 5)
28   5 Ð 1212) 931) (10)

29  Road roller  5 Ð 1053) 771) (10)
30   51 Ð 101 73
Road sweeping
31 Lorry mounted road sweeper Ð Ð 101 731) ( 2)

40  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.8 Sound level data on roadworks (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m
kW dB dB
Installation of traffic light controls
32 Groove cutter 45 Ð 115 87
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Excavating trench
33 Tracked excavator 46 102 74
1)Drive-bymaximum sound pressure level, LpA(max), at 10 m. Values of equipment speed, in kilometres per hour, are given in
parentheses.
2)Travelling on concrete.
3)Travelling on gravel/brick.

 BSI 1997 41
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.9 Sound level data on motorway construction

Reference Equipment Power Equipment Sound power level Activity equivalent
number rating size, LWA continuous sound
weight pressure level LAeq
(mass), at 10 m
kW capacity dB dB
Levelling ground and earth removal
1   109 Ð 113 851) (10)
2   200 761) ( 2)

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Ð 104
 Dozer 
981) ( 5)
3
4   200
200
Ð
Ð
126
129 1011) ( 5)
5 Dozer (idling) 240 Ð 101 73
6   851) (20)
 
140 Ð 113
7 150 Ð 111 831) (10)
8 168 Ð 111 831) ( 2)
9  
Grader

 
168 Ð 112 841) (24)
10 168 Ð 114 861) ( 2)
11   168 Ð 110 Ð (Ð)
12 Scraper 109 Ð 118 901) (10)
13 Scraper (unladen) 475 Ð 120 921) (30)
14 Scraper (laden) 475 Ð 123 951) (30)
15   475 Ð 125 971) (10)
16  Scraper  480 Ð 108 801) (25)
17   480 Ð 110 821) ( 2)

 
18   110 Ð 118 901) (10)
19 Ð 20 t 102 741) (10)
20 Ð 20 t 103 751) (10)
21 Ð 20 t 104 761) (15)
22 Ð 20 t 108 801) (10)
23 Ð 20 t 110 821) (10)
24 Ð 24 t 104 761) (15)
25 309 Ð 110 821) (30)
26 309 Ð 111 831) (30)
27 310 35 t 105 Ð (Ð)

 
28  Dump truck  310 35 t 106 781) ( 5)
29 310 35 t 109 811) (20)
30 310 35 t 109 811) (30)
31 310 35 t 110 821) ( 1.5)
32 310 35 t 111 831) (30)
33 310 35 t 112 841) (35)
34 310 35 t 113 851) (40)
35 310 35 t 113 851) (30)
36 310 35 t 115 871) (40)
37   310 35 t 119 911) (20)
 103 laden 
38 Dump truck (36)2) 450 50 t  110 empty  76
 

42  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.9 Sound level data on motorway construction (continued)

Reference Equipment Power Equipment Sound power level Activity equivalent
number rating size, LWA continuous sound
weight pressure level LAeq
(mass), at 10 m
kW capacity dB dB
39   450 50 t 103 751) (Ð)
40
41
 Dump truck
 450
 450
50 t
50 t
104
106
761)
781)
(5)
(10)

 
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

42 450 50 t 110 821) (15)

43  450 50 t 120 921) (35)
 Dump truck (45)2) 112 Ð 108 
44   76
 Scraper 475 Ð 123 
 Dump truck (30)2)
Grader (10)2)
301 Ð 111

45  150 Ð 111  82
 Scraper (50)2) 475 Ð 122 
 Scraper (28)2) 230 Ð 123 
46   83
 Dozer with scraper box (48)2) 200 Ð 121 
 Dozer pushing 306 Ð 

Ð 
47 122 94
 Scraper 475
 Tracked excavator 298 Ð 113 
48   87
 Dumper truck 309 Ð 110 
49 Tractor pulling dump truck 63 Ð 113 85
50 Tractor (idling) 63 Ð 99 71
1)Drive-bymaximum sound pressure level, LpA(max), at 10 m. Values of equipment speed, in kilometres per hour, are given in
parentheses.
2)Number of passes per hour.

 BSI 1997 43
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m
kW dB dB
Drilling blastholes
1   115 Ð 113 85
2   160 Ð 112 84

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

3  Compressor and pneumatic drilling rig 160 Ð 114 86
4

5   170
170
Ð
Ð
119
120
91
92
6   160 170 mm borehole 113 85
7 
Diesel powered combined rig (rotary)  160 170 mm borehole 114 86
Breaking out and loading

   
8   56   110 82
9 56 111 83
10 56 112 84
11 56 113 85
12 56 113 85
13 56 Coaling 0.67 m3 114 86
 Shovel  114

 
14 Diesel powered face shovel (crowd 56 86
15  action) 

 
56 114 86
16 56 114 86
17 56 114 86
18 56 115 87
19 56   115 87
20 71   108 80
21 408  Coaling 6.1 m3/h  114 86
22   408   114 86

 
23   


 108


60 80
24 77 106 78
25 95 110 82
26 95 111 83
 Coaling  112

 
27 95 84
28 95 112 84
29 95 113 85
30 95   113 85
31 101 Coaling 113 85


32  Diesel powered hydraulic shovel (or 


101 Coaling 114 86
33 back acter) 112 Coaling 3.8m3 115 87
34 242 3.8 m3 115 87
35 242 3.8 m3 115 87
36 242 3.8 m3 116 88
37 244 3.1 m3 116 88
38 336 6.0 m3 112 84
39 470 6.5 m3 117 89
40 537 7.6 m3 114 86
41   665 8.4 m3 117 89

44  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m
kW dB dB

 
42   225 Ð 104 76
43 225 Ð 110 82
44 225 Ð 110 82
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

45 225 Ð 113 85
46 261 4.6 m3 105 77
47 Electric powered face shovel 261 4.6 m3 110 82
 

 
48 261 4.6 m3 110 82
49 261 4.6 m3 113 85
50 448 9.2 m3 109 81
51 448 9.2 m3 109 81
52 448 9.2 m3 111 83
53   448 9.2 m3 112 84

 
54   225 Ð 118 90
55 269 4 m3 118 90
56 353 4 m3 109 81
57 353 4 m3 111 83
58 353 4 m3 112 84
59 353 4 m3 113 85
60 353 4 m3 114 86
61 394 3.4 m3 104 76
62 394 3.4 m3 105 77
63 394 3.4 m3 109 81
64 394 3.4 m3 109 81
65 408 5.3 m3 107 79
66 408 5.3 m3 109 81

 
67  Diesel powered dragline  408 5.3 m3 110 82
68 408 5.3 m3 112 84
69 408 5.3 m3 113 85
70 408 5.3 m3 113 85
71 408 5.3 m3 114 86
72 408 5.3 m3 114 86
73 408 5.3 m3 114 86
74 408 5.3 m3 114 86
75 408 5.3 m3 122 94
76 480 5.7 m3 113 85
77 480 5.7 m3 115 87
78 480 5.7 m3 115 87
79 480 5.7 m3 115 87
80   480 5.7 m3 119 91

 BSI 1997 45
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m
kW dB dB


9.2 m3


81   746 110 82
82 1119 11.5 m3 110 82
83 1305 19 m3 114 86

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

84 1305 19 m3 115 87
85  Electric powered dragline  1865 24.5 m3 107 79

 
86 4476 50 m3 111 83
87 4476 50 m3 111 83
88 4476 50 m3 113 85
89   4476 50 m3 113 85

 
90   60 Ð 104 76
91 60 Ð 107 79
92 60 Ð 113 85
93 60 Ð 114 86
94 97 2.3 m3 108 80
95 97 2.3 m3 117 89
96 Diesel powered front end loader 127 3.05 m3 112 84
 


3.05 m3


97 (wheeled) 127 115 87
98 127 3.05 m3 115 87
99 127 3.05 m3 116 88
100 127 3.05 m3 119 91
101 127 3.05 m3 120 92
102 280 6.1 m3 119 91
103 410 6.1 m3 121 93
104   515 7.6 m3 121 93
  1.15 m3

