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GUIDELINES

NOISE CONTROL GUIDELINES Publication 1254 October 2008

INTRODUCTION These guidelines are primarily intended to be used by municipal officers to assist in the resolution of complaints or to avert a possible noise nuisance. Some guidelines have been prepared so that they could be incorporated into a permit condition of a development or embodied as a local law. The guidelines are designed, however, to be the basis of assessment and not the last word.

Many of the guidelines do not require an actual measurement of the noise. In these cases, the inherent nature of the activity outside of the hours suggested is sufficient to consider the activity unreasonable.

EPA appreciates feedback on issues where additional noise control guidelines are considered useful or where refinements to existing guidelines are considered necessary.

Note: These guidelines are a reproduction of the former EPA publication TG302/92. The publication has been updated to reflect regulatory changes under the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008 and to address queries raised through consultation for these regulations. The sections for fixed domestic plant; for construction and demolition site noise and for noise assessment have been updated, and the ordering of sections has been changed. Other minor amendments are:

• a requirement for waste collection has been added

• references and standards for aircraft noise, scaregun noise and noise from shops have been updated.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Some of the guidelines were adopted from noise control guidelines developed by the New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change (formerly the State Pollution Control Commission).

CONTENTS Section & title Page

1 Fixed domestic plant and home occupation noise 2

(air conditioners, swimming pool equipment, spas, ducted heating, internal vacuum systems, home occupation noise)

2 Construction and demolition site noise 2

3 Road repair and track maintenance 4

4 Dog kennels 4

5 Domestic refuse collection 5

6 Industrial waste collection 5

7 Mobile vendors 5

8 Truck-mounted refrigeration units 5

9 Deliveries to shops, supermarkets and service stations 6

10 Noise from shops 6

11 Gardening on non-residential property 6

12 Scareguns 6

13 Public address systems 7

14 Mini-motorcycle circuits 8

15 Aircraft 8

16 Helicopters 10

17 Noise assessment technique 10

(measurement equipment, measurement procedure, method of background measurement, adjustments, nonstandard sources)

18 Other noise guidelines and useful references 11

NOISE CONTROL GUIDELINES

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1 FIXED DOMESTIC PLANT AND HOME OCCUPATION NOISE (such as domestic air conditioners, swimming pool equipment, spas, ducted heating, internal vacuum systems and home occupation noise)

Noise from fixed domestic plant is subject to Section 48A of the Environment Protection Act 1970 (EP Act) and the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008.

Night operation

Noise from any fixed domestic plant must not be audible within a habitable room of any other residence (regardless of whether any door or window giving access to the room is open) during prohibited hours prescribed by the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008.

The following prohibited hours apply to air conditioners, swimming pool and spa pumps, ducted heating systems and the like:

• 10 pm — 7 am Monday—Friday.

• 10 pm — 9 am weekends & public holidays.

Day/evening operation (non-prohibited times)

This guideline can assist assessment of the decibel intensity of fixed domestic plant noise. Noise measurements can contribute to assessment under s48A of the EP Act, where all the factors under s48A(4) must be taken into account.

Noise levels not meeting this guideline may be considered unreasonable if they interfere with use of home or property on a recurring or ongoing basis.

Where noise from any fixed domestic plant is audible beyond the boundary of the residential premises on which the plant is situated, the intrusive noise shall not exceed the background noise level by more than 5 dB at the measurement position.

Noise assessment must be made in accordance with noise assessment techniques listed in section 17 of these guidelines. Adjustment for tonality and/or impulsiveness must be included if applicable.

Assess at a time and circumstance representative of the likely worst case of impact, considering:

• when equipment is likely to be operating

• the equipment settings representative of normal operation (discuss with affected person and owner)

• that multiple items that generally operate together be assessed together

• representative background noise levels — noise from domestic plant will be more intrusive when background levels are lower.

For example, where noise affects a neighbour in the late evening, measurements of background and intrusive noise should be made at this time.

Background noise levels are normally lower in the evening than in the day and are highest during periods of peak traffic.

Measurement position

The measurement location must be representative of the relevant indoor and/or outdoor area affected by the noise.

Relevant outdoor areas

Relevant outdoor areas will generally exclude areas not normally used by the affected resident for rest, recreation or enjoyment, such as an access walkway.

The microphone should be located at the boundary of the property where the noise source is located. Where this is not practicable or not representative of an affected area, then a measurement within the affected area should be made.

Relevant indoor areas

Relevant indoor areas are not limited to habitable rooms, but may exclude infrequently and briefly used rooms such as a laundry.

Where possible, a representative outdoor measurement (example, near the façade of the affected area) should be taken for noise affecting indoor areas. This helps to avoid potential indoor measurement complications such as reflections or internal extraneous noise.

2 CONSTRUCTION AND DEMOLITION SITE NOISE

This applies to:

• industrial and commercial premises

• large-scale residential premises under construction in non-residential zones, as defined in regulation 9 of the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008.

Other than for some large-scale residential premises, this guideline does not apply to noise from construction of private residential dwelling(s). These are subject to the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008.

The purpose of this guideline is to protect nearby residential premises from unreasonable noise. Commercial and other premises affected by noise should be considered and reasonable measures implemented to reduce impact on these premises.

Community consultation and work scheduling Community consultation is essential for large-scale projects or high-impact works. Where the community will be significantly impacted, consult on the benefits and drawbacks of different scheduling, planning and remediation options.


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The following requirements apply to large projects with nearby sensitive uses:

• Inform potentially noise-affected neighbours about the nature of construction stages and noise reduction measures.

• Give notice as early as possible for periods of noisier works such as excavation. Describe the activities and how long they are expected to take. Keep affected neighbours informed of progress.

• Appoint a principal contact person for community queries.

• Provide 24-hour contact details through letters and site signage. Record complaints and follow a complaint response procedure suitable to the scale of works.

• Within normal working hours, where it is reasonable to do so:

schedule noisy activities for less sensitive times, (for example, delay a rock-breaking task to the later morning or afternoon)

provide periods of respite from noisier works (for example, periodic breaks from jackhammer noise).

• The weekend/evening work hours in the schedule (including Saturday afternoon or Sunday) are more sensitive times and have noise requirements consistent with quieter work.

• The weekend/evening periods are important for community rest and recreation and provide respite when noisy work has been conducted throughout the week. Accordingly, work should not usually be scheduled during these times.

Work requirements

Noise reduction measures should be developed through initial project planning, tenders for equipment and subcontracts. Larger projects should develop a noise management plan (potentially part of a broader environmental management plan) and may require advice from an acoustic specialist, particularly if works are proposed outside of normal working hours.

The following measures apply:

• Where work is conducted in a residential area or other noise-sensitive location, use the lowest-noise work practices and equipment that meet the requirements of the job.

• Site buildings, access roads and plant should be positioned such that the minimum disturbance occurs to the locality. Barriers such as hoardings or temporary enclosures should be used. The site should be planned to minimise the need for reversing of vehicles.

• All mechanical plant is to be silenced by the best practical means using current technology. Mechanical plant, including noise-suppression devices, should be maintained to the

manufacturer’s specifications. Internal combustion engines are to be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair.

• Fit all pneumatic tools operated near a residential area with an effective silencer on their air exhaust port.

• Install less noisy movement/reversing warning systems for equipment and vehicles that will operate for extended periods, during sensitive times or in close proximity to sensitive sites. Occupational health and safety requirements for use of warning systems must be followed.

• Turn off plant when not being used.

• All vehicular movements to and from the site to only occur during the scheduled normal working hours, unless approval has been granted by the relevant authority.

• Where possible, no truck associated with the work should be left standing with its engine operating in a street adjacent to a residential area.

• Special assessment of vibration risks may be needed, such as for pile-driving or works structurally connected to sensitive premises.

• Noise from the site needs to comply with the requirements of the schedule, except for:

unavoidable works

night period low-noise or managed-impact works approved by the local authority.

Unavoidable works are works that cannot practicably meet the schedule requirements because the work involves continuous work — such as a concrete pour — or would otherwise pose an unacceptable risk to life or property, or risk a major traffic hazard. Affected premises should be notified of the intended work, its duration and times of occurrence. The relevant authority must be contacted and any necessary approvals sought.

Low-noise or managed-impact works are works approved by the local authority:

• that are inherently quiet or unobtrusive (for example, manual painting, internal fit-outs, cabling)

or

• where the noise impacts are mitigated (for example, no impulsive noise and average noise levels over any half hour do not exceed the background) through actions specified in a noise management plan supported by expert acoustic assessment.

Low-noise or managed-impact works do not feature intrusive characteristics such as impulsive noise or tonal movement alarms.


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Schedule: Construction and demolition site noise

Normal working hours

Noise to follow the requirements above during the hours of:

7 am — 6 pm Monday to Friday

7 am — 1 pm Saturdays

Weekend/evening work hours

Noise level at any residential premises not to exceed background noise by:

10 dB(A) or more for up to 18 months after project commencement

5 dB(A) or more after 18 months

during the hours of:

6—10 pm Monday to Friday

1—10 pm Saturdays

7 am — 10 pm Sundays and public holidays

Night period

Noise inaudible within a habitable room of any residential premises during the hours of:

10 pm — 7 am Monday to Sunday

Note: Noise from construction of large-scale residential premises in non-residential zones (see regulation 9 of the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008) is subject to the unreasonable noise provisions of s48A(3) of the EP Act at all times of day. In all circumstances, the assessment may have regard to this noise control guideline.

This guideline affirms the minimum expectation that noise from these sites must not be audible within a habitable room of any residential premises between 10 pm and 7 am. This is considered unreasonable noise under the EP Act. However, provision is made for circumstances of unavoidable works or low-noise or managed-impact works.

This guideline does not limit the general ability of a local government or police officer to assess the unreasonableness of noise at any time. For example, if unavoidable works were done in an unnecessarily noisy way, this may be considered to be unreasonable. General noise at any time during the day might still be considered unreasonable, taking into account the work practices and circumstances of the noise. As specified in s48A(4) of the EP Act, assessment must consider the attributes of the noise and the time, place and circumstances in which it is emitted.

3 ROAD REPAIR AND TRACK MAINTENANCE

The following guidelines have been designed to limit the amount of noise impinging solely on residential premises. To this end, affected premises such as offices may be considered exempt from the schedule.

• All pneumatic tools operated in a residential area should be fitted with an effective silencer on their exhaust port.

• The unit with the lowest noise reading which meets the requirements of the job should be used where work is conducted in a residential area or other noise-sensitive location.

• All mechanical plant must be silenced by the best practical means using current technology. Mechanical plant, including noise-suppression devices, should be maintained to the manufacturer’s specifications. Internal combustion engines are to be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair.

• Unless involved in emergency repair or for safety reasons, all work should be conducted during the hours specified in the schedule.

• If routine work is planned outside the hours specified by the schedule, all affected premises in the residential area must be notified of the intended work, its duration and times of occurrence.

• Work that creates the most noise should be scheduled to minimise the impact on residential premises.

Schedule: Road repair and track maintenance

7 am — 6 pm Monday to Saturday

9 am — 6 pm Sunday and Public Holidays

4 DOG KENNELS The problems caused by the perpetual barking of dogs has been known to exist at distances as far as 500 metres from the actual source. The following criteria for dog kennels have therefore been assembled to limit both the physical stimuli to the dogs and the outbreak of noise from the kennels.

• The kennels should be located at least 500 metres from residential areas.

• Some fully enclosed or acoustically baffled kennels should be available to house particularly noisy animals, at a ratio of 1:15.

• Electronic masking noise devices should be provided to reduce audible stimuli to the dogs.

• Kennels should be constructed to visually screen stimuli such as other dogs, animals, traffic or passers-by.

• Access to kennels should be restricted solely to staff.


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• Feeding of the dogs should be restricted to the daytime hours of 7 am — 6 pm.

• Exercise of the dogs may only be performed between the hours of 9 am and 5 pm.

