Mobile plant noise data for quarries

UNTIL recently, noise data for construction-type plant used on construction or other open sites relied on data that was either gathered in the 1970s or provided by the equipment manufacturers themselves. In 2004 Defra commissioned Hepworth Acoustics to produce a database of noise emissions that was based on actual measurements from the plant in use. The first part of the Construction Plant Noise Database, relating to construction, demolition, opencast coal and waste-disposal sites, was published in 2005. Now the final [third] phase of this project, encompassing quarry sites, has been published with the central objective of providing accurate source data to allow operators of quarries and landfill operations to evaluate the potential impact of noise from proposed operations.

The noise data is suitable for use with BS5228 but reflects current practice and plant. To complete Phase 3, Hepworth Acoustics carried out surveys of quarries in Cheshire, Derbyshire and North Wales. Approximately 300 individual measurements of plant noise were recorded and the results are presented as un-weighted octave band sound pressure levels together with A-weighted activity sound pressure levels.

‘The value of the study lies in the fact that, where it is not practical to measure noise levels from the exact type of plant being used, this database can provide greater accuracy than relying on ‘type test’ noise-emission data from manufacturers,’ explained Peter Hepworth of Hepworth Acoustics. ‘It helps operators to evaluate the potential noise impact of their sites with more accurate data, thus enabling them to take appropriate steps to mitigate the impact and assisting their use of BS5228.’

The final phase of the project encompassing noise data for quarries can be viewed by clicking on the Defra link below.