105 60 109 81
106
107
 Diesel powered front end loader
60
71
1.15 m3
1.34 m3
116
112
88
84

 
108 (crawler) 71 1.34 m3 113 85
109 142 2.3 m3 108 80

46  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m

 
kW dB dB
110   127 Ð 112 84
111 127 Ð 115 87
112 336 35 s. tons 112 84
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

113 336 35 s. tons 113 85

114 336 35 s. tons 114 86
115 336 35 s. tons 115 87
116 336 35 s. tons 117 89
117 336 35 s. tons 117 89
118 336 35 s. tons 117 89
119 336 35 s. tons 117 89
120 336 35 s. tons 118 90
121 336 35 s. tons 118 90
122 336 35 s. tons 118 90
123 336 35 s. tons 118 90
124 336 35 s. tons 119 91
125 448 50 s. tons 115 87
126 448 50 s. tons 116 88
127 448 50 s. tons 116 88
128 448 50 s. tons 117 89

 
129 448 50 s. tons 117 89
130 
Diesel powered dump trucks (4-stroke) 
448 50 s. tons 117 89
131 448 50 s. tons 117 89
132 448 50 s. tons 118 90
133 448 50 s. tons 118 90
134 448 50 s. tons 118 90
135 448 50 s. tons 118 90
136 448 50 s. tons 118 90
137 448 50 s. tons 118 90
138 448 50 s. tons 118 90
139 448 50 s. tons 119 91
140 448 50 s. tons 119 91
141 448 50 s. tons 119 91
142 448 50 s. tons 120 92
143 448 50 s. tons 120 92
144 448 50 s. tons 120 92
145 448 50 s. tons 120 92
146 448 50 s. tons 121 93
147 448 50 s. tons 121 93
148 448 50 s. tons 121 93
149   650 85 s. tons 114 86

 BSI 1997 47
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m

 
kW dB dB
150   324 35 s. tons 121 93
151 324 35 s. tons 122 94
152 370 35 s. tons 124 96

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

153 370 35 s. tons 125 97
154 370 35 s. tons 127 99
155 370 35 s. tons 128 100
156 395 45 s. tons 120 92
157 395 45 s. tons 122 94
158 395 45 s. tons 125 97
159 395 45 s. tons 126 98
160 395 45 s. tons 127 99
161 395 45 s. tons 128 100
162 407 45 s. tons 120 92
163 407 45 s. tons 121 93
164 407 45 s. tons 121 93
165 433 50 s. tons 120 92

 
166 433 50 s. tons 121 93
167  Diesel powered dump trucks (2-stroke) 
433 50 s. tons 121 93
168 433 50 s. tons 121 93
169 433 50 s. tons 122 94
170 454 50 s. tons 120 92
171 488 50 s. tons 119 91
172 488 50 s. tons 120 92
173 488 50 s. tons 121 93
174 488 50 s. tons 121 93
175 488 50 s. tons 124 96
176 522 70 s. tons 120 92
177 522 70 s. tons 120 92
178 522 70 s. tons 121 93
179 522 70 s. tons 121 93
180 522 70 s. tons 122 94
181 522 70 s. tons 125 97
182 746 100 s. tons Ð Ð
183   746 100 s. tons 120 92

 
184   740 100 s. tons 116 88
185 740 100 s. tons 116 88
186 740 100 s. tons 118 90
187 740 100 s. tons 118 90
188 Diesel powered (4-stroke) dump trucks, 740 100 s. tons 119 91
 electric drive 

 
189 740 100 s. tons 119 91
190 740 100 s. tons 119 91
191 740 100 s. tons 119 91
192 740 100 s. tons 120 92
193   740 100 s. tons 120 92
 
 
194 246 16.8 m3 heaped 112 84
195 Tractor scraper, elevating, diesel 246 16.8 m3 heaped 112 84
196 powered, 4-stroke 246 16.8 m3 heaped 113 85
197
198   246
246
16.8 m3 heaped
16.8 m3 heaped
113
114
85
86

48  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m
kW dB dB
Tractor scraper loading and haulage
16 m3 struck

199  336 103 75
200  
336 23.7 m3 heaped 114 86
201 
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Tractor scraper, single engine, 4-stroke

23.7 m3 heaped
202   336
336 23.7 m3 heaped
114
117
86
89


203  526 16 m3 struck 113 85
204 
205  Tractor scraper, tandem, 4-stroke
526
526
23.7 m3 heaped
23.7 m3 heaped
114
115
86
87

 
206 526 23.7 m3 heaped 117 89
207  526 23.7 m3 heaped 118 90

 
208   448 18.4 m3 struck 114 86
209 448 24 m3 heaped 118 90
210 448 24 m3 heaped 118 90
211 448 24 m3 heaped 119 91
212 448 24 m3 heaped 120 92
213 448 24 m3 heaped 122 94
214  Tractor scraper tandem, 2-stroke 

 
448 24 m3 heaped 125 97
215 248 24 m3 heaped 127 99
216 448 24 m3 heaped 128 100
217 448 24 m3 heaped 128 100
218 447 24 m3 heaped 129 101
219   448 24 m3 heaped 130 102

 BSI 1997 49
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m
kW dB dB

 
Tractor (bulldozing, push loading, ripping)
220   56 8820 kg 114 86
221 56 8820 kg 117 89

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

222 56 8820 kg 119 91
223 104 14 270 kg 110 82
224 104 14 270 kg 114 86
225 104 14 270 kg 116 88
226 104 14 270 kg 117 89
227 104 14 270 kg 117 89
228 104 14 270 kg 126 98
229 149 20 230 kg 113 85
230 149 20 230 kg 116 88
231 149 20 230 kg 117 89
232 149 20 230 kg 118 90
233 224 31 980 kg 113 85
234 224 31 980 kg 113 85
235 224 31 980 kg 114 86
236 224 31 980 kg 115 87
237 224 31 980 kg 116 88
238 224 31 980 kg 116 88
239 224 31 980 kg 116 88
240 224 31 980 kg 117 89
241 224 31 980 kg 117 89
242 224 31 980 kg 117 89

 
243 224 31 980 kg 118 90
244  Tractor, crawler mounted (dozer)  224 31 980 kg 118 90
245 224 31 980 kg 118 90
246 224 31 980 kg 118 90
247 224 31 980 kg 119 91
248 224 31 980 kg 120 92
249 224 31 980 kg 121 93
250 224 31 980 kg 121 93
251 224 31 980 kg 123 95
252 224 31 980 kg 126 98
253 224 31 980 kg 126 98
254 239 31 980 kg 118 90
255 239 31 980 kg 120 92
256 239 31 980 kg 120 92
257 239 31 980 kg 120 92
258 276 31 980 kg 121 93
259 306 42 780 kg 101 73
260 306 42 780 kg 115 87
261 306 42 780 kg 116 88
262 306 42 780 kg 117 89
263 306 42 780 kg 120 92
264 306 42 780 kg 120 92
265 306 42 780 kg 123 95
266 306 42 780 kg 125 97
267   522 77 870 kg 115 87
268   225 33 629 kg 116 88
269  Tractor, wheel mounted (dozer)  225 33 629 kg 122 94

50  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.10 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: historic data (pre 1984) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Maximum sound
number rating weight (mass)1), level LWA pressure level,
capacity LpA(max), at
10 m
kW dB dB

 
270   112 13 620 kg 117 89
271 112 13 620 kg 118 90
272 134 18 440 kg 110 82
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

273 134 18 440 kg 113 85

274 134 18 440 kg 114 86
275 134 18 440 kg 115 87
 Motor grader 

 
276 187 24 520 kg 110 82
277 187 24 520 kg 111 83
278 187 24 520 kg 115 87
279 187 24 520 kg 116 88
280 187 24 520 kg 116 88
281   187 24 520 kg 117 89
Coal haulage

 
282   160 Ð 109 81
283 160 Ð 109 81
284 160 Ð 109 81
285 160 Ð 111 83
286 160 Ð 111 83
287 160 Ð 111 83
288 160 Ð 112 84
289 160 Ð 113 85
290 160 Ð 113 85
291 160 Ð 113 85

 
292  
Coal lorry
160 Ð 113 85
293 160 Ð 113 85
294 160 Ð 114 86
295 160 Ð 114 86
296 160 Ð 115 87
297 160 Ð 115 87
298 160 Ð 117 89
299 160 Ð 118 90
300 160 Ð 119 91
301   160 Ð 119 91
1)s. tons = short tonnes.