• A responsible person must be available on site 24 hours per day.

• Kennels should be constructed of such a material so as to provide an appropriate reduction in the emission of noise. Materials such as masonry and cement sheeting would provide a suitable structural basis.

• The kennels should be positioned so as to utilise the ability of the topography to reduce noise.

Note: Noise originating from dog kennels may be assessed using State Environment Protection Policy (Control of noise from commerce, industry and trade) No. N-1.

5 DOMESTIC REFUSE COLLECTION The main annoyance produced by domestic refuse collections occurs in the early morning (in other words, before 7 am). Therefore, if possible, routes should be selected to provide the least impact on residential areas during that time.

Collection of refuse should follow the following criteria:

• Collections occurring once a week should be restricted to the hours 6 am — 6 pm Monday to Saturday

• Collections occurring more than once a week should be restricted to the hours 7 am — 6 pm Monday to Saturday

• Compaction should only be carried out while on the move.

• Bottles should not be broken up at the point of collection.

• Routes that service entirely residential areas should be altered regularly to reduce early-morning disturbance.

• Noisy verbal communication between operators should be avoided where possible.

6 INDUSTRIAL WASTE COLLECTION Annoyance created by industrial waste collection tends to intensify in the early-morning period. To this end, early-morning collections should be restricted to non-residential areas to minimise early morning disturbances. Where a residential area is impacted by noise from the collection of refuse, then collections should be restricted to the times contained within the schedule.

• Refuse bins should be located at sites that provide minimal annoyance to residential premises.

• Compaction should be carried out while the vehicle is moving.

• Bottles should not be broken up at collection site.

• Routes which service predominantly residential areas should be altered regularly to reduce early morning disturbances.

• Noisy verbal communication between operators should be avoided where possible.

Schedule: Industrial waste collection

One collection per week

6:30 am — 8 pm Monday to Saturday

9 am — 8 pm Sunday and public holidays

Two or more collections per week


9 am — 8 pm Sunday and public holidays

7 MOBILE VENDORS The owner or person in charge of a vehicle should not use or operate in any public place a noise or loudspeaker device for the purpose of informing members of the public that articles are on sale from that vehicle, or to promote a related business activity:

• while the vehicle is stationary

• before 9 am or after 9 pm on any day

• for longer than 30 seconds in any period of three minutes

or

• more than once in any period of one hour in a section of a road between two intersecting crossroads which are nearest in each direction.

8 TRUCK-MOUNTED REFRIGERATION UNITS

Whether parked on residential or non-residential premises, the noise from the operation of a truck-mounted refrigeration unit must not be audible within a habitable room of any other residence (regardless of whether any door or window giving access to the room is open) during the hours contained in the schedule.

Schedule: Truck-mounted refrigeration units

Non-residential premises (e.g., noise from a delivery truck, whether moving or parked on the street)

10 pm — 7 am Monday to Saturday

10 pm — 9 am Sundays and public holidays

Residential premises (including a truck owner keeping their vehicle on the street outside their home)

8 pm — 7 am Monday to Friday

8 pm — 9 am weekends and public holidays

Note: Section 48(A) of the Environment Protection Act 1970 deals with the emission of unreasonable noise from residential premises. This provision of the Act is


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not limited to the schedule and may be enforced at any time.

9 DELIVERIES TO SHOPS, SUPERMARKETS AND SERVICE STATIONS

Where a residential area will be impacted by noise from deliveries, then deliveries should be inaudible in a habitable room of any residential premises (regardless of whether any door or window giving access to the room is open) outside the hours contained in the schedule.

Schedule: Deliveries to shops, supermarkets & service stations


9 am — 10 pm Sundays and public holidays

Note: All ancillary motors or trucks should be turned off whilst making the delivery.

10 NOISE FROM SHOPS Where amplified speech or music from shops (spruiking) is to be controlled, the following conditions may be specified.

Each loudspeaker or loudspeaker system to be placed in such a position that, while it is in use, it remains:

• located entirely inside the shop

• situated not less than three metres from any public entrance to the shop

• directed in such a manner that the device does not point towards any wall which contains an external window or entrance to the shop unless the wall is more than 15 metres from the device itself

• operating at a level that does not exceed 65 dB(LAeq) two metres from the facade.

11 GARDENING ON NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY

This guideline is intended to limit the amount of noise created by lopping or removal of trees, cutting of grass and so forth.

All internal combustion engines must be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair.

Work carried out in proximity to a residential area should be restricted to the hours:


9 am — 6 pm Sundays and public holidays, unless involved in emergency work.

12 SCAREGUNS

Background

Scareguns are devices for producing a loud explosive sound for the purpose of scaring away birds from crops and orchards. Scare guns, also known as gas guns or scatter guns, produce an explosive noise by the ignition of a charge of gas and air. Some scare guns rotate after firing so that the next blast is emitted in a different direction, which is intended to increase the surprise effect on birds.

Scareguns, when used as the sole bird deterrent, are likely to become significantly less effective after a few days. This is due to the birds becoming accustomed to the noise. For scareguns to remain effective it is necessary to vary and enforce the frightening effect. Methods which do this include the relocating of the scare gun every day or so and the use of ‘birdfright’ explosive cartridges.

The rate of firing the scaregun must be carefully considered. If the firing rate is set too high, the birds will very quickly become accustomed to the noise. However, if set too low, the birds will return from cover after being frightened away and will have time to feed.

For the guns to be most effective they should be used when the birds are most actively feeding. This will normally be in the early morning and late afternoon; but this could be dependent on the species. Most scareguns can be fitted with a timer that enables them to be automatically turned on and off.

Scareguns are not the only method of bird control available. Where scareguns cannot be used, other bird controls should be considered by the producer. These include:

• kites, shaped like birds of prey

• chemical sprays that are unpalatable to some species of small birds

• plastic strips that hum in the wind

• nets and plastic mesh

• noise generators such as ‘Av-alarm’, ‘Pestaway Agricultural Noise Generator’ or a ‘white noise’ generator. (The first two produce a high level of noise which may cause annoyance to residents if living nearby. The last-mentioned device produces a cicada-like sound and has been found to be particularly effective with silvereyes).

Discussion

Birds that attack fruit and crops can cause significant losses to a producer. A scaregun, if used correctly, does offer some protection against this problem. However, the noise that frightens the birds can also cause significant annoyance to neighbours living in the area. As a consequence, when scareguns are used, there needs to be a balance set between the


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producer’s needs and the rights of residents. This guideline attempts to set this balance and should be seen as a reasonable compromise for both parties.

Guidelines for the control of noise from scareguns

• A scaregun must not be used if the distance between the scaregun and any complainant's house is less than 300 m (See Note 2).

• The scaregun must not emit more than 70 blasts/day.

• The scaregun must not be used earlier than 7 am or later than sunset. Earlier starting times will be allowed if this is agreed to by the complainants.

• The total time of operation of a scaregun must not exceed 12 hours in any one day. However, the time of operation may be divided into two separate periods, provided the interval between blasts is not less than six minutes.

• The scaregun must be located as far away as possible from any complainant’s house.

• Wherever possible, the shielding effects of natural features, buildings and so on shall be used to reduce the level of the blasts at complainants’ houses.

• Wherever possible, the use of the scaregun shall be minimised.

Notes:

1. These guidelines are based on an average maximum level of 100 dB LIN Peak of the loudest 20 per cent of blasts measured at the complainant’s home when the weather favours noise propagation. The dB LIN Peak is measured with the sound level meter set to linear (‘Z’) frequency-weighting and peak (‘P’) time weighting.

2. Where the level of the blast from a scaregun can be adjusted, then the distance between the scaregun and any complainant’s house may be less than 300 m. In this case the adjusting mechanism must be permanently fixed such that the average maximum level of the blasts at the house does not exceed 100 dB LIN Peak.

3. Weather conditions affect the propagation of noise. Received levels are loudest when the wind blows from the source to the receiver. Temperature inversions, which often occur in the early mornings after a clear night, also increase noise propagation.

13 PUBLIC ADDRESS SYSTEMS Public address systems are commonly used in conjunction with outdoor entertainment and sporting activities and can cause annoyance if used inappropriately. For the purpose of this guideline public address systems may be divided into two categories: low-power units needed for control of persons engaged in the activities or events; and high-

power units used for making public commentaries and announcements.

Objectives

In all cases, the environmental objective should be noise intrusion of not more than 5 dB(A) above background at any affected residences or other noise-sensitive locations. Corrections for tonal or impulsive noise usually are not necessary, and further tolerance of up to 5 dB(A) may be allowed for unique or very infrequent activities with recognised social merit. Amplifier level settings must be minimised whilst ensuring conveyance of information to audience or participants is adequate.

Restrictions on the times of use of public address systems should be considered. Noise from PA systems must not be audible inside a residential dwelling during normal sleeping hours.

Low-power systems for event control

These are usually small systems such as are used for controlling competitors in events like BMX bike races and go-kart races. Where such systems may cause noise annoyance, the following criteria should be applied:

• The public address system must only be used to control the event, not for giving commentaries, advertising or playing music.

• Speakers may only be installed in the essential control areas, such as marshalling sites.

• Speakers should be small, low-power horn units no more than 20 cm across the horn opening and operated by an amplifier of no more than 30 watts.

• Horn units are to incline downwards at an angle of approximately 45°, point in the appropriate direction and be mounted on poles approximately three metres tall, in such a way that the speaker is held firmly and cannot be rotated.

• A sound level limiting circuit should be incorporated in the amplifier to control the signal amplitude to a fixed level, regardless of the loudness of the operator’s voice.

• Once the control knobs have been set to the correct positions, they should be removed and the potentiometer spindles covered with a fixed metal channel attached to the front panel of the amplifier.

• The spare microphone inputs should be covered with metal plates securely fitted to the rear or front panel of the amplifier, as the case may be.

High-power systems for commentaries and announcements

These are usually much larger systems used, for example, to give a running commentary during a


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sporting event or race meeting, to keep spectators entertained or for carnival-type advertising.

• Most of the criteria for lower power systems are applicable.

• Rather than use high-powered speakers placed in a few locations, it is preferable to place more low-powered speakers to cover the entire perimeter of the grounds, each pointing downward and inward towards the ground where the event is taking place.

Note:

1. Consideration should be given to substitution of sound systems by visual displays such as electronic scoreboards and video screens for large operations.

2. PA systems used for paging staff and patrons in business and catering operations may also be replaced where they adversely affect residences. In business, two-way radios or pocket beepers may be used. In hotels, meal ticket numbers may be presented on digital display boards instead of being announced.

14 MINI-MOTORCYCLE CIRCUITS

Introduction

This guideline is intended to limit the amount of noise created by mini-motorcycles at a circuit controlled by a non-profit organisation within the Melbourne metropolitan area.

Definitions

Circuit means the entire area controlled by the club and includes, but is not restricted to, the track area, pits area, warm-up area and car park area.

Mini-motorcycle means any two-wheeled vehicle, powered by an internal combustion engine, that cannot be registered for road use.

Public holiday means public holiday as published in the Victoria Government Gazette from time to time.

Standard exhaust system means either the complete exhaust system fitted to the mini-motorcycle at the time of manufacture or a complete system specified and distributed by the manufacturer of the mini-motorcycle as a suitable replacement.

Noise guidelines

Only mini-motorcycles having an engine capacity of 100 cc or less should be permitted on the track, pits or warm-up areas and the engine of any mini-motorcycle may only be operated when the cycle is in one of these areas or being ridden between these areas.

All mini-motorcycles ridden on the track, pits or warm-up areas must have fitted a standard exhaust system or equivalent system capable of reducing the noise

emissions to a level of 96 dB(A) or less when tested in accordance with the motor cycle provisions of the Environment Protection (Vehicle Emissions) Regulations 2003 made under the Environment Protection Act 1970.

No more than 15 mini-motorcycles are to be ridden on the track area at any one time, either during practice sessions or races of any kind.

