Assessing Industrial Noise inside Dwellings

Introduction and Project Aim

The standard BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 "Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound" (BS 4142) provides the most suitable method for assessing the impact of industrial noise external to residential receptors. BS 4142 considers the prevailing acoustic background and character of the industrial noise.

There is no equivalent method for assessing the impact of industrial noise on internal dwelling areas. The absolute sound levels presented in existing noise standards relating to internal spaces may not adequately assess the relative and contextual impact of industrial noise which can be a local dominating source, often with tonal and/or impulsive characteristics.

This specification aims to investigate a method for assessing the noise impact of industrial sounds on internal rooms within residential dwellings, considering both the internal background sound level, and the sound level and character of the industrial noise entering the dwelling. The development of such a method could lead to better use of brownfield sites and reduce conflict in planning applications, and so provide additional housing.

No method testing is envisaged at this stage as this is purely an exploratory exercise. Piloting, if any viable methods are identified, may be covered at a later stage in future projects, if deemed appropriate.