 BSI 1997 51
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.11 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: recent data (post 1990)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size Average sound
number rating weight (mass)1), power level LWA
kW capacity dB
Drilling blastholes
1 Compressor and drilling rig (top hammer) Ð 100 mm borehole 117
2 Consolidated rig (down-the-hole hammer) 160 Ð 112
Breaking out and loading

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

 
3   60 0.5 m3 103
4 70 0.5 m3 102
5 70 0.9 m3 104
6 110 0.9 m3 107
7 125 1.0 m3 103
8 100 1.3 m3 106
9 110 1.3 m3 105
10 160 1.4 m3 106
11 120 1.5 m3 104
12 125 1.5 m3 105

 
13  Diesel excavators  145 2.0 m3 108
14 242 3.8 m3 108
15 250 4.0 m3 109
16 275 5.0 m3 114
17 300 6.0 m3 117
18 435 8.0 m3 116
19 610 9.5 m3 116
20 750 12.0 m3 116
21 870 12.0 m3 117
22 1000 14.0 m3 117
23   1516 20.0 m3 120
Draglines
24 Diesel 400 5.3 m3 107
25 Electric 895 9.2 m3 108
26 Electric 11689 50.0 m3 115
Front end loaders
27 161 3.8 m3 107
28 280 5.2 m3 110
29 515 8.9 m3 111
Dump trucks
30  
 
475 55 s. tons 113
31 485 58 s. tons 118
32 Diesel: 4 stroke 750 85 s. tons 112
33  

 
650 95 s. tons 115
34 960 150 s. tons 118
35   1270 195 s. tons 118
Tractor scrapers
36 Single engine 340 23.7 m3 107
37 Tandem 520 23.7 m3 109
Tractor
38  

 
104 14.2 t 107
39 123 17.8 t 109
40 410 32.8 t 113
41  Crawler mounted dozer  212 36.8 t 112

 
42 276 42.5 t 113
43 460 52.0 t 113
44   575 95.8 t 116

52  BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table C.11 Sound level data on opencast coal sites: recent data (post 1990) (continued)
Reference Equipment Power Equipment size Average sound
number rating weight (mass)1), power level LWA
kW capacity dB
Motor grader
45 205 27.2 t 112
Coal haulage
46
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

47 Rigid truck 117 Ð 109

48 Rigid truck 170 Ð 111
49 Articulated truck 180 Ð 102
50 Articulated truck 240 Ð 110
Water bowsers
51 Rigid dump truck 450 113
52 Rigid dump truck 430 117
53 Tractor scraper 215 112
1)s. tons = short tonnes.

Table C.12 Sound level data on dredging

Reference Equipment Power Equipment size, Sound power Activity
number rating weight (mass), level LWA equivalent
capacity continuous
sound pressure
level LAeq at
10 m
kW dB dB
Dredging
1 Ship chain bucket Ð 35 m long 124 96
Digging out river bed
 Tracked excavator 46 Ð 112 
104 
2 85
 Water pump 6 Ð
Clearing river bank
3 Tracked loader 37 Ð 108 80
Dredging gravel
4 Tracked crane (no exhaust silencer) 92 Ð 124 96
Loading dredged aggregates
5 Wheeled loader 93 Ð 112 84

 BSI 1997 53
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Annex D (informative)
Estimating noise from sites
D.1 Introduction
Some means of predicting expected levels of noise
from sites are useful whether or not noise limits are to
be imposed.
Before work starts the following should be considered.
a) Local authorities need to know the expected
levels of site noise in order that assessments may be
made as to whether potential problems exist and
whether controls are necessary. They also need to
ensure that any noise limits proposed are practicable
for the developments concerned and that they are
capable of protecting the community from excessive
noise.
b) Developers, architects and engineers need to
know whether their intended site operations will
cause noise problems and, if so, whether the
operations will be able to conform to the specified
noise limits.
c) Contractors need to select the most appropriate
plant in compliance with any specified limits. They
also need to know at the tender stage what noise
controls are necessary so that they can make
appropriate cost allowances.
D.2 General noise assessment
As explained in 8.3, site noise can be assessed in terms
of the equivalent continuous sound level and/or in
terms of the maximum level. The level of sound in the
neighbourhood that arises from a site will depend on a
number of factors. The estimation procedures
described here take into account the more significant
factors, these being:
a) the sound power outputs of processes and plant;
b) the periods of operation of processes and plant;
c) the distances from sources to receiver;
d) the presence of screening by barriers;
e) the reflection of sound;
f) soft ground attenuation (see D.3.2.2.1).
Other factors such as meteorological conditions
(particularly wind speed and direction) and
atmospheric absorption may also influence the level of
noise received. The estimation of the effects of these
factors is complicated, not least because of interaction
between these factors, and is beyond the scope of this
standard. In general, at short distances (say less than
50 m), the size of any effects arising from these factors
will be small, whereas at longer distances there will be
a tendency towards an increase in sound attenuation.
Meteorological conditions can result in increased noise
levels due to focusing of the sound and this may be
important, for example, where screening is present. So
far as is known, the estimating procedures described
are applicable also to sound travelling over areas of
water (wide rivers, harbours, lakes, etc.).
54
D.3 Methods of calculation
D.3.1 General
Site noise is produced by many different activities and
types of plant, the noise from which not only varies in
intensity and character but also in location and over
time. There may also be many combinations of these
activities of both a static and a mobile nature.
However, reasonably accurate predictions can be made
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
by approaching the problem in a logical way and by
analysing all activities involved.
The starting point in predicting noise levels is to
determine the noise level of the source(s). There are
three preferred means of obtaining the necessary data.
a) Carry out or obtain noise measurements on a
similar item of plant, operating in the same mode
and at the same power over a representative period
including a sufficient number of operating cycles.
The measurement distance may be 10 m or any
other relevant distance to be considered for the
prediction.
b) Obtain the maximum permitted sound power
level of the plant under EC Regulations. Table D.1
shows the current relevant values. It should be
noted that these relate to static tests on full power.
It is intended to introduce a dynamic test for the
earth-moving equipment listed in item a) of table D.1
and to lower the limits progressively. The sound
power levels quoted in table D.1 should be adjusted
to allow for variations of power under typical
working conditions over the relevant assessment
period (e.g. 1 h, 12 h). The procedures for allowing
for traverse lengths in table D.2 should be followed.
c) The sound power levels and values of activity
LAeq given in annex C may be used. Many of these
measurements were carried out prior to the
introduction of quieter plant as a result of the
implementation of EC noise limits. However, older
plant may still be in operation on some sites and the
data could then be relevant. The percentage on-times
where quoted in the tables only relate to the period
over which the measurement was taken. They are
not to be used, for example, for predicting hourly
values of LAeq, unless the plant is working
continuously in the measured mode for the whole
hour.
The method given in item a) is likely to provide the
most accurate prediction. No one prediction model can
conveniently describe the noise from both stationary
and mobile activities and each should be dealt with
separately.
A general approach to the prediction of site noise is
shown in figure D.1 where four methods of calculating
LAeq noise levels are indicated. Examples of methods
that may be used are given in D.3.2 to D.3.5. They do
not preclude the use of other similarly appropriate
methods. In practice, noise prediction at a point of
interest may involve a combination of all four methods.
 BSI 1997
 Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
 BSI 04-1999

Table D.1 EC noise limits for certain items of construction equipment

Item of construction Net installed power, Pi Air flow, Q Nominal Electric Mass of appliance, m Permissible sound power
equipment maximum power, Pe level, LWA
welding
current, I
kW m3/min A kV´A kg dB
a) Earth-moving machines
(95/27/EC)
i) Tracked machines P # 65 107
except excavators 65 < P # 500 87 + 11 log P
ii) Wheeled dozers, P # 53 104
loaders, excavator-loaders 53 < P # 500 85 + 11 log P