The engines of mini-motorcycles located at the starting line prior to the start of any race are not to be operated for longer than two minutes.

No more than two mini-motorcycles are to be operated on the warm-up area at any one time.

The engines of mini-motorcycles located in the pits area should not be operated for excessive periods of time.

Public address systems: Section 13 of these guidelines cover the installation and use of these systems.

A sign or signs must be erected and maintained by the club, indicating that the circuit is only to be used by club members. The erection of a sign may need to comply with the requirements of the relevant planning scheme.

Regular club activities should be restricted to Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, and the hours during which the engine of a mini-motorcycle can be operated on the circuit must fall within the interval 9 am to 6 pm on any Saturday and 10 am and 6 pm on any Sunday or public holiday. On each day that mini-motorcycles are ridden on a circuit there must be a continuous period of at least 45 minutes between 12 noon and 2 pm when the engine of any mini-motorcycle is not to be operated.

In any period of four consecutive weeks there should be at least one entire weekend during which no mini-motorcycles are to be operated on the circuit.

For each new circuit, the distance between any zone in which the use of mini-motorcycles is prohibited under the relevant planning scheme and the nearest part of the track area, pits area or warm-up area should not be less than 350 metres. In addition, consideration must be given to the following:

• other lawful uses in the same zone or reservation that are likely to be sensitive to noise, or whether any permits have been issued for such uses.

• any proposed rezoning or reservation of the area.

15 AIRCRAFT The impact of aircraft noise is generally of major concern only in the vicinity of airports. In these situations levels of noise exposure can be mapped using either the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) system or the maximum noise levels from aircraft where an ANEF is not available.


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The Commonwealth regulations for aircraft noise are the Air Navigation (Aircraft Noise) Regulations 1984. Complaints about noise from aircraft in flight should be directed to Airservices Australia, a Commonwealth government agency.

Table 15.1: Building site acceptability near airports

ANEF zone of site Building type

Acceptable Conditionally acceptable Unacceptable

House, home unit, flat, caravan park Less than 20 ANEF(Note 1) 20 to 25 ANEF(Note 2) Greater than 25 ANEF

Hotel, motel, hostel Less than 25 ANEF 25 to 30 ANEF Greater than 30 ANEF

School, university Less than 20 ANEF(Note 1) 20 to 25 ANEF(Note 2) Greater than 25 ANEF

Hospital, nursing home Less than 20 ANEF(Note 1) 20 to 25 ANEF Greater than 25 ANEF

Public building Less than 20 ANEF(Note 1) 20 to 30 ANEF Greater than 30 ANEF

Commercial building Less than 25 ANEF 25 to 35 ANEF Greater than 35 ANEF

Light industrial Less than 30 ANEF 30 to 40 ANEF Greater than 40 ANEF

Other industrial Acceptable in all ANEF zones

Notes:

1 The actual location of the 20 ANEF contour is difficult to define accurately, mainly because of variation in aircraft flight paths. Because of this, AS 2021–2000 Acoustics — Aircraft Noise Intrusion — Building Siting and Construction specifies additional procedures for building sites outside but near to the 20 ANEF contour.

2 Within 20 ANEF to 25 ANEF, some people may find that the land is not compatible with residential or educational uses. Land-use authorities may consider that the incorporation of noise control features in the construction of residences or schools is appropriate (see also Figure A1 of Appendix A of AS 2021–2000 Acoustics — Aircraft Noise Intrusion — Building Siting and Construction).

3 There will be cases where a building of a particular type will contain spaces used for activities that would generally be found in a different type of building (for example, an office in an industrial building). In these cases this table should be used to determine site acceptability, but internal design noise levels within the specific spaces should be determined by Table 3.3 of AS 2021–2000 Acoustics — Aircraft Noise Intrusion — Building Siting and Construction.

Table 15.2: Building site acceptability based on maximum noise levels without ANEF charts

Aircraft noise level expected at building site, dB(A)

20 or fewer flights per day More than 20 flights per day Building site

Acceptable Conditionally acceptable

Unacceptable Acceptable Conditionally acceptable

Unacceptable

House, home unit, flat, caravan park

<80 80 to 90 >90 <75 75 to 85 >85

Hotel, motel, hostel <85 85 to 95 >95 <80 80 to 90 >90

School, university <80 80 to 90 >90 <75 75 to 85 >85

Hospital, nursing homes <80 80 to 90 >90 <75 75 to 85 >85

Public building <85 85 to 95 >95 <80 80 to 90 >90

Commercial building <90 90 to 100 >100 <80 80 to 90 >90

Light industrial <95 95 to 105 >105 <90 90 to 100 >100

Heavy industrial No limit

NOTE: The forecast daily average number of aircraft flights affecting the site should be obtained from the aerodrome owner. However, each night-time flight between 7 pm and 7 am is to count as four operations.

Reference: AS 2021–2000 Acoustics — Aircraft Noise Intrusion — Building Siting and Construction.


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16 HELICOPTERS

Noise level criteria

The criteria comprise three separate components, each of which should be satisfied at the nearest affected buildings:

• The measured LAeq,T(measured over the entire daily operating time of the helipad) shall not exceed 55 dB(A) for a residence.

• The measured maximum noise level LA max shall not exceed 82 dB(A) at the nearest residential premises (See Note below).

• Operation outside the hours between 7 am and 10 pm shall not be permitted except for emergency flights.

Note: These levels will generally be met by a separation between the landing site and the residential premises of 150 m for helicopters of less than two tonnes all-up-weight, and 250 m for helicopters of less than 15 tonnes all-up-weight.

17 NOISE ASSESSMENT TECHNIQUE When measurement of noise emissions is deemed necessary in the application of these guidelines then they should be performed in accordance with Australian Standard 1055.1—1997, Acoustics — Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise. Part 1: General Procedures.

Alternatively, a simple procedure that can be used for measuring environmental noise is described below.

Measurement equipment

The equipment used should conform to the specifications for sound level meters of Class 1 or Class 2 as contained in Australian Standard AS IEC 61672.1-2004, Electroacoustics — Sound level meters.

Laboratory calibration and maintenance

The sound level meter and portable sound level calibrator must be calibrated at least every two years by a calibration laboratory, as specified in AS 1055.1—1997.

Field calibration checks

The performance of the sound level meter when in use shall be checked periodically with a portable sound level calibrator, pistonphone or other portable checking device appropriate to the sound level meter, and immediately before and after measurements are made.

For extended measurement periods, these checks should be performed before and after each measurement sequence.

If the instrumentation system registers a calibration discrepancy equal to or greater than ±1 dB between consecutive checks, any measurements in the interval between the two checks shall be considered invalid.

Measurement procedure

Measurement location

Having regard to any measurement location specified for a category of noise, the microphone will be located at a point where the highest sound pressure level of the noise under investigation will be obtained.

The measurement should be taken outdoors. The microphone of the sound level meter should be located between a height of 1.2 and 1.5 metres above the ground.

The measurement point should be no less than 3.5 metres from any reflective surface, such as walls or buildings, other than the ground.

The surface on which a noise source (such as an air conditioner) is located and the property boundary from where the noise is emitted are not considered as reflective surfaces.

Where it is not possible to locate the measurement point 3.5 metres from reflective structures, such as outdoor measurements near buildings, the preferred measurement positions are one metre from the facade and 1.2 to 1.5 metres above each floor level of interest.

Where the sound is directly incident on that facade, an adjustment of –2.5 dB should be made to the measured sound pressure level. ‘Directly incident’ means where the sound under observation is emitted from a location approximately opposite to the point on that facade nearest to where the measurement is being made.

Where measurement is made inside a habitable room of the noise-affected residential premises and a window or door is the major transmission path for the noise, it shall be fully open during the measurement.

Measurement settings

Equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) for noise under assessment

The sound level meter must be set on A-frequency-weighting and equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) integrating function. The level should be determined over a sufficiently long time to be representative of the noise and will be measured for not less than five minutes. The level must not include extraneous noise that could affect the level of the noise being assessed — extraneous noise must be excluded using the pause function of the meter.


11

Alternative to Leq

For meters without an Leq function, the average instantaneous A-weighted sound pressure level (LPA) can be used as an equivalent, by taking the average of the levels measured during the time interval considered (for example, noting no less than 40 needle readings on the meter over the period of measurement and taking the arithmetic average of these levels). This method of assessment is only suited to steady noise sources that do not vary by more than 8 dBA.

Method of background measurement

90 per cent exceedance sound pressure level (L90) for background measurement

The sound level meter shall be located at the measurement point used to determine the equivalent continuous sound pressure level (Leq) of the noise under assessment.

The meter must be set on A-weighting, fast response and L90 statistical weighting function. The level must be determined over a sufficiently long time to be representative of the background at the time of noise impact and will be measured for not less than five minutes. The intrusive noise under assessment and non-typical local noises (such as local construction noise or street cleaning) must be excluded.

Alternative to L90

For meters without a statistical weighting function, the background A-weighted sound pressure level (LAbg) shall be determined by taking the average of the lowest levels measured using the F (fast) time weighting, at the time of noise impact. The intrusive noise under assessment and non-typical local noises must be excluded.

Adjustments

Adjustments may have to be made to the measured sound pressure level in some cases. The adjusted sound pressure level is the measured sound pressure level adjusted for tonal (for example, humming or whining) and impulsive (for example, hammering) characteristics of the noise. The presence of tonal or impulsive characteristics creates additional annoyance.

Assessment of tonality should consider both high-frequency and low-frequency tones. If a tone is present in the noise being measured, the adjustment shall be +2 dB for a tone just detectable by the observer and +5 dB for a tonal component prominently audible.

If impulsiveness is a significant characteristic of the noise being measured, the adjustment shall be +2 dB for an impulsiveness just detectable by the observer and +5 dB if it is readily detectable.

Non-standard circumstances

The above measurement procedure may not be appropriate for some noise circumstances, e.g. fixed domestic plant generating intrusive low frequency noise, increased low frequency noise within the affected premises, or structurally transmitted noise.

In such cases a subjective judgement of impact may be needed, taking into account the place of effect (e.g. while lying in bed) and nature of the noise impact.

18. OTHER NOISE GUIDELINES AND USEFUL REFERENCES

A number of these publications are available from EPA’s Information Centre, ground floor, 40 City Road, Southbank, Victoria 3006 (phone 03 9695 2722), or from www.epa.vic.gov.au/noise.

1. Interim guidelines for control of noise from industry in country Victoria. EPA publication N3/89.

2. Interim gunshot noise guidelines. EPA publication N6/91.

3. Using the interim gunshot noise guidelines. EPA publication 920

4. State Environment Protection Policy (Control of noise from commerce, industry and trade). No. N-1. Victorian Government Gazette No. S31, 15 June 1989.

5. Explanatory notes: State Environment Protection Policy (Control of noise from commerce, industry and trade) No. N-1. EPA Publication N4/91.

6. State Environment Protection Policy (Control of music noise from public premises) No. N-2. Victorian Government Gazette No. S43, 3 August 1989.

7. Explanatory notes: State Environment Protection Policy (Control of music noise from public premises) No.N-2.

8. A guide to the measurement and analysis of noise. EPA publication 280.

9. Annoyed by noise? EPA publication 406.

10. Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 2008.

Note: Regulations can be obtained from Information Victoria, 505 Little Collins St, Melbourne, Victoria 3000 (phone 1300 366 356).