Issue 2, April 1999

iii) Excavators P # 15 96
15 < P # 500 83 + 11 log P
b) Compressors Q # 10 100
(84/533/EEC) 10 < Q # 30 102
Q > 30 104
c) Welding generators I # 200 101
(84/535/EEC) I > 200 100
d) Tower cranes
(84/534/EEC)
Lifting mechanism 100
Energy generator Levels laid down in the
Directive on power
generators according to
the power generated
Assembly comprising Highest value of two
lifting mechanism and components
energy generator
e) Power generators P#2 102
(84/536/EEC) P>2 100

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

f) Powered hand-held m < 20 108
concrete breakers and picks 20 # m # 35 111
(84/537/EEC) m > 35 and appliances 114
with an internal
combustion engine
incorporated
NOTE 1. All values were valid as this standard went to press.
55
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Stationary plant Mobile plant

Activity LAeq Plant sound On site

On haul roads
method power method (limited area)

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Select sound power
for stationary items Select sound power
of plant, obtain the for mobile items of
percentage on-time plant
at maximum noise
Select LAeq level
10m from tables Calculate sound level
of stationary or at point of interest Calculate L Aeq from
quasi-stationary from sound power
Calculate sound level sound power level
activities level and the minimum
at point of interest for mobile plant on
from sound power distance. Then allow haul roads. Then
level and the actual for reflections and allow for reflections
distance. Then allow screening or soft and screening
for reflections and ground attenuation
screening or soft
Calculate LAeq for ground attenuation
actual distance and Estimate the distance
allow for reflections ratio and obtain
and screening or soft the equivalent
ground attenuation on-times
Combine actual levels
with the percentage
on-time to give L Aeq

Estimate the percentage

of the assessment period
for which the activity
takes place and calculate
the assessment period
LAeq for that activity

Calculate combined L Aeq

for assessment period

Figure D.1 Flow chart for the prediction of site noise

56  BSI 1997
 Issue 2, April 1999
D.3.2 Method for activity LAeq
D.3.2.1 General
The activity LAeq method (see D.3.2.2) can be used for
stationary and quasi-stationary activities and is the
method which should be used when these activities
and their locations are clearly defined.
Measurements should be made on a similar item of
plant operating in the relevant mode and power.
Alternatively, the values of LAeq given in annex C can
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
be used. The activity LAeq should be corrected for
source-receiver distance, reflections and screening or
soft ground attenuation.
The advantages of this method are that the variations
in plant cycle times, interactions between various items
of plant during the activity and the consequent overall
variation of noise level with time are automatically
taken into account.
For continuous plant, it is necessary to determine the
proportion of the assessment period during which the
plant is operating and to adjust the LAeq for periods of
non-operation. For cyclic or intermittent plant, the
number of complete sequences that will occur within
the working day should be estimated and the LAeq
should be adjusted, if necessary, for standing or idling
time. D.3.6 covers these allowances.
D.3.2.2 Method
D.3.2.2.1 Procedure. Consideration should be given to
the nature of the ground over which the sound is being
propagated. The ground may be characterized as hard,
soft or mixed (see figure D.2 and D.3.2.2.2).
NOTE. Hard ground is taken to refer to ground surfaces which
reflect sound, for example, paved areas, rolled asphalt and surface
water. Soft ground is taken to refer to surfaces which are
absorbent to sound, for example grassland, cultivated fields or
plantations. Where the ground cover between the source and the
receiver is a combination of hard and soft, it is described as
mixed.
Once these considerations have been taken into
account, the following procedure should be applied.
Stage 1. Obtain an activity LAeq by direct measurement
of similar plant in the same mode of operation.
Alternatively, use the values given in annex C.
Stage 2. If the distance R (in m) from the point of
interest to the geometric centre of the plant or activity
is other than 10 m, subtract from the LAeq obtained in
stage 1 a distance adjustment Kh or Ks (in dB),
obtained either:
a) from the following equations:
R ground (e.g. for 25 % soft ground 0.25(Ks 2 Kh) should
Kh = 20log10 (D.1)
10
or
Ks = 25log10  2 2
R
(D.2)
10
| where R $ 25 m
or
b) from figure D.2, which is based on equations (D.1)
and (D.2). Both methods give the same result.
NOTE. It is a matter of personal preference which method is used.
Stage 3. Make allowances for reflections and screening
(see also 10.3.3, figures D.2 and D.3 and annex B).
 BSI 04-1999
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
The accurate determination of the effectiveness of a
barrier is a complex process. A knowledge of sound
pressure levels at separate frequencies and also of the
geometry of the receiving position in relation to the
source and the barrier are required. Calculations may
be made in octave bands instead of `A' weighting to
provide a more accurate barrier attenuation; if the
octave band sound levels and the positions of the
sources, receiver and barrier are known. The barrier
attenuation can be calculated from figure D.3. The final
results of this analysis should then be logarithmically
summed and weighted to provide an `A' weighted level.
In the absence of spectral data, as a working
approximation, if there is a barrier or other
topographic feature between the source and the
receiving position, assume an approximate attenuation
of 5 dB when the top of the plant is just visible to the
receiver over the noise barrier, and of 10 dB when the
noise screen completely hides the sources from the
receiver. High topographical features and specifically
designed and positioned noise barriers could provide
greater attenuation. Subtract the attenuation from the
value of LAeq calculated at the point of interest.
Where the point of interest is 1 m from the facade of a
building, make an allowance for reflection by adding
3 dB to the calculated (free field) levels.
Stage 4. Repeat stages 1 to 3 for each activity.
Stage 5. Estimate the percentage of the assessment
period for which each activity takes place. Then use
one of the methods outlined in D.3.6 to predict the
assessment period LAeq from the individual activity
LAeq values obtained in stage 3, which may be on a
shorter time-base.
D.3.2.2.2 Distance adjustment. For propagation over
hard ground, K = Kh.
For propagation over 100 % soft ground, K = Ks,
providing that the source is operating at ground level
and the receiver is no more than 2.5 m above the
ground. If either the source or receiver is more than
2.5 m above the ground, the additional attenuation
offered by soft ground should be reduced until at 15 m
its value is the same as that at hard ground.
For propagation over mixed soft and hard ground, the
additional attenuation due to soft ground (Ks 2 Kh)
should be reduced according to the proportion of soft
be used).
Soft ground attenuation does not apply for propagation
distances less than 25 m.
The effect of screening and soft ground attenuation
should not normally be combined. Either the
attenuation from screening and hard ground
propagation or the attenuation of soft ground,
whichever is the greater, should be taken.
At distances over 300 m noise predictions should be
treated with caution, especially where a soft ground
correction factor has been applied, because of the
increasing importance of meteorological effects.
57
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997 Issue 2, April 1999

60
|
|
| 50
|
| K s = (25 log R/10) -2
Distance adjustment K dB (A)

|
| 40
|
|

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

| 30
|
|
|
| 20
| K h = 20 log R/10
|
| 10
|
|
| 0
| 10 100 1000
|
| Distance from source R, m
|
|
| NOTE. K s = soft ground K h = hard ground
|
| Figure D.2 Distance adjustment K for activity LAeq method (see D.3.2.2.2)
|

58  BSI 04-1999
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

b
a

S
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

,,,,,,,,,,,,
NOTE. S = source
R = receiver

a) Illustration of path difference (a+b-c) introduced by a barrier

30
2000
25
1000
500
Attenuation, dB

20
Frequency, Hz

250
15
125

10

0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0

Path difference, m

b) Barrier attenuation at different frequencies of sound

Figure D.3 Screening effect of barriers

 BSI 1997 59
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
D.3.3 Method for plant sound power level
D.3.3.1 General
The plant sound power method (see D.3.3.2) should
be used in the absence of sufficient data for the
activity LAeq method (see D.3.2), but it should be
recognized that the on-time of the plant should be
known in order that comparable accuracy of site noise
prediction can be obtained.
The maximum permitted sound power levels of the
plant permitted under EC Regulations are given in
table D.1. Alternatively, the values given in annex C can
be used.
The method involves the calculation of LAeq from the
plant sound power levels, typical percentage on-times
and various allowances for distance, reflections, and
screening or soft ground attenuation. Since this
method necessitates the introduction into the
calculation of the additional variable of percentage
on-time, the method should be reserved for situations
where an LAeq for a similar activity is not available.
Neither this method nor the activity LAeq method is
suitable for predicting the LAeq of mobile plant
operating either on site in close proximity to the point
of interest or on haul roads. Techniques for the
estimation of noise of such mobile plant are given
in D.3.4. The technique for plant operating over short
traverses is similar to the sound power method, but is
modified for equivalent on-time related to traverse
length and minimum distance to the point of interest.
D.3.3.2 Method
D.3.3.2.1 Procedure. The following procedure should
be applied.
Stage 1. Select the sound power levels LWA from
table D.1. Alternatively, use annex C.
Stage 2. Obtain the average percentage on-time from
estimates of the time that the plant will be operating at
full power.
Stage 3. Calculate the sound levels LpA at the point of
interest for each item of plant or operation taking part
in the activity, from their sound power levels and their
distances, as follows. If the plant moves about a
limited area on site, then take a time-weighted average
distance to the point of interest.
Using the distance, R (in m), from the point of interest
to the source, calculate the sound level LAeq at the
point of interest by subtracting from the sound power
level LWA obtained in stage 1 a distance allowance K9
(in dB) obtained either:
a) from the following equations:
| Kh9 = (20log10R) + 8 (D.3)
or
Ks9 = (25log10R) + 1 (D.4)
| where R $ 25 m
or
from figure D.4, which is based on equations (D.3)
and (D.4).
60
Issue 2, April 1999
NOTE 1. In practice, sources of sound such as construction site
equipment do not radiate sound uniformly in all directions.
Equations (D.3) and (D.4) can be adapted to allow for this
directivity effect and for reflections within the site. However, for
the purposes of calculations in this standard the effect is ignored.
NOTE 2. The sound level can be calculated for various conditions
of operation, such as working and idling, using either of the two
methods.
Stage 4. If necessary, adjust each sound level for
reflections if the receiving position is 1 m from the
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
facade of a building, and for screening, as detailed in
stage 3 of D.3.2.2.1, adding or subtracting the
allowances from the sound level LpA obtained in
stage 3.
Stage 5. Calculate the activity LAeq at the point of
interest for the period of that activity by subtracting
from the modified LpA obtained in stage 4 the
adjustment KT obtained from figure D.5 for the on-time
obtained in stage 2.
Stage 6. Repeat stages 1 to 5 for each activity.
Stage 7. Estimate the percentage of the assessment
period for which each activity takes place, then use
one of the methods outlined in D.3.6 to predict the
assessment period LAeq from the individual activity
LAeq values calculated in stage 5, which may be on a
shorter time-base. If only the maximum sound level is
required, stages 2 and 5 can be omitted.
D.3.3.2.2 Distance adjustment. For propagation over
hard ground, K9 = Kh9.
For propagation over 100 % soft ground, K9 = Ks9,
providing that the source is operating at ground level
and the receiver is no more than 2.5 m above the
ground. If either the source or receiver is more than
2.5 m above the ground, the additional attenuation
offered by soft ground should be reduced until at 15 m
its value is the same as that at hard ground.
For propagation over mixed soft and hard ground, the
soft ground attenuation (Ks9 2 Kh9) should be reduced
according to the proportion of soft ground (e.g. for
25 % soft ground, 0.25(Ks9 2 Kh9) should be used.
Soft ground attenuation does not apply for propagation
distances less than 25 m.
Either the attenuation from screening and hard ground
propagation, or the attenuation of soft ground should
be taken. The effect of screening and soft ground
attenuation should not normally be combined.
At distances over 300 m, caution should be taken,
especially on applying the soft ground curves, because
of the increasing importance of meteorological effects.
 BSI 04-1999
 Issue 2, April 1999 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

80
|
|
| 70 K's = (25 log R) +1
|
|
| 60
|
Distance adjustment K' dB (A)

|
| 50
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

| K'h = (20 log R) +8

| 40
|
|
| 30
|
|
| 20
|
|
| 10
|
| 0
|
| 10 100 1000
| Distance from source R, m
|
| Figure D.4 Distance adjustment K© for plant sound power method
|
sound level to give resulting L Aeq [dB (A)]

20
K T adjustment to be subtracted from

18
16
14
12
10
8
6
4
2
0
1 10 100
Percentage on time
Figure D.5 Adjustment to sound level to give resulting LAeq (plant sound power method)

 BSI 04-1999 61
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
D.3.4 Method for mobile plant in a defined area
D.3.4.1 General
The prediction of the LAeq from mobile plant operating
over a small area or on site (see D.3.4.2) can be used
for other activities when items of mobile plant are
operating in close proximity to the point of interest,
taking into account the adjustment of the predicted
LAeq for standing and idling time of the plant.
D.3.4.2 Method
The procedure for fixed plant in D.3.2 and D.3.3 can
be used.
Estimates of the LAeq from mobile plant working in a
limited area made using the methods described
in D.3.2 or D.3.3 tend to err on the high side because
the orientation of the plant varies relative to the point
of interest. The errors for estimates of sound level at
some distance from the site can be neglected, but
when the point of interest is close to the site, i.e. the
traverse length is greater than half of the minimum
distance to the point of interest, a further refinement is
necessary to minimize errors.
To estimate the noise level of slow moving plant
(typically of speeds from 5 km/h to 10 km/h) working
over short traverses, the following procedure can be
adopted.
Stage 1. Select the sound power level given in table D.1
or annex C.
Stage 2. Calculate the sound level at the receiving
position for the plant from the sound power level
when the plant is at its closest proximity to the
receiving position, as detailed in stage 3 of D.3.3.2.1.
Stage 3. If necessary, make allowances for reflections if
the receiving position is 1 m from the facade of a
building and for screening as detailed in stage 3
of D.3.2.2.1, adding or subtracting the allowances from
the sound level LAeq.
Stage 4. Estimate the distance ratio (traverse
length/minimum distance to receiving position) and
obtain the equivalent on-time from table D.2.
Stage 5. Estimate the percentage of the assessment
period for which the activity takes place. Then correct
the on-time for the period of the activity using
equation (D.5) (see stage 6).
Stage 6. Repeat stages 1 to 5 for each activity of this
type where:
tc = Tt 3 F (D.5)
where
tc is the corrected on-time;
Tt is the total time for which the plant is likely to
work during the period of interest;
F is the on-time correction factor.
62
Stage 7. Use one of the methods outlined in D.3.6 to
predict the assessment period LAeq from the sound
level LpA and the corrected on-times.
Table D.2 Relationship of distance ratio and
on-time correction factor for slow moving
plant
Distance ratio, D Correction factor, F
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
0.5 1.00
0.7 0.80
1 0.63
1.5 0.50
2 0.40
3 0.28
4 0.20
5 0.16
6 0.13
7 0.10
8 0.09
9 0.08
10 0.08
>10 0.06
NOTE. D = ltr/dmin
where
ltr is the traverse length;
dmin is the minimum distance.
D.3.5 Method for mobile plant using a regular
well defined route (e.g. haul roads)
D.3.5.1 General
The prediction of LAeq from mobile plant using a
regular route (see D.3.5.2) should be used when items
of mobile plant pass at a known rate per hour.
In the absence of data measured directly for items of
plant to be used on the site under assessment, the
sound power levels stated in EC Regulations (see
table D.1) or the values given in annex C can be used.
The general methods of calculation given in D.3.2
to D.3.5 will be suitable for many situations.
Nevertheless, it should be remembered that these
methods have been developed in relation to
construction sites and have only been tested on such
sites. They do not preclude the use of more precise
methods.
 BSI 1997