Noise complaints from major industry and commerce can be made to EPA’s Pollution Watch Line, phone 03 9695 2777.

http://www.epa.vic.gov.au/noise

Construction Noise Strategy 7TP-ST-157/2.0 Standard - Applicable to: Transport Projects

Quality Management System Status: Approved

Division: Transport Projects

Version: 2.0

Date of issue: 1 April 2012

Effective date: 1 April 2012

Review date: 1 April 2013

Document owner: Technical Director Planning and Environment Services

Security classification: Open Access

© TfNSW 2012

Construction Noise Strategy

7TP-ST-157/2.0

Table of Contents 1. Purpose and scope ..................................................................................................3 2. Definitions.................................................................................................................3 3. Accountabilities........................................................................................................3 4. Introduction ..............................................................................................................4

4.1. Distribution and Use .....................................................................................4 5. Assessing the Impacts of Construction Noise and Vibration ..............................5 6. Standard Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements ............................6

6.1. Standard Mitigation Measures......................................................................7 6.2. Noise and Vibration Auditing ........................................................................9 6.3. Ground Vibration – Safe Working Distances for Intensive Activities ..........12 6.4. Occupational Health and Safety Considerations ........................................13

7. Construction Hours................................................................................................13 8. Mitigation Exceedance of Construction Noise and vibration Objectives .........17

8.1. Approach ....................................................................................................17 8.2. Applying Additional Mitigation Measures....................................................17 8.3. Ground Bourne Vibration............................................................................19

9. Documentation .......................................................................................................20 10. Related Documents and References ....................................................................20 11. Superseded Documents ........................................................................................20 12. Document History ..................................................................................................20 APPENDIX A : Overview of CONSTRUCTION NOISE & VIBRATION OBJECTIVES........21 APPENDIX B: GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING NOISE & VIBRATION IMPACTS

(INCLUDING CNIS) .................................................................................................29 APPENDIX C: STANDARD AND ADDITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES........................33

1416544_8 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM © TfNSW 2012 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Page 2 of 34


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1. Purpose and scope The purpose of this document is to provide practical guidance on how to minimise, to the fullest extent practicable, the impacts on the community from airborne noise, ground-borne noise and vibration generated during the construction of Transport Projects’ projects through the application of all feasible and reasonable mitigation measures.

2. Definitions All terminology in this Standard is taken to mean the generally accepted or dictionary definition with the exception of the following terms which have a specifically defined meaning:

TfNSW Transport for New South Wales

TP Transport Projects

LAmax the “Maximum Noise Level” for an event, used in the assessment of potential sleep disturbance during night-time periods. The subscript “A” indicates that the noise levels are filtered to match normal human hearing characteristics (ie A-weighted).

LAeq(15 minute) the “Energy Average Noise Level” during construction activities, evaluated over a measurement period of 15 minutes. This is the main parameter used to assess the construction noise impacts

LA90 the “Background Noise Level” in the absence of construction activities. This parameter represents the average minimum noise level during the daytime, evening and night-time periods respectively. The LAeq(15 minute) construction noise objectives are based on an allowance margin above the LA90 background noise levels.

PPV “Peak Particle Velocity” evaluated at the building footings and used to assess the risk of damage to structures

Arms “Root mean squared weighted acceleration”, a vibration parameter used to assess human response to continuous or intermittent vibration

eVDV “Estimated Vibration Dose Value”, the overall vibration exposure assessed over the daytime or night-time period to assess human response to intermittent vibration

3. Accountabilities The Technical Director Planning and Environment Services is accountable for this Standard. Accountability includes authorising the document, monitoring its effectiveness and performing a formal document review.

Direct reports to the Deputy Director General (DDG) are accountable for ensuring the requirements of this document are implemented within their area of responsibility.

The direct reports to the Deputy Director General who are accountable for specific projects/programs are accountable for ensuring associated contractors comply with the requirements of this document.



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4. Introduction The construction noise and vibration emissions associated with TP’s projects can often cause disturbance to adjacent communities. For many infrastructure projects, construction works are required outside normal construction hours because work during daytime periods would be highly disruptive to commuter services and road traffic on major roads. The potential noise and vibration impacts can often be minimised by informing the community of the potential impacts, the time periods over which these will occur and the proposed mitigation measures that will be employed to minimise the impacts.

This standard has addressed the new assessment requirements documented in the NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline (July 2009). The main focus of the interim guideline is to minimise construction noise impacts, rather than focus only on achieving numeric noise levels, and recognises that some noise from construction sites is inevitable. The interim guideline encourages organisations involved with construction, maintenance or upgrading works (such as Transport Projects) to develop their own best-practice techniques for managing construction noise and vibration, and implementing feasible and reasonable mitigation measures. This Strategy is consistent with this recommendation.

In preparing this document, consideration has also been given to guidance contained in the Draft for Public Comment - Australian Standard AS 2436 - Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites.

The key elements of the Strategy involve:

• evaluating the construction noise and vibration impacts during the environmental impact assessment stage of a project to identify, in consultation with the community and other stakeholders, project specific construction noise and vibration objectives and possible mitigation measures for them

• implementing a standard suite of noise and vibration mitigation measures on all projects

• implementing additional mitigation measures when construction noise or vibration is predicted to exceed the project’s construction noise and vibration objectives

• verifying the validity of noise assessments undertaken during the environmental impact assessment stage prior to construction commencing to ensure that any changes to the project’s design, scope, construction method or the mitigation measures proposed in the environmental impact assessment are re-evaluated and any additional (or changes to the) mitigation measures are identified

• monitoring the implementation and effectiveness of the project’s noise and vibration mitigation measures via a three monthly audit cycle.

4.1. Distribution and Use The document may be used in the development of, or referred to in:

• environmental impact assessment documents

• design and construction environmental management documents

• contract documents

• approvals and licences (subject to the agreement of the relevant regulatory authority).



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This document does not take precedence over approval or licence conditions and will be reviewed as required in response to the release of relevant guidelines, standards and policies dealing with construction noise.

5. Assessing the Impacts of Construction Noise and Vibration

As part of the environmental impact assessment process, the impacts on nearby receivers of airborne noise, ground-borne noise and ground-borne vibration generated during the construction of a project are evaluated. This assessment shall be undertaken by an acoustic consultant and shall form part of the environmental impact assessment documentation (eg. Review of Environmental Factors) that is considered by the approval authorities. The noise and vibration construction assessment:

• is based on an initial design, scope and construction methodology for the project

• identifies sensitive receivers, the existing background noise levels and, in accordance with the Office of Heritage and Environment (OH&E) guidelines (see Appendix A), the construction noise and vibration objectives

• identifies the feasible and reasonable noise and vibration mitigation measures (including any project specific measures1) that are needed to meet or mitigate any predicted exceedences of the construction noise and vibration objectives at the nearest receivers.

In most cases, a noise and vibration assessment is included in the documentation placed on public display. Comments received from the community and other stakeholders on the proposed mitigation measures for the project are considered and, if necessary, changes may be made to the measures proposed, or additional measures included, prior to the project being approved or licensed. Appendix A describes in detail the construction noise and vibration assessment process.

The construction noise and vibration objectives for the project and any accompanying mitigation measures in the environmental impact assessment documentation are based on an initial design and construction methodology. Typically, as the design of a project is further developed following its approval, the construction methodology and staging is also altered.

To ensure the adequacy of the noise and vibration mitigation measures for the actual design and construction method, a Construction Noise and Vibration Impact Statement (CNIS) must be prepared (for each major construction stage or key activity), prior to the preparation of the Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan (CNVMP) for that stage/activity. This process is outlined in Figure 1. The CNIS must be prepared in accordance with the requirements of Appendix A. The CNIS should be used as the basis on which to develop the CNVMP2 for the project. A separate CNIS must be prepared for each major stage of works or activity and the CNVMP revised as required.

1 For example: physical structures such as construction noise barriers, acoustic sheds, dwelling treatment, acoustic barriers around noisy plant, operational noise barriers erected early etc or special construction methods such as penetrating cone fracture or controlled blasting in place of conventional rock breaking, etc. 2 NB: Any changes to the project must be consistent with the environmental assessment documentation and project approval and cannot cause significant additional impacts on the environment or community.



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Figure 1: Construction noise and vibration assessment review procedure

6. Standard Mitigation Measures and Monitoring Requirements

This section sets out the standard construction noise and vibration mitigation measures to be implemented on all TP’s projects and delivered via relevant procedures, systems, environmental impact assessment, construction environmental management and all relevant contract documentation.

For all TP’s construction projects, the standard mitigation measures in Table 1 shall be applied in order to minimise the potential noise and vibration impacts at the nearest



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receptors. Additional information in relation to specific mitigation measures, the assessment process and relevant objectives are provided in the Appendices.

During the preparation of the environmental impact assessment documentation, a construction noise and vibration assessment is to be undertaken. This includes monitoring requirements in order to validate the modelling assumptions and confirm that noise and vibration levels from individual plant and equipment items are not excessive. This section provides guidance in relation to standard monitoring and survey requirements that are expected for construction projects.

Additional information is also provided in this section in relation to satisfactory operating distances to ensure that vibration levels are not excessive at nearby buildings in relation to cosmetic damage and human comfort.

6.1. Standard Mitigation Measures The actions set out in the tables below must be implemented on all TP’s construction projects.

Table 1: Standard mitigation measures to reduce construction noise and vibration

Action required Applies to Details

Management Measures

Implementation of any project specific mitigation measures required.

Airborne noise Ground-borne noise & vibration

In addition to the measures set out in this table, any project specific mitigation measures identified in the environmental impact assessment documentation (eg REF, submissions or representations report) or approval or licence conditions must be implemented.

Implement community consultation measures (refer to Appendix C for further details of each measure).

Airborne noise. Ground-borne noise & vibration.

periodic notification (monthly letterbox drop or equivalent)3

website Project Infoline Construction Response Line email distribution list Community Based Forums (if required by approval conditions).

Site inductions. Airborne noise. Ground-borne noise & vibration.

All employees, contractors and subcontractors are to receive an environmental induction. The induction must at least include: all relevant project specific and standard noise and vibration mitigation measures relevant licence and approval conditions permissible hours of work any limitations on high noise generating activities location of nearest sensitive receivers construction employee parking areas designated loading/unloading areas and procedures site opening/closing times (including deliveries) environmental incident procedures.

3 Detailing all upcoming construction activities at least 14 days prior to commencement of relevant works



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Behavioural practices. Airborne noise. No swearing or unnecessary shouting or loud stereos/radios on site. No dropping of materials from height, throwing of metal items and slamming of doors.

Monitoring. Airborne noise. Ground-borne noise & vibration.

A noise monitoring program is to be carried out for the duration of the works in accordance with the Construction Noise and Vibration Management Plan and any approval and licence conditions.

Attended vibration measurements.

Ground-borne vibration.

Attended vibration measurements are required at the commencement of vibration generating activities to confirm that vibration levels are within the acceptable range to prevent cosmetic building damage.

Source Controls

Construction hours and scheduling.

Airborne noise. Ground-borne noise & vibration.

Where feasible and reasonable, construction should be carried out during the standard daytime working hours. Work generating high noise and/or vibration levels should be scheduled during less sensitive time periods.

Construction respite period.

Ground-borne noise & vibration. Airborne noise.

High noise and vibration generating activities4 may only be carried out in continuous blocks, not exceeding 3 hours each, with a minimum respite period of one hour between each block5. No more than four consecutive nights of high noise and/or vibration generating work may be undertaken over any seven day period, unless otherwise approved by the relevant authority.

Equipment selection. Airborne noise. Ground-borne noise & vibration.

Use quieter and less vibration emitting construction methods where feasible and reasonable. For example, when piling is required, bored piles rather than impact-driven piles will minimise noise and vibration impacts. Similarly, diaphragm wall construction techniques, in lieu of sheet piling, will have significant noise and vibration benefits.

Maximum noise levels. Airborne-noise. The noise levels of plant and equipment must have operating Sound Power or Sound Pressure Levels compliant with the criteria in Table 2.

Rental plant and equipment.

Airborne-noise. The noise levels of plant and equipment items are to be considered in rental decisions and in any case cannot be used on site unless compliant with the criteria in Table 2.

Use and siting of plant. Airborne-noise. Simultaneous operation of noisy plant within discernible range of a sensitive receiver is to be avoided. The offset distance between noisy plant and adjacent sensitive receivers is to be maximised.