D.3.5.2 Method
For mobile items of plant that pass at intervals (such
as earth-moving machinery passing along a haul road),
it is possible to predict an equivalent continuous sound
level using the following method.
Stage 1. The general expression for predicting the LAeq
alongside a haul road used by single engined items of
mobile plant is:
LAeq = LWA 2 33 + 10log10Q 2 10log10V 2 10log10d
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
(D.6)
where
LWA is the sound power level of the plant (in dB);
Q is the number of vehicles per hour;
V is the average vehicle speed (in km/h);
d is the distance of receiving position from the
centre of haul road (in m).
Estimates of the LAeq from a haul road used by other
types of mobile plant with twin engines can be made
by adding a further 3 dB(A) to the LAeq calculated
using equation (D.6).
Stage 2. If necessary, adjust the equivalent sound level
for reflections if the receiving position is 1 m from a
building facade and for screening as detailed in stage 3
of D.3.2.2.1, adding or subtracting the allowances from
the LAeq obtained in stage 1.
Stage 3. Where the angle of view, av (in degrees), of
the haul road is less than 180Ê apply an angle of view
correction A, where
A = 10log(av/180) (D.7)
Stage 4. Repeat stages 2 and 3 for each activity.
Stage 5. Estimate the percentage of the assessment
period for which each activity takes place then use one
of the methods outlined in D.3.6 to predict the
assessment period LAeq from the individual activity
LAeq values obtained in stage 4, which may be on a
shorter time-base than the assessment period.
D.3.6 Summation of sound levels
D.3.6.1 Conditions constant
When conditions on site are such that all activities
affecting the noise level at the point of interest are
carried out continuously for any assessment period,
the activity LAeq values obtained from D.3.2, D.3.3,
D.3.4 and/or D.3.5 can be combined in the same way
as actual continuous sound levels. It is possible to
combine the separate sound levels in pairs. This is
done by obtaining the difference between them and
adding a correction to the higher level; approximate
corrections are given in table D.3. For a number of
activities, this process can be repeated by combining
two levels at a time until a single value is obtained,
starting with the lowest pair of levels and working
upwards in sequence.
 BSI 1997
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Table D.3 Addition of steady sound levels
Difference between the two Addition to the higher level
levels
dB(A) dB(A)
0 3
1 3
2 2
3 2
4 1
5 1
6 1
7 1
8 1
9 l
10 and over 0
The generalized formula for the combination of two
sound levels dB1 and dB2 is:
 (dB1) + 10 (dB2)
dBTotal = 10log10 10 (D.8)
 10 10 
As this method is used when the activity LAeq values
are appropriate for a complete assessment period, the
calculated sound level will be the combined equivalent
continuous sound level LAeq for that period only. For
other periods it is necessary to use the method
described in D.3.6.2.
D.3.6.2 Conditions varying during the assessment
period
When conditions on site are such that some or all of
the activities affecting the noise level at the point of
interest continue for less than the assessment period,
the values of LAeq obtained from D.3.2, D.3.3, D.3.4
and/or D.3.5 may be combined as in equation (D.9).
n
1
LAeq(T) = 10log10
T ∑ ti100.1L1 (D.9)
i=1
where
LAeq(T) is the combined equivalent continuous
A-weighted sound pressure level (in dB)
over a given period T;
L1 is the individual equivalent continuous
A-weighted sound pressure level, LAeq, for
an item of plant or activity during a period ti
(in dB);
n is the total number of individual equivalent
continuous A-weighted sound pressure
levels to be combined.
63
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
D.3.7 Example calculations
D.3.7.1 Example 1. Building, office development
D.3.7.1.1 General. This example is based on
figure D.6. Excavations are in progress for foundations
of an office block, including breaking out of some old
concrete bases, at a site next to existing offices. A
tracked excavator (72 kW) is digging out spoil, placing
it on a temporary tip which partially screens the
machine from the offices. A wheeled loader (52 kW) is
backfilling part of the excavated area with spoil from a
nearby pile. Two hand-held breakers (35 kg) are being
used to break out old concrete and are powered from
a compressor (3.5 m3/min) fitted with standard
sound-reducing equipment.
During the working day the plant is in use for the
following periods:
a) excavator: 8 h;
b) loader: 4 h;
c) breakers: 3 h.
The example predicts the 12 h LAeq at the facade of
the office nearest to the site activities.
Consider the plant that is operating and select the
methods to be used for the plant types. The excavator,
compressor and breakers can be treated by the activity
LAeq method (see D.3.2) whereas the wheeled loader
which is mobile in operation should be treated by the
method for mobile plant on site (see D.3.4).
The example calculation is shown in table D.4 and
described in D.3.7.1.2 and D.3.7.1.3.
D.3.7.1.2 Activity LAeq method. Calculate the
estimated noise using the method described in D.3.2 as
follows.
NOTE. Step numbers refer to table D.4.
a) Tabulate the activities of items of plant (step 1).
b) Select the LAeq at 10 m from the item of plant or
activity (step 2). Use measured values of activity
LAeq for the same plant in the same mode of
operation, or use the values in the following tables:
for the excavator see table C.3, reference number 40;
for the compressor and two breakers see table C.8,
reference numbers 5, 6 and 7.
c) Take the distance from the drawing of the plant
or activity to the point of interest (step 3) and obtain
the corresponding allowance, in decibels, from
figure D.2 (step 4).
d) Include allowances for screening (step 5) and
reflections (step 6) from which the LAeq of each
activity is obtained (step 7).
e) Then tabulate the duration of each activity, in
hours, as the percentage of the 12 h period (steps 8
and 9) and use with each activity LAeq to obtain a
correction to LAeq(12h) from figure D.5 (step 10).
f) Add the correction to LAeq(12h) to the resultant
LAeq to obtain the activity LAeq(12h) (step 11).
64
D.3.7.1.3 Mobile plant on site. Calculate the
estimated noise using the method described in D.3.4 as
follows.
NOTE. Step numbers refer to table D.5.
a) Tabulate the item of plant (step 1).
b) Select the sound power level LWA for the item of
plant (step 2). For the loader refer to table C.3,
reference numbers 2, 3 and 4, and take the average
of all three, or take the EC limit of 106 dB for LWA
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
from table D.1.
c) Take the distance from the drawing of the plant
from the point of interest (step 3) and the
corresponding adjustments to correct to sound level
at that distance from figure D.4 (step 4).
d) Include allowances for screening (step 5) and
reflections (step 6) from which the resultant sound
level can be calculated (step 7).
e) Estimate the distance ratio, traverse
length/minimum distance (30/20 = 1.5) (step 8) and
obtain the equivalent on-time from table D.2 (step 9).
f) Use the equivalent on-time, duration of activity
(step 10) and equation (D.5) to obtain the corrected
on-time (step 11).
g) Use the corrected on-time as a percentage of 12 h
period (step 11) and the resultant sound level
(step 7) to obtain the correction to LAeq(12h) from
figure D.5 (step 12).
h) Add the correction to LAeq(12h) to the resultant
LpA to obtain the activity LAeq(12h) (step 13).
D.3.7.1.4 Resultant noise level. The LAeq(12h) values
from all the activities, the activity LAeq and mobile
plant on site methods are then added together using
table D.3. The addition of noise levels 68 dB, 77 dB and
65 dB gives a combined LAeq(12h) level of 78 dB to the
nearest whole number.
D.3.7.2 Example 2. Civil engineering: spoil
movement on a haul road
D.3.7.2.1 General. This example is based on
figure D.7.
Spoil is being taken from civil engineering works along
a haul road which passes 50 m from a farm house
across substantially hard ground. The loads are carried
in scrapers (480 kW) and dump trucks (310 kW). The
condition of the haul road is maintained by a grader
(150 kW). Details of the journeys made are as follows.
a) Scrapers: eight journeys each way per hour at
15 km/h;
b) Dump trucks: 12 journeys each way per hour at
25 km/h;
c) Grader: one journey each way per hour at 7 km/h.
Operations are continuous for the 12 h day. The angle
of view of the haul road is 180Ê.
The method to be adopted for predicting the noise is
that for mobile plant on haul roads (see D.3.5).
The prediction method is based on equation (D.6).
 BSI 1997
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Site boundary
Loader