4 Includes jack and rock hammering, sheet and pile driving, rock breaking and vibratory rolling.

5 “Continuous” includes any period during which there is less than a 60 minutes respite between ceasing and recommencing any of the work.



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Plant used intermittently to be throttled down or shut down. Noise-emitting plant to be directed away from sensitive receivers.

Plan worksites and activities to minimise noise and vibration.

Airborne noise. Ground-borne vibration.

Plan traffic flow, parking and loading/unloading areas to minimise reversing movements within the site.

Non-tonal reversing alarms.

Airborne noise. Non-tonal reversing beepers (or an equivalent mechanism) must be fitted and used on all construction vehicles and mobile plant regularly used on site and for any out of hours work.

Minimise disturbance arising from delivery of goods to construction sites.

Airborne noise. Loading and unloading of materials/deliveries is to occur as far as possible from sensitive receivers. Select site access points and roads as far as possible away from sensitive receivers. Dedicated loading/unloading areas to be shielded if close to sensitive receivers. Delivery vehicles to be fitted with straps rather than chains for unloading, wherever possible.

Path Controls

Shield stationary noise sources such as pumps, compressors, fans etc.

Airborne noise. Stationary noise sources should be enclosed or shielded whilst ensuring that the occupational health and safety of workers is maintained. Appendix F of AS 2436: 1981 lists materials suitable for shielding.

Shield sensitive receivers from noisy activities.

Airborne noise. Use structures to shield residential receivers from noise such as site shed placement; earth bunds; fencing; erection of operational stage noise barriers (where practicable) and consideration of site topography when situating plant.

6.2. Noise and Vibration Auditing The implementation of the noise and vibration mitigation measures, compliance with any applicable construction noise and vibration objectives, monitoring requirements and approval and licence conditions is to be audited at least every three months. This will involve the measurement of equipment noise levels (on site) and noise and vibration monitoring at the nearest sensitive receivers. A summary of the measurement requirements is provided below and in Appendix A.

The attended measurements will need to be carried out by an appropriately trained person in the measurement and assessment of construction noise and vibration, who is familiar with the requirements of the relevant standards and procedures.

Maximum levels for plant and equipment

All plant and equipment used for construction must have operating Sound Power or Sound Pressure Levels less than or equal to those in Table 2. For construction equipment not listed



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in Table 2, reference should be made to the typical noise levels in Australian Standard AS 2436-1981, British Standard BS 5228-1 or DEFRA noise database6 (2006).

The maximum noise levels in Table 2 can also be used as a guide in the prediction of LAeq(15minute) construction noise. In doing so, the predicted LAeq(15minute) noise levels will be dependent on several factors including, but not limited to the duration of the construction activities, the number of plant items and their location on site in relation to the nearest receivers.

Attended measurements are to be undertaken within a period of 14 days of equipment arriving on site to confirm that the operating noise levels of all plant items comply with the maximum levels in Table 2. The attended measurements are to be repeated on a three-monthly basis to ensure that noise from individual plant items are still within the acceptable noise range.

Noise and vibration monitoring in the community

Attended measurements are to be undertaken within a period of 14 days from the commencement of construction activities to confirm that the noise and vibration levels in the adjacent community are consistent with the predictions in the CNIS7, approval and/or licence conditions.

The attended measurements must be undertaken at the potentially most exposed receivers.

Noise measurements shall be undertaken consistent with the procedures documented in AS1055.1-1997 Acoustics - Description and Measurement of Environmental Noise - General Procedures. Vibration measurements shall be undertaken in accordance with the procedures documented in the OEH’s Assessing Vibration - a technical guideline (2006) and BS7385 Part 2-1993 Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings.

For projects with a duration of greater than three months, the attended measurements are to be repeated on a three-monthly basis as part of the audit cycle to ensure that noise and vibration levels in the adjacent community remain consistent with the predicted levels in the CNIS, approval and/or licence conditions. For projects with a duration of less than three months, or where out of hours works are required, the attended measurements must be undertaken at the time intervals described in the CNIS, out of hours assessment, approval and/or licence conditions.

6 DEFRA - Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (United Kingdom), Update of noise database for prediction of noise on construction and open sites - Phase 3: Noise measurement data for construction plant used on quarries, July 2006. 7 Or other relevant acoustic assessment



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Table 2: Maximum allowable noise levels for construction equipment

Maximum Allowable Noise Level (dBA) – LAmax1, 2 ,3Equipment

Sound Power Level Sound Pressure Level at 7 m

Excavator Hammer 122 97

Excavator (approx. 3 tonne) 90 65






Skidsteer Loaders (approx. 1/2 tonne) 107 82

Skidsteer Loaders (approx. 1 tonne) 110 85

Dozer (equiv. CAT D8) 118 93



Backhoe/FE Loader 111 86

Dump Truck (approx. 15 tonne) 108 83

Concrete Truck 112 87

Concrete Pump 109 84

Concrete Vibrator 105 80

Bored Piling Rig 110 85

Scraper 110 85

Grader 110 85

Vibratory Roller (approx. 10 tonne) 114 89

Vibratory Pile Driver 121 96

Impact Piling Rig 134 109

Compressor (approx. 600 CFM) 100 75

Compressor (approx. 1500 CFM) 105 80

Concrete Saw 118 93

Jackhammer 113 88

Generator 104 79

Lighting Tower 80 55

Flood Lights 90 65

Cherry Picker 102 77

Mobile Crane 110 85



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Notes:

The Sound Power Level (SWL) represents the total noise output of the plant of equipment. The SWL is normally used in computer noise models to predict the Sound Pressure Levels (SPLs) at nearby receivers. When undertaking site compliance measurements, it is normally the SPL that is measured at a specified distance (typically 7m) from the plant or equipment.

The SWLs presented in the above table have been compiled from a selection of field measurements conducted by Heggies Pty Ltd between 2004 and 2006 of plant and equipment operating on construction projects throughout NSW and are therefore considered to be representative of plant and equipment SWLs which are readily achieved by current plant and equipment normally used in the construction industry.

Plant and equipment with SWLs higher than those presented in the table would be deemed to be emitting an excessive level of noise and should not be permitted to operate on construction sites.

6.3. Ground Vibration – Safe Working Distances for Intensive Activities

As a guide, safe working distances for typical items of vibration intensive plant are listed in Table 3. The safe working distances are quoted for both “cosmetic” damage (refer BS 7385) and human comfort (refer OH&E’s Assessing Vibration - a technical guideline). The safe working distances for cosmetic damage must be complied with at all times, unless otherwise approved by the relevant authority.

Table 3: Recommended safe working distances for vibration intensive plant

Safe Working Distance Plant Item Rating/Description

Cosmetic Damage (BS

7385)

Human Response

(OH&E Vibration Guideline)

< 50 kN (Typically 1-2 tonnes) 5 m 15 m to 20 m

< 100 kN (Typically 2-4 tonnes) 6 m 20 m



> 300 kN (Typically 13-18 tonnes) 20 m 100 m

Vibratory Roller

> 300 kN (> 18 tonnes) 25 m 100 m

Small Hydraulic Hammer

(300 kg - 5 to 12t excavator) 2 m 7 m

Medium Hydraulic Hammer

(900 kg – 12 to 18t excavator) 7 m 23 m

Large Hydraulic Hammer

(1600 kg – 18 to 34t excavator) 22 m 73 m

Vibratory Pile Driver

Sheet piles 2 m to 20 m 20 m

Pile Boring ≤ 800 mm 2 m (nominal) N/A

Jackhammer Hand held 1 m (nominal) Avoid contact with structure

Note: More stringent conditions may apply to heritage or other sensitive structures

The safe working distances presented in Table 3 are indicative and will vary depending on the particular item of plant and local geotechnical conditions. They apply to cosmetic damage



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of typical buildings under typical geotechnical conditions. Vibration monitoring is recommended to confirm the safe working distances at specific sites.

For highly sensitive receivers (eg, high technology facilities, recording studios and cinemas), specific assessment is required to ensure satisfactory operation of the facility and determine if any mitigation or management measures are required to minimise the potential impacts.

In relation to human comfort (response), the safe working distances in Table 3 relate to continuous vibration. For most construction activities, vibration emissions are intermittent in nature and for this reason, higher vibration levels, occurring over shorter periods are allowed (see Appendix A). Where the predicted vibration levels exceed the human comfort objectives, the procedures in Section 5 are to be followed in order to mitigate the potential impacts at sensitive receivers.

6.4. Occupational Health and Safety Considerations In addition to potential noise and vibration impacts on the community and structures, construction noise and vibration can also have an adverse impact upon the health of workers.

The main adverse impacts of hazardous noise are permanent noise-induced hearing loss and interference with clearly hearing instructions and/or audible warning signals. Excessive vibration from hand-held power tools (such as jack hammers) and whole body vibration (from mobile plant) can lead to adverse impacts such as white-finger disease, damage to tendons and nerves, and lower back pain.

For the above reasons, it is important that contractors adopt noise management strategies to prevent or minimise worker exposure to excessive noise and vibration. Such measures will also assist in reducing noise and vibration impacts on the surrounding community.

The series of Standards, AS/NZS 1269 Parts 0 to 4, sets out procedures to assess, control, manage and review noise hazards, and Regulation 49 of the ‘OH&S Regulations 2001’ defines the applicable noise limits that are applicable in NSW.

The National Code of Practice for Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders from Performing Manual Tasks at Work (2007) contains guidance on assessing and controlling vibration risks.

7. Construction Hours The standard construction hours are set out in the approval and licence (if applicable) conditions for each project. The recommended standard hours of construction in NSW are:

• 0700 to 1800 Monday to Friday; 0800 to 1300 Saturday

• No work on Sundays and Public Holidays

Other hours may be worked if approved by the relevant authority.

For blasting, the recommended standard hours of construction in NSW are:

• 0900 to 1700 Monday to Friday; 0900 to 1300 Saturday

• No blasting on Sundays and Public Holidays


For rock hammering and breaking, sheet and driven piling and other impulsive/tonal noise generating activities, the typical standard hours of construction in NSW are:



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• 0800 to 1200 Monday to Saturday; 1400 to 1700 Monday to Friday

• No work on Sundays and Public Holidays


Confining construction activities (including the delivery of plant and equipment) to the hours above wherever feasible and reasonable helps reduce noise and vibration impacts by limiting potentially noisy construction activities to the day time, when background noise levels are higher, and by providing respite from construction noise during the evening, overnight and on weekends.

Where construction work has to be carried out in close proximity to an operational rail network - while simultaneously maintaining a safe working environment and minimising disruption to commuters - the need for work to be undertaken outside the standard hours often arises. In many cases, work that needs to be carried out safely in close proximity to the live rail network or station platforms can only be undertaken during periods of scheduled trackwork (ie track possessions) which are typically scheduled during periods of lower commuter use (ie overnight, weekends and holiday periods).

Additionally, where interfaces exist between TP’s projects and other transport (eg. road) and utility (eg. water, sewer, telecommunications) infrastructure, construction during the standard hours may not be possible due to the need to avoid unacceptable impacts on traffic or water, power or communications services.

For these reasons, it may be desirable (or unavoidable) for work to be scheduled outside the standard hours - subject to any approval or licence conditions. Box 1 below contains a sample of typical practices under which out of hours work may be permitted.

The procedure for assessing and approving/rejecting proposals for out of hours works is set out in Figure 2 {NB: out of hours work covered by a licence is subject to a separate application to the OH&E by the licence holder}. The key features of the procedure include:

• All applications for out of hours work must be made on the approved form8 and accompanied by the required information

• Out of hours work with low or medium risk factors (see Figure 2) may be approved by the Environmental Management Representative (EMR) for the project

• Applications for approval of out of hours work with medium or high risk factors (including those requiring the OH&E’s approval) must be supported by a CNIS or other acoustic assessment prepared in accordance with the guidance in Appendix B and relevant licence conditions

• Out of hours work with a high risk factor can only be approved by Transport Projects’ Principal Manager Environment or the Department of Planning (whichever is applicable) following the endorsement of the EMR

8 This form is not used for applications for out of hours work covered by a licence. The licence holder will have their own procedure covering such applications.



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Box 1: Works permitted outside of standard construction hours • any works which do not cause noise emissions to be more than 5 dBA higher than the RBL

(background) noise level at any nearby residential property or other noise sensitive receiver

• the delivery of plant, equipment and materials which is required outside these hours as requested by Police or other authorities for safety reasons and with suitable notification to the community as agreed by the Principal Manager/Department of Planning (whichever is applicable)9

• emergency work to avoid the loss of lives, property and /or to prevent environmental harm

• any works requiring track possessions subject to the following: o works which do not include high noise generating works including sheet piling, pile driving, rock

hammering/breaking etc unless otherwise agreed by the Principal Manager Environment/Department of Planning (whichever is applicable) or as approved by OH&E (where relevant to the issuing of a Licence)

o notification of the community at least 7 days in advance of such works or other period as agreed to by the EMR or Principal Manager or as approved by OH&E (where relevant to the issuing of an Licence) but with not less than 7 days notice to the community, including likely times and duration

any other work as agreed by the Principal Manager Environment/Department of Planning (whichever is applicable) or OH&E (where relevant to the issue of an Licence) and with suitable notification to the community and considered essential to the project.

9 Depending on whether the project is determined by Transport Projects or approved by the Minister for Planning.



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Figure 2: Out-of-hours work assessment and approval procedure



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8. Mitigation Exceedance of Construction Noise and vibration Objectives

8.1. Approach As part of the environmental impact assessment process (refer Section 3 and Appendix B), it is necessary to identify feasible and reasonable mitigation measures to minimise noise and vibration levels at the nearest receivers. In accordance with Section 4 of this Strategy, these measures are to be implemented as part of the standard mitigation measures (Table 1).

The implementation of the standard mitigation measures, compliance with maximum sound power levels for plant and equipment, construction hour management and standard community consultation measures in this Strategy should significantly reduce the noise and vibration impacts on nearby sensitive receivers.

Nevertheless, due to the highly variable nature of construction activities and the likelihood of work needing to be undertaken outside the standard construction hours on TP’s projects, exceedances of a project’s construction noise and vibration objectives are likely to occur.

Where there is a potential for a project’s construction noise and vibration objectives to be exceeded, a number of additional measures to mitigate such exceedances – primarily aimed at pro-active engagement with affected sensitive receivers – should be explored and have been included in this Strategy. The additional mitigation measures to be applied are outlined in Table 4 below. A full description of each measure is provided in Appendix C.

Table 4: Additional Mitigation Measures

Measure Abbreviation

Alternative accommodation AA

Monitoring M

Individual briefings IB

Letter box drops10 LB

Project specific respite offer RO

Phone calls PC

Specific notifications SN

8.2. Applying Additional Mitigation Measures In circumstances where - after application of the standard mitigation measures - the construction noise and vibration levels are still predicted11 to exceed the noise or vibration objectives, the relevant Additional Mitigation Measures Matrix (AMMM) (see Tables 5 – 7 below) is to be used to determine the additional measures to be implemented.

Using the relevant AMMM, the following steps need to be carried out to determine the additional mitigation measures to be implemented:

1. Determine the time period when the work is to be undertaken 10 In certain circumstances, on a case by case basis, media advertising may also be used to supplement letter box drops where considered effective. 11 In the CNIS or other acoustic assessment



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2. Determine the level of exceedance

3. From the relevant AMMM table, identify the additional mitigation measures to be implemented (using the abbreviation codes - expanded in Table 4).

Mitigation measures

LAeq(15minute) noise level above background (RBL)

Qualitative assessment of noise levels1

Time period

0 to 10 dBA

Noticeable

10 to 20 dBA

Clearly audible

20 to 30 dBA

Moderately intrusive

> 30 dBA

Highly intrusive

Mon-Fri (7am - 6pm)

Sat (8am - 1pm)

Standard

Sun/Pub Hol (Nil)

- - LB, M LB, M

Mon-Fri (6pm - 10pm)

Sat (7am-8am) & (1pm- 10pm)

OOHW Period 1

Sun/Pub Hol (8am - 6pm)

- LB M, LB, M, IB, LB, RO, PC, SN,

Mon-Fri (10pm - 7am)

Sat (10pm - 8am)

OOHW Period 2

Sun/Pub Hol (6pm - 7am)

LB M, LB, M, IB, LB, PC, SN,

AA, M, IB, LB, PC, SN,

Table 5 AMMM – Airborne construction noise

Notes:

1. For some types of construction activities (refer Appendix B), a qualitative assessment of the potential noise impacts can be undertaken in lieu of detailed noise modelling. For these activities, noise mitigation measures should be evaluated on the basis of the noise levels being noticeable, clearly audible, moderately intrusive or highly intrusive. The qualitative assessment should consider the type of equipment being used, the character of the noise emissions, time of day, the location of the nearest receivers and the noise sensitivity of the nearest receivers. Where a qualitative assessment is being undertaken, this will need to be approved by the Environmental Management Representative.



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Table 6 AMMM - Ground-borne construction noise

Mitigation measures

Predicted LAeq(15minute) noise level exceedance Qualitative assessment of noise levels

Time period

0 to 10 dBA

Clearly audible

10 to 20 dBA

Moderately intrusive

> 20 dBA

Highly intrusive

Mon-Fri (7am - 6pm)

Sat (8am - 1pm)

Standard

Sun/Pub Hol (Nil)

LB LB M, LB, SN,


Sat (7am-8am) & (1pm - 10pm)

OOHW Period 1


LB M, LB, RO, SN, M, IB, LB, PC, SN, RO


Sat (10pm - 8am)

OOHW Period 2


M, LB, SN, AA, M, IB, LB, PC, RP, SN,

AA, M, IB, LB, PC, RP, SN,

Table 7: AMMM - Ground-borne vibration

Mitigation measures Time period

Predicted vibration levels exceed maximum levels

Mon-Fri (7am - 6pm)

Sat (8am - 1pm)

Standard

Sun/Pub Hol (Nil)

M, LB, RP,


Sat (7am-8am) & (1pm - 10pm)

OOHW Period 1


M, IB, LB, RO, PC, RP, SN,


Sat (10pm - 8am)

OOHW Period 2


AA, M, IB, LB, PC, RP, SN,

8.3. Ground Bourne Vibration If the predicted ground-borne vibration levels exceed the cosmetic damage objectives in Appendix A, a different construction method with lower source vibration levels must be used where feasible and reasonable otherwise construction works should not proceed unless attended vibration measurements are undertaken at the commencement of the works. If



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there is any risk of exceedance of the cosmetic damage objective, a permanent vibration monitoring system should be installed, to warn plant operators (via flashing light, audible alarm, SMS, etc) when vibration levels are approaching the cosmetic damage objective.

9. Documentation Transport Projects shall maintain a record of all complaints received and the subsequent action taken, in accordance with the approval and licence conditions.

Contractors are to retain records of the following:

• Complaints records (i.e. time and nature of complaint)

• Complaints responses and close out actions

• Correspondence

• Monitoring results

• Mitigation measures

• Construction Environmental Management Plans and associated sub-plans.

10. Related Documents and References Related Documents and References Environmental Management System Manual - 1TP-ST-052

Rion NL-31 Sound Meter Calibration Procedure- 9TP-PR-015

Out-of-Hours Assessment - 3TP-PR-065

Out-of-Hours Work Application Form (EPL Requirements) - 9TP-FT-080

Out-of-Hours Work Application Form (EPL Variation NOT Required) - 9TP-FT-079

www.tfnsw.nsw.gov.au

11. Superseded Documents Superseded Documents

There are no superseded documents as a result of this document

12. Document History Version Date of approval Desksite no. Summary of change 1.0 13 Sept 11 912549 To provide practical guidance on how to minimise noises

generated during the construction of projects. 2.0 11 Nov 11 912549 Updated to reflect Transport Projects Transition.


http://intranet.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-qms/standards/environmental_management_system_manual_1tp-st-052.pdf

http://intranet.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-qms/procedures/rion_nl-31_sound_meter_calibration_procedure_9tp-pr-015.pdf

http://intranet.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-qms/procedures/out-of-hours_assessment_3TP-PR-065.pdf

http://intranet.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-qms/forms/out-of-hours_work_application_form-epl_requirements_9tp-ft-080.doc

http://intranet.transport.nsw.gov.au/projects-qms/forms/out-of-hours_work_application_form-epl_variation_not_required_9tp-ft-079.doc

http://www.tfnsw.nsw.gov.au/


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APPENDIX A : Overview of CONSTRUCTION NOISE & VIBRATION OBJECTIVES This appendix provides a brief overview of construction noise and vibration and its potential effects on people, buildings and their contents. It also provides guidance on how to establish construction noise and vibration objectives during the environmental assessment phase.

Construction airborne noise objectives

Where a quantitative noise assessment is to be undertaken, the construction airborne noise objectives are based on the OEH’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline (2009).

The interim guideline contains noise management levels for sensitive land uses including commercial and industrial receivers. These are provided in Table A1 and Table A2. At locations where the predicted construction noise levels exceed the noise management levels, the proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices, document these within the environmental impact assessment and implement the proposed work practices as part of the standard mitigation measures (refer Table 1).

Where the predicted construction noise levels remain above the noise management levels after implementation of all feasible and reasonable work practices, the relevant Additional Mitigation Measures Matrix (AMMM) is to be implemented (refer Section 6), based on the predicted LAeq(15minute) noise levels. These are primarily aimed at pro-active engagement with affected sensitive receivers. When communicating with sensitive receivers impacted by the construction works, the guidelines in the “how to apply” column should be followed.

Time of Day Noise Management Level LAeq(15minute)

How to apply

Noise affected RBL + 10 dBA

The noise affected level represents the point above which there may be some community reaction to noise. Where the predicted or measured LAeq(15minute) is greater than the noise affected level, the proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to minimise noise. The proponent should also inform all potentially impacted residents of the nature of works to be carried out, the expected noise levels and duration, as well as contact details

Recommended standard hours: Monday to Friday 7.00 am to 6.00 pm Saturday 8.00 am to 1.00 pm No work on Sundays or public holidays Highly noise

affected 75 dBA The highly noise affected level represents the point above which there may be strong community reaction to noise. Where noise is above this level, the proponent should consider very carefully if there is any other feasible and reasonable way to reduce noise to below this level. If no quieter work method is feasible and reasonable, and the works proceed, the proponent should communicate with the impacted residents by clearly explaining the duration and noise level of the works, and by describing any respite periods that will be provided.



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Time of Day Noise How to apply

Management Level LAeq(15minute)

Outside recommended standard hours

Noise affected RBL + 5 dBA

A strong justification would typically be required for works outside the recommended standard hours. The proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to meet the noise affected level. Where all feasible and reasonable practices have been applied and noise is more than 5 dBA above the noise affected level, the proponent should negotiate with the community. For guidance on negotiating agreements see Section 7.2.2 of the Interim Construction Noise Guideline.

Table A1 Airborne noise objectives at Residences Using Quantitative Assessment

The LA90 Rating Background Levels (RBL’s) should be determined using the “tenth percentile method” described in the OEH’s NSW Industrial Noise Policy during the relevant assessment periods (daytime, evening or night-time).

Table A2 Airborne noise objectives at Sensitive Land Uses (other than Residential) Using Quantitative Assessment

Land Use Management Level, LAeq(15minute) (Applies When Land Use is being Utilised)

Classrooms at schools and other educational institutions

Internal noise level 45 dBA

Hospital wards and operating theatres Internal noise level 45 dBA

Places of Worship Internal noise level 45 dBA

Active recreation areas (characterised by sporting activities and activities which generate their own noise or focus for participants, making them less sensitive to external noise intrusion)

External noise level 65 dBA

Passive recreation areas (characterised by contemplative activities that generate little noise and where benefits are compromised by external noise intrusion, for example, reading, meditation)

External noise level 60 dBA

Community Centres Depends on the intended use of the centre. Refer to the recommended ‘maximum’ internal levels in AS2107 for specific uses.