Excavator
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

Compressor

30
Breakers

35

25
,,,,
,,,,
20

Prediction

,,,,
,,,,
Spoil
point

Existing offices

Figure D.6 Office development site showing plant locations in relation to the
nearest affected facade

 BSI 1997 65
66

BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Table D.4 Example of prediction of noise from stationary plant
Plant type LAeq at Distance Adjustments Resultant Duration of Duration of Correction Activity
10 m LAeq activity activity as to LAeq(12h) LAeq(12h)
percentage
of 12 h
Distance Screening Reflection
dB m dB dB dB dB h % dB dB
Step
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Excavator 80 25 28 25 +3 70 8 67 22 68

Compressor + two 91 35 211 0 +3 83 3 25 26 77

breakers

Table D.5 Example of prediction of noise from mobile plant

Plant Average Distance Adjustments Resultant Distance Equivalent Duration Correct Correction Activity
type LWA LpA ratio on-time of percentage to LAeq(12h) LAeq(12h)
activity on-time
Distance Screening Reflection
dB m dB dB dB dB h % dB dB

Step
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
Loader 104 20 234 0 +3 73 30/20 = 0.5 4 16.7 28 65
1.5
 BSI 1997

Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Haul road
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

50
Prediction
point

Farm house
Figure D.7 Spoil movement on a haul road showing location of the nearest
affected property

D.3.7.2.2 Sound level of plant. Calculate the sound D.3.7.2.3 Resultant noise level. The total LAeq from
level as follows. the three types of plant is obtained by combining these
a) Scrapers. Select the sound power level from the levels using table D.3 as follows.
tables. Refer to table C.9, reference numbers 16 a) Combine 56 dB with 59 dB: the difference is 3 dB
and 17. so add 2 dB to the higher sound level = 61 dB.
Average LWA = 109 dB b) Combine 61 dB with 62 dB: the difference is 1 dB
Using equation (D.6) and substituting for Q = 16 so add 3 dB to the higher sound level = 65 dB.
(eight return journeys), V = 15 km/h and d = 50 m, As the point of interest is at the building facade, an
then: allowance for reflections of +3 dB is made; there is no
LAeq(1h) = 59 dB. allowance for screening as there is direct line of sight.
As operations are continuous over the 12 h day there is
b) Dump trucks. Assume an average sound power
no correction necessary for duration of activity.
level for trucks travelling at similar speed. Refer to
table C.9, reference numbers 29, 30, 32, 35 and 37. Hence the resultant facade level
LAeq(12h) = 65 + 3 = 68 dB.
Average LWA = 112 dB
Using equation (D.6) and substituting for Q = 24
(12 return journeys), V = 15 km/h and d = 50 m, then:
LAeq(1h) = 62 dB.
c) Grader. Select the sound power level from the
tables. Refer to table C.9, reference number 7.
LWA = 111 dB
Using equation (D.6) and substituting for Q = 2 (one
return journey), V = 7 km/h and d = 50 m, then:
LAeq(1h) = 56 dB.

 BSI 1997 67
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Annex E (normative)
Noise monitoring
E.1 Introduction
This annex gives guidance on the monitoring of noise
from sites for the purposes of assessing compliance
with noise control targets. Only noise affecting the
neighbourhood, i.e. the area around the site, is
considered. The need for, and the frequency of,
monitoring will be determined by the specific
circumstances of the site.
NOTE. The monitoring of occupational noise within the working
area of the site is covered under the Noise at Work Regulations
1989 [12].
E.2 Instrumentation
The instrumentation system should be designed to
determine equivalent continuous A-weighted sound
pressure level in accordance with 3.6. The
instrumentation should conform to the requirements
for integrating averaging sound level meters, preferably
of type 1 but at least of type 2, specified in
BS EN 60804. Alternative instrumentation, if used,
should provide equivalent performance in respect of
frequency and time weightings and tolerances.
Manufacturers' instructions that accompany measuring
instruments should be followed strictly. Every
precaution should be taken before use to ensure that
the instruments are accurately calibrated and, in the
case of battery-operated instruments, that the batteries
have not run down. A sound level meter, in particular,
is a delicate instrument and rough use or handling can
result in damage affecting sensitivity, even though it
may appear to be functioning satisfactorily. A
pistonphone or other acoustic calibrator should be
used to confirm the correct operation of the meter.
| Sound level meters should be periodically calibrated in
| accordance with BS 7580 : Part 1 or BS 7580 : Part 2
| as appropriate.
E.3 Measurement methods
E.3.1 General
Various alternative methods of noise measurement are
described in this annex. The method to be selected in
a particular case will depend on the temporal
variations of noise level, on the resources available, on
the location and on the time period over which the
noise is to be measured.
Precautions should be taken to ensure that
measurements are not affected by the presence of
measurement personnel, by wind or other extraneous
sources such as electric fields. If it is known that a
measured sound level has been affected, the factors
involved should be noted at the same time as the
sound level. In some situations it is possible to correct
the measured noise level for the effects of extraneous
noise. When such a correction is made, it should be
noted and the possible effects on measurement
accuracy should be borne in mind.
68
Issue 2, April 1999
E.3.2 Sampling methods
Savings in human resources and equipment can be
made if sampling techniques are used to estimate the
LAeq over the period of operation of the site from
measurements of LAeq during part of the period.
Sampling techniques can be divided into the following
two broad categories.
a) Regular sampling throughout the whole period
(e.g. 5 min/h). This procedure still requires the
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
presence of staff and equipment during the full
period of site operation but permits measurements
to be undertaken at more positions.
b) A single sample. This procedure is useful when it
is only possible to visit the site for a limited period.
The reliability of this technique can be improved by
avoiding periods when the site is not operating
normally (e.g. meal breaks).
The size of possible errors in estimates of LAeq values
obtained by sampling will depend on the type of
sampling technique adopted, the length of time for
which the noise is sampled and the pattern of noise
emitted by the site.
Table E.1 provides some guidance on typical ranges of
errors likely to be encountered when various sampling
strategies are used. The figures quoted in the table are
based on measurements at a number of building sites,
but may not be applicable for large sites where there
are very wide fluctuations in noise level (e.g. for some
types of piling).
Table E.1 Estimation of daily LAeq according to
sampling technique
Sampling technique Daily LAeq estimated
within 95 %
confidence
dB
±2.5
5 min every 1 h
20 min every 1 h ±1.5
single 20 min sample ±51)
single 60 min sample ±31)
1)These figures assume that measurements are taken only when
the site is working normally (e.g. not during meal breaks).
E.4 Monitoring of LpA(max) and LA01
E.4.1 General
As noted in 8.3, the measurements of LpA(max) and
LA01 are useful for rating the noise from isolated
events which may not always be apparent from a
longer period LAeq. As with LAeq, various methods are
available including the use of automatic, unattended
equipment. However, these measures are particularly
susceptible to extraneous unwanted noises. When,
therefore, the object of the measurements is to assess
compliance with noise control targets, measurement
data from unattended equipment should be used with
caution.
 BSI 04-1999