Due to the broad range of sensitivities that commercial or industrial land can have to noise from construction, the process of defining management levels is separated into three categories. The external noise levels should be assessed at the most-affected occupied point of the premises:

• industrial premises: external LAeq(15 minute) 75 dBA

• offices, retail outlets: external LAeq(15 minute) 70 dBA



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• other businesses that may be very sensitive to noise, where the noise level is

project specific as discussed below.

Examples of other noise-sensitive businesses are theatres and child care centres. The proponent should undertake a special investigation to determine suitable noise levels on a project-by-project basis; the recommended ‘maximum’ internal noise levels in AS 2107 Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors may assist in determining relevant noise levels.

The proponent should assess construction noise levels for the project, and consult with occupants of commercial and industrial premises prior to lodging an application where required. During construction, the proponent should regularly update the occupants of the commercial and industrial premises regarding noise levels and hours of work.

Ground-borne noise

Construction ground-borne noise objectives are based on the OEH’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline (2009).

Ground-borne construction noise is usually present on tunnelling projects when equipment such as tunnel boring machines, roadheaders, rockhammers and drilling rigs are operated underground. The ground-borne noise inside buildings initially propagates as ground-borne vibration, before entering the building, which causes floors, walls and ceilings to gently vibrate and hence radiate noise. Sometimes the vibration may be perceptible within the building. For some critical spaces such as recording studios and cinemas, which are designed to reduce airborne noise intrusion, an assessment of ground-borne construction noise for surface construction may also be required.

Ground-borne noise is usually not a significant disturbance to building occupants during daytime periods due to higher ambient levels which mask the audibility of ground-borne noise emissions. During night-time periods however, when ambient noise levels are often much lower, ground-borne noise is more prominent and may result in adverse comment from building occupants.

Table A3 provides a summary of the ground-borne construction noise objectives.

Time of Day Ground-borne noise objectives LAeq(15minute)

Daytime 7.00 am to 6.00 pm Human comfort vibration objectives only

Evening 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm 40 dBA - Internal

Night-time 10.00 pm to 7.00 am 35 dBA - Internal

Table A3 Ground-borne noise objectives at residences

Construction vibration objectives

The effects of vibration in buildings can be divided into three main categories; those in which the occupants or users of the building are inconvenienced or possibly disturbed, those where the building contents may be affected and those in which the integrity of the building or the structure itself may be prejudiced.

Human perception of vibration

Guidance in relation to acceptable vibration levels for human comfort are provided in OEH’s Assessing Vibration: a technical guideline (February 2006). This document is based on the guidelines contained in BS 6472-1992. 1416544_8 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM © TfNSW 2012 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Page 23 of 34


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The OEH guideline provides thee assessment methods, depending on whether the vibration is continuous, impulsive or intermittent. The preferred and maximum values are provided in Table A2.

• Continuous vibration would normally be generated by fixed plant items such as generators, fans and the like where the vibration emissions continue uninterrupted (usually throughout the daytime or night-time period).

• Impulsive vibration would normally be generated by short duration (ie less than two second) events with no more than three occurrences in an assessment period. A typical example would be ground compaction by dropping a large mass. Higher levels are allowed for impulsive vibration, however if more than three impulsive vibration events occur during the assessment period, the more stringent intermittent objectives are applied.

• Intermittent vibration can be defined as interrupted periods of continuous vibration (eg vibratory rolling, heavy truck passbys or rockbreaking) or continuous periods of impulsive vibration (eg impact pile driving). Higher vibration levels are allowed for intermittent vibration compared with continuous vibration on the basis that the higher levels occur over a shorter time period. Hence, for intermittent vibration, human comfort vibration levels are assessed on the basis of the Vibration Dose Value, based on the level and the duration of the vibration events.



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Table A4 Preferred and maximum vibration levels for human comfort

Location Assessment period

Preferred values Maximum values

Continuous vibration z axis x and y axes

z axis x and y axes

Critical areas Day- or night-time 0.005 m/s2 0.0036 m/s2 0.010 m/s2 0.0072 m/s2

Daytime 0.010 m/s2 0.0071 m/s2 0.020 m/s2 0.014 m/s2Residences

Night-time 0.007 m/s2 0.005 m/s2 0.014 m/s2 0.010 m/s2

Offices, schools, educational institutions and places of worship

Day- or night-time 0.020 m/s2 0.014 m/s2 0.040 m/s2 0.028 m/s2

Workshops Day- or night-time 0.040 m/s2 0.029 m/s2 0.080 m/s2 0.058 m/s2

Impulsive vibration z axis x and y axes

z axis x and y axes

Critical areas Day- or night-time 0.005 m/s2 0.0036 m/s2 0.010 m/s2 0.0072 m/s2

Residences Daytime 0.30 m/s2 0.21 m/s2 0.60 m/s2 0.42 m/s2

Night-time 0.10 m/s2 0.071 m/s2 0.20 m/s2 0.14 m/s2


Day- or night-time 0.64 m/s2 0.46 m/s2 1.28 m/s2 0.92 m/s2

Workshops Day- or night-time 0.64 m/s2 0.46 m/s2 1.28 m/s2 0.92 m/s2

Intermittent vibration x, y and z axes x, y and z axes

Critical Areas Day- or night-time 0.10 m/s1.75 0.20 m/s1.75

Daytime 0.20 m/s1.75 0.40 m/s1.75Residences

Night-time 0.13 m/s1.75 0.26 m/s1.75


Day- or night-time 0.40 m/s1.75 0.80 m/s1.75

Workshops Day- or night-time 0.80 m/s1.75 1.60 m/s1.75

Notes:

For continuous and intermittent vibration, the preferred and maximum values are weighted acceleration values (Wg for z axis and Wd for x and y axes). For intermittent vibration, the preferred and maximum values are Vibration Dose Values (VDVs), based on the weighted acceleration values. Effects on building contents

People can perceive floor vibration at levels well below those likely to cause damage to building contents or affect their operation. For most receivers, the controlling vibration criterion is therefore the human comfort criterion and separate objectives are not normally required in relation to the effect of construction vibration on building contents.

Some scientific equipment (eg electron microscopes and microelectronics manufacturing equipment) can require more stringent objectives than those applicable to human comfort. 1416544_8 QUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM © TfNSW 2012 UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED Page 25 of 34


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Where appropriate, objectives for the satisfactory operation of critical instruments or manufacturing processes should be sourced from manufacturer’s data and/or other published objectives.

Effects of vibration on structures

The levels of vibration required to cause cosmetic damage to buildings tend to be at least an order of magnitude (10 times) higher than those at which people may consider the vibration to be intrusive.

In terms of the most recent relevant vibration damage objectives, Australian Standard AS 2187: Part 2-2006 Explosives - Storage and Use - Part 2: Use of Explosives recommends the frequency dependent guideline values and assessment methods given in BS 7385 Part 2-1993 Evaluation and measurement for vibration in buildings Part 2 as they “are applicable to Australian conditions” BS7385.

The British Standard sets guide values for building vibration based on the lowest vibration levels above which damage has been credibly demonstrated. These levels are judged to give a minimum risk of vibration-induced damage, where minimal risk for a named effect is usually taken as a 95% probability of no effect.

The recommended limits (guide values) from BS7385 for transient vibration to ensure minimal risk of cosmetic damage to residential and industrial buildings are presented numerically in Table A5 and graphically in Figure A1.

Table A5: Transient vibration guide values - minimal risk of cosmetic damage

Peak component particle velocity in frequency range of predominant pulse

Line Type of building

4 Hz to 15 Hz 15 Hz and above

1 Reinforced or framed structures Industrial and heavy commercial buildings

50 mm/s at 4 Hz and above

2 Unreinforced or light framed structures Residential or light commercial type buildings

15 mm/s at 4 Hz increasing to 20 mm/s at 15 Hz

20 mm/s at 15 Hz increasing to 50 mm/s at 40 Hz and above

The standard states that the guide values in Table A5 relate predominantly to transient vibration which does not give rise to resonant responses in structures, and to low-rise buildings. Where the dynamic loading caused by continuous vibration is such as to give rise to dynamic magnification due to resonance, especially at the lower frequencies where lower guide values apply, then the guide values in Table A5 may need to be reduced by up to 50% (as shown by Line 3 of Figure A1 for Residential Buildings).



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Line 1

1

10

100

1 10

Frequency (Hz)

Vib

ratio

n V

eloc

ity (m

m/s

100

)

Line 1 : Cosmetic Damage (5% Risk) - BS 7385 Industrial

Line 2 : Cosmetic Damage (5% Risk) - BS 7385 Residential

Line 3 : Continuous Vibration Cosmetic Damage (5% Risk) - BS 7385 Residential

Line 3

Figure A1 Graph of Transient Vibration Guide Values for Cosmetic Damage

In the lower frequency region where strains associated with a given vibration velocity magnitude are higher, the guide values for building types corresponding to Line 2 are reduced. Below a frequency of 4 Hz where a high displacement is associated with the relatively low peak component particle velocity value, a maximum displacement of 0.6 mm (zero to peak) is recommended. This displacement is equivalent to a vibration velocity of 3.7 mm/s at 1 Hz.

The standard goes on to state that minor damage is possible at vibration magnitudes which are greater than twice those given in Table A3 and major damage to a building structure may occur at values greater than four (4) times the tabulated values.

Fatigue considerations are also addressed in the standard and it is concluded that unless calculation indicates that the magnitude and number of load reversals is significant (in respect of the fatigue life of building materials) then the guide values in Table A5 should not be reduced for fatigue considerations.

It is noteworthy that, extra to the guide values nominated in Table A5, the standard states that:

“Some data suggests that the probability of damage tends towards zero at 12.5 mm/s peak component particle velocity. This is not inconsistent with an extensive review of the case history information available in the UK.”

Also that:

“A building of historical value should not (unless it is structurally unsound) be assumed to be more sensitive.”



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Construction-related traffic noise goals

On the roads immediately adjacent to construction sites, the community may associate heavy vehicle movements with the project. Once the heavy vehicles move further from construction sites onto major collector or arterial roads however, the noise may be perceived as part of the general road traffic.

In most situations, it may be sufficient to undertake a qualitative assessment of the potential noise impacts associated with heavy vehicle movements. This assessment should take into consideration the number of heavy vehicle movements per hour or shift, the proximity of sensitive receivers, the duration of the construction works and the time of day. Where a qualitative assessment is being undertaken, this will need to be approved by the Environmental Management Representative.

If a quantitative assessment is required, construction-related traffic noise goals should be based on the guidance contained in the Office of Heritage and Environment’s Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise (ECRTN). If the heavy vehicle movements occur during the 10pm to 7am night-time period, guidance on the potential for sleep disturbance is contained in the Application Notes to the NSW Industrial Noise Policy12.

12 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/applicnotesindustnoise.htm



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APPENDIX B: GUIDELINES FOR ASSESSING NOISE & VIBRATION IMPACTS (INCLUDING CNIS) Whenever construction works are proposed as part of a project, a prediction and assessment of the airborne noise, ground-borne noise and ground-borne vibration levels is required to determine the potential impacts on nearby receivers. The determination of the mitigation measures required will depend on the level of impact, the duration of the works and the time at which the noise or vibration activity occurs.

The intention is to minimise the level of site noise and vibration and inconvenience to affected receivers while having regard to the feasibility and reasonableness of any proposed control or mitigation measures.

Type of assessment

The level of detail for a construction assessment will vary depending on the scale of the works and the likely noise and vibration impacts.

For some small projects, involving low-powered plant where sensitive receivers are not located in close proximity to the works, it may be sufficient to undertake a qualitative assessment of the potential noise and vibration impacts. The OEH’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline indicates that short-term means that the works are not likely to affect an individual or sensitive land use for more than three weeks in total.