E.4.2 Measurement of LpA(max)
Various methods are available for the measurement of
LpA(max) as follows:
a) direct reading of a sound level meter, with the
A frequency weighting;
b) use of a sound level meter, as in item a), but with
a level recorder, in d.c. recording mode, used to
record meter readings;
c) use of a sound level meter measuring LpA(max);
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
d) use of a microphone, preamplifier, A-weighting
network and level recorder in a.c. recording mode.
Whichever method is used, the appropriate time
weighting should be selected and the overall system
should conform to the appropriate requirements of
BS EN 60651.
E.4.3 Measurement of LA01
The measurement of LA01 requires the statistical
analysis of noise levels over the period in question. Of
the various types of equipment which can be used for
this purpose, a statistical sound level meter is
preferred.
E.5 Information to be recorded
The following information should be recorded:
a) the measured values of LAeq and, where
appropriate LpA(max) or LA01, together with details
of the appropriate time periods;
b) details of the instrumentation and measurement
methods used, including details of any sampling
techniques, position of microphone(s) in relation to
the site and system calibration data;
c) any factors that may have adversely affected the
reliability or accuracy of the measurements;
d) plans of the site and neighbourhood showing the
position of plant, associated buildings and notes of
site activities during monitoring period(s);
e) notes on weather conditions, including where
relevant, wind speed/direction, temperature,
presence of precipitation, etc.;
f) time, date and name of person carrying out the
measurement.
1)Available from the Scottish Development Department, New St. Andrews House, Edinburgh EH1 3SZ.
 BSI 1997
BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
Annex F (informative)
Bibliography
GREAT BRITAIN. Control of Noise (Appeals)
(Scotland) Regulations, 1983 SI 1455. London: The
Stationery Office
GREAT BRITAIN. Control of Noise (Appeals)
Regulations, 1975 SI 2116. London: The Stationery
Office
NORTHERN IRELAND. Control of Noise (Appeals)
Regulations (Northern Ireland), 1978 SI 350. Belfast:
The Stationery Office
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (DoE).
Control of Pollution Act 1974; Implementation of
Part III Ð Noise. Circular 2/76. London: The Stationery
Office, 1976
HSE Noise at Work Guides:
Noise Guide No.1. Legal duties of employers to
prevent damage to hearing
Noise Guide No.2 Legal duties of designers,
manufacturers, importers and suppliers to prevent
damage to hearing. The Noise at Work Regulations
1989 ISBN 011 8855123
HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Noise at work:
Noise assessment, information and control. Noise
Guides No.s 3 to 8. HS (G) 56. London: The
Stationery Office, 1990. ISBN 011 885 4305
DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT (DoE).
Planning and noise. Planning Policy Guidance PPG 24.
London: The Stationery Office, 1994.
NOTE 1. PPG 24 replaces Circular 10/73 in England.
GREAT BRITAIN. Land Compensation Act 1973.
London: The Stationery Office
GREAT BRITAIN. Land Compensation (Scotland) Act
1973. London: The Stationery Office
GREAT BRITAIN. Noise Insulation (Amendment)
Regulations, 1988 SI 2000. London: The Stationery
Office
GREAT BRITAIN. Noise Insulation Regulations, 1975
SI 1763. London: The Stationery Office
GREAT BRITAIN. Noise Insulation (Scotland)
Regulations, 1975 SI 460. London: The Stationery Office
SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT. Circular
(and Accompanying Memorandum): Control of
Pollution Act 1974; Commencement of Provisions of
Part III (Noise) and Part IV (Pollution of the
Atmosphere). Circular 13/1982. Edinburgh: SDD, 19821)
SCOTTISH DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT (SDD).
Planning and noise. Circular 23/1973. Edinburgh: SDD,
19731)
WELSH OFFICE. Planning and noise. Circular 16/73.
London: The Stationery Office, 1973.
NOTE 2. Government departments and local authorities also
publish circulars on noise control.
69
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997
List of references
Normative references
BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London
BS 3015 : 1991
|
BS 4727 :
BS 4727 : Part 3 :
BS 4727 : Part 3 : Group 08 : 1995
| BS 7580 :
| BS 7580 : Part 1 : 1997
| BS 7580 : Part 2 : 1997
BS EN 60651 : 1994
BS EN 60804 : 1994
Informative references
BSI publications
BRITISH STANDARDS INSTITUTION, London
BS 5228 :
BS 5228 : Part 2 : 1997
BS 5228 : Part 3 : 1997
BS 5228 : Part 4 : 1992
| BS 5228 : Part 5 : 1997
BS 5330 : 1976
BS 6472 : 1992
BS 7385 :
BS 7385 : Part 1 : 1990
BS 7385 : Part 2 : 1993
BS 7445 :
BS 7445 : Part 1 : 1991
BS 7445 : Part 2 : 1991
BS 7445 : Part 3 : 1991
BS EN 24869 :
BS EN 24869-1 : 1993
70
Issue 2, April 1999
Glossary of terms relating to mechanical vibration and shock
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI
Glossary of electrotechnical, power, telecommunication, electronics,
lighting and colour terms
Terms particular to telecommunications and electronics
Acoustics and electroacoustics
Specification for the verification of sound level meters
Comprehensive procedure
Shortened procedure for type 2 sound level meters
Specification for sound level meters
Specification for integrating-averaging sound level meters
Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites
Guide to noise and vibration control legislation for construction
and demolition, including road construction and maintenance
Code of practice applicable to surface coal extraction by opencast
methods
Code of practice for noise and vibration control applicable to
piling operations
Code of practice applicable to surface mineral (excluding coal)
extraction
Method of test for estimating the risk of hearing handicap due to
noise exposure
Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings
(1 Hz to 80 Hz)
Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings
Guide for measurement of vibrations and evaluation of their
effects on buildings
Guide to damage levels from groundborne vibration
Description and measurement of environmental noise
Guide to quantities and procedures
Guide to the acquisition of data pertinent to land use
Guide to application to noise limits
Acoustics Ð Hearing protectors
Sound attenuation of hearing protectors Ð Subjective method of
measurement
 BSI 04-1999
 BS 5228 : Part 1 : 1997

Other references
[1] GREAT BRITAIN. Environmental Protection Act 1990. London: The Stationery Office
[2] GREAT BRITAIN. Environment Act 1995. London: The Stationery Office
[3] GREAT BRITAIN. Noise and Statutory Nuisance Act 1993. London: The Stationery Office
[4] GREAT BRITAIN. Control of Pollution Act 1974. London: The Stationery Office
[5] NORTHERN IRELAND. Pollution Control and Local Government (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. Belfast:
The Stationery Office
[6] GREAT BRITAIN. Noise Insulation Regulations 1975. London: The Stationery Office
Licensed Copy: Giorgio Cavalieri, ALSTOM, 15-Mar-01, Uncontrolled Copy. © BSI

[7] GREAT BRITAIN. Noise Insulation (Amendment) Regulations 1988. London: The Stationery Office
[8] GREAT BRITAIN. Noise Insulation (Scotland) Regulations 1975. Edinburgh: The Stationery Office
[9] NORTHERN IRELAND. Noise Insulation (Northern Ireland) Regulations 1995. Belfast: The Stationery Office
[10] GREAT BRITAIN. Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. London: The Stationery Office
[11] NORTHERN IRELAND. Health and Safety at Work (Northern Ireland) Order 1978. Belfast: The Stationery
Office
[12] GREAT BRITAIN. Noise at Work Regulations, 1989 SI 1790. London: The Stationery Office
[13] NORTHERN IRELAND. Noise at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland), 1990 Statutory Rules 147. Belfast:
The Stationery Office
[14] EUROPEAN COMMISSION. Council Directive 86/188/EEC. Protection of workers from the risks related to
the exposure to noise at work
[15] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Noise Guide 5 Types and selection of ear protectors. In: Noise at
work: Noise assessment, information and control. Noise Guides Nos 3 to 8. HS (G) 56. London: The Stationery
Office, 1990. ISBN 011 885 4305
[16] HEALTH AND SAFETY EXECUTIVE. Hand arm vibration HS(G)88. London: The Stationery Office, 1994.
ISBN 07176 0743 75)
[17] Construction (Design and Management) Regulations and Approved Code of Practice. London: The
Stationery Office, 1994
[18] CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND INFORMATION ASSOCIATION (CIRIA). A guide to
reducing the exposure of construction workers to noise. Report 120. London: CIRIA, 19906)
[19] CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY RESEARCH AND INFORMATION ASSOCIATION (CIRIA). Noise from
construction and demolition sites Ð measured levels and their prediction. Report 64. London: CIRIA, 19776)

5)Available from: HSE Books, P.O. Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 6FS.
6)Available from the Construction Industry Research and Information Association, 6 Storey's Gate, Westminster, London SW1P 3AU.

 BSI 1997
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