For larger projects, involving many plant items and extended periods of construction adjacent to sensitive receivers, a quantitative assessment of the potential noise and vibration impacts is required (although some activities or work stages may still require only a qualitative assessment).

The construction of a chain wire safety fence as part of preparatory works during the daytime or evening period, for example, may require only a qualitative assessment of the potential noise impacts. However, the construction of a new bridge out of hours over a period of 4-weeks would require a quantitative assessment of the potential noise and vibration impacts.

Where a qualitative assessment is being undertaken, this will need to be approved by the Environmental Management Representative.

The noise and vibration impact assessments should be undertaken in accordance with the guidance provided in this Strategy and the relevant Environment Protection Licence conditions.

Qualitative assessment procedure

For qualitative construction assessments, the following minimum requirements would need to be included as part of the assessment report:

Justification for undertaking a qualitative assessment including endorsement by Environmental Management Representative.

Duration of the construction works and time periods over which works will be undertaken.

Equipment expected to be used (during noisiest operations).

Identification and description of nearest sensitive receivers potentially impacted by the proposed construction works.



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List of standard mitigation measures that will be employed to minimise the potential noise impacts (including management measures, source controls and path controls).

Discussion of the Qualitative Assessment with reference to the relevant Additional Mitigation Measures Matrix (AMMM) in Tables 5-7.

List of additional mitigation measures that will be employed to minimise the potential impacts (including monitoring and management measures).

Documented complaints management process including a strategy for identifying any additional mitigation measures that may be required.

Quantitative assessment procedure

Quantitative construction assessments are performed by comparing the predicted noise and vibration levels with the appropriate objectives for the receiver types and time of day.

Quantitative assessment reports will need to address the same minimum requirements as per the qualitative assessment procedure above, plus detailed information in relation to the source noise levels, the determination of appropriate noise and vibration objectives, relevant construction scenarios and predicted noise and vibration levels.

The quantitative assessment procedure steps are as follows:

Step 1: Determine noise and vibration objectives

The relevant noise and vibration objectives for the nearest sensitive receivers that may be potentially impacted by the construction works should be determined with reference to Appendix A.

Step 2: Assess construction scenarios

Identify a representative range of construction scenarios.

If the assessment is being carried out for the environmental impact assessment documentation (eg REF) it will be based on a concept design and construction scenarios for the project (usually prepared by a technical advisor and/or planning consultant).

If the assessment is being undertaken prior to construction (eg CNIS) it will be based on a more detailed design and actual construction scenario (usually prepared by the design and/or construction contractors).

The assessment should be conservative and sufficiently detailed to identify any project specific noise or vibration mitigation measures (including, but not limited to: physical structures such as construction noise barriers, acoustic sheds, dwelling treatment, acoustic barriers around noisy plant, operational noise barriers erected early or special construction methods such as penetrating cone fracture or controlled blasting in place of conventional rock breaking) that are both necessary to meet the construction noise or vibration objectives and feasible and reasonable to implement.

In determining feasible and reasonable mitigation measures, proponents are directed to the OEH’s Interim Construction Noise Guideline which provides several worked examples on how construction noise can be minimised at sensitive receivers (particularly section 6 and Appendix A). Proponents are also directed to Appendix C and Appendix D of Australian Standard 2436 Guide to noise and vibration control on construction, demolition and maintenance sites.



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In predicting the level of noise or vibration at nearby sensitive receivers, the assessment (whether based on concept or detailed design) must include the implementation of all relevant mitigation measures in Table 1.

Step 3: Predicting noise and/or vibration impacts

For airborne construction noise

1. Determine the source noise levels (SWLs) of each plant item proposed as part of the construction scenario. Note that the noise levels (SWLs) of each plant or equipment item should be less than the maximum allowable levels in Table 2. If the noise from a particular plant item is tonal or impulsive in nature, a 5 dBA penalty should be added to the noise source level.

2. Determine the location of each plant or equipment item in relation to each receiver.

3. Include the effects of all project specific (see above) mitigation measures.

4. Include the effects of all relevant standard mitigation measures.

5. Include the effects of noise shielding provided by site offices, noise barriers or natural topographic features.

6. Include the effects of noise reflections and ground attenuation.

7. On the basis of the duration of each activity (over a typical “worst-case” 15-minute period), determine whether any correction between the LAmax and LAeq(15minute) is required.

8. Calculate the LAeq(15minute) noise levels from the proposed construction activities at each receiver and compare these with the airborne construction noise objectives.

9. For night-time activities, calculate the maximum (LAmax) noise levels and compare with the OEH’s RBL plus 15 dBA sleep disturbance screening criterion (refer Application Notes to the NSW Industrial Noise Policy). Factors that may be important in assessing the extent of impact on sleep include how often high noise events occur at night, the predicted maximum noise levels at night, whether there are times when there is a clear change in the noise environment (such as during early morning shoulder periods), and the degree of maximum noise levels above the background noise level at night.

Notes The number of receivers would be dependent on the size of the construction site, the time at which the construction noise occurs and the level of potential noise impact. Calculations would normally be undertaken at locations considered to be representative of a group of receivers with a similar level of exposure to the construction works. For night-time construction works or large construction sites with many nearby receivers, it may be more appropriate to provide noise contour plots in order to illustrate the degree to which each receiver or group of receivers are impacted by the construction works.



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For ground-borne construction noise


2. On the basis of ground-borne noise levels versus distance prediction curves for each plant item, determine the level of ground-borne noise at each building location. For highly sensitive building occupancies, the assessment may need to incorporate the acoustic properties of the building space and the structural response of the building.

3. Include the effect of all relevant standard mitigation measures as part of the construction scenario.

4. Calculate the LAeq(15minute) noise levels from the proposed construction activities at each receiver and compare these with the ground-borne construction noise objectives.

For ground-borne construction vibration


2. On the basis of ground-borne vibration levels versus distance prediction curves for each plant item, determine the level of ground-borne vibration at each building location. For highly sensitive equipment, the assessment may need to incorporate the structural response of the building and particular sensitivities of the equipment.

3. Incorporate all relevant standard mitigation measures as part of the construction scenario.

4. Calculate the continuous, intermittent and impulsive vibration levels from the proposed construction activities at each receiver and compare these with the ground-borne construction vibration objectives.

Step 4: Determining additional mitigation measures required

1. Consult the relevant Additional Mitigation Measures Matrix (AMMM) in Tables 5-7 to determine, based on the level of exceedance of the background noise or groundborne noise or vibration level, the additional mitigation measures to be implemented.



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APPENDIX C: STANDARD AND ADDITIONAL MITIGATION MEASURES Periodic notification (monthly letterbox drop or advertisement in local papers)

For each TP’s project, a newsletter entitled ‘Project Update’ or ‘Construction Update’ is produced and distributed to the local community via letterbox drop and the project mailing list or the same information is advertised in the local paper and distributed to the project mailing list. These provide an overview of current and upcoming works across the project and other topics of interest. The objective is to engage, inform and provide project-specific messages. Advanced warning of potential disruptions (eg. traffic changes or noisy works) can assist in reducing the impact on the community. The approval conditions for projects specify requirements for notification to the community about works that may impact on them.

Content and length is determined on a project-by-project basis. Most projects distribute notifications on a monthly basis. Each newsletter or ad is graphically designed within a branded template.

Website

The Transport Projects website (www.tfnsw.nsw.gov.au) is a key resource for members of the community to seek further information on projects, noise and vibration management plans, current and upcoming construction activities. It serves to inform on a 24-hour basis and provides a constant and additional layer of information over-and-above the periodic notifications.

The website is reviewed and updated on a monthly basis or in line with construction works.

As the website is a public forum, all information to be uploaded is approved by Transport Projects Principal Manager Public Affairs or Principal Manager Corporate Communications. The aim is to provide a visually appealing, easy-to-navigate tool for members of the public. Information is provided in plain English with use of illustrative graphics and photos and a minimum of jargon.

Project Infoline and Construction Response Line

The Construction Response Line and Project Infoline are mandatory on all TP’s projects to provide a contact point for interested stakeholders. Transport Projects has established two 24 hour free-call telephone numbers:

Construction Response Line, 1800 775 465 – providing a dedicated 24 hour contact point for any complaints regarding construction works.

Project Infoline, 1800 684 490 – providing a dedicated contact point for any project enquiries.

These lines are managed via a professional answering service and are the key mechanism for the receipt of enquiries/complaints to Transport Projects for all projects. These numbers are listed with Telstra and are advertised in all project-related communications materials.

All complaints require a verbal response within 2 hours. All enquiries require a verbal response within 24 hours during standard construction hours, or on the next working day during out of hours work (unless the enquirer agrees otherwise).

The answering service immediately directs any complaints to an on-duty Transport Projects representative via a pager system. Communications team members are scheduled on the


http://www.tfnsw.nsw.gov.au/


7TP-ST-157/2.0

pager roster and are on-call 24-hours per day during this period. This ensures that complaints are managed by experienced personnel to facilitate swift resolution.

Email distribution list

Email distribution lists are used on all TP’s projects to disseminate project information to interested stakeholders. Advanced warning of audible activities can assist to reduce the impact of projects experienced by the community.

Transport Projects and its contractors maintain mailing lists of stakeholders interested in receiving project information via email.

Signage

Signage is used on all TP’s projects to disseminate project information. Signage is provided at each TP’s project to notify stakeholders of project details and project emergency and enquiry contact information. Where possible and when appropriate, the full community notification, detailing likely audible construction noise will be on display at the work site.

Specific notifications (SN)

Specific notifications are letterbox dropped or hand distributed to identified stakeholders no later than seven days ahead of construction activities that are likely to exceed the noise objectives. The exact conditions under which specific notifications would proceed are defined in the relevant Additional Mitigation Measures Matrix (Tables 5-7). This form of communication is used to support periodic notifications, or to advertise unscheduled works.

Phone calls (PC)

Phone calls detailing relevant information would be made to identified/affected stakeholders within seven days of proposed work. Phone calls provide affected stakeholders with personalised contact and tailored advice, with the opportunity to provide comments on the proposed work and specific needs etc.

Individual briefings (IB)

Individual briefings are used to inform stakeholders about the impacts of high noise activities and mitigation measures that will be implemented. Communications representatives from the contractor would visit identified stakeholders at least 48 hours ahead of potentially disturbing construction activities. Individual briefings provide affected stakeholders with personalised contact and tailored advice, with the opportunity to comment on the project.

Project specific respite offer (RO)

Residents subjected to lengthy periods of noise or vibration may be eligible for a project specific respite offer. The purpose of such an offer is to provide residents with respite from an ongoing impact. The offer could comprise pre-purchased movie tickets or similar offer. This measure is determined on a project-by-project basis, and may not be applicable to all TP’s projects.

Alternative accommodation (AA)

Alternative accommodation options should be provided for residents living in close proximity to construction works that are likely to incur noise levels significantly above the applicable level (Tables 5-7). The value of the offer will be determined on a project-by-project basis.


Interim

Construction Noise Guideline

© State of NSW and Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW

The Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW and State of NSW are pleased to allow this material to be reproduced in whole or in part, provided the meaning is unchanged and its source, publisher and authorship are acknowledged.

Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW59–61 Goulburn StreetSydneyPO Box A290Sydney South 1232

Phone: 131555 (NSW only – publications and information requests) (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard)Fax: (02) 9995 5999TTY: (02) 9211 4723

Email: [email protected]: www.environment.nsw.gov.au

DECC 2009/265ISBN 978 1 74232 217 9July 2009

Printed on environmentally sustainable paper

Contents

1 Introduction 11.1 Overview 11.2 What the Guideline covers 11.3 Objectives of the Guideline 31.4 Feasible and reasonable 41.5 Applying the Guideline 61.6 Occupational noise management 7

2 Identifying sensitive land uses and construction hours 82.1 Identifying sensitive land uses 82.2 Recommended standard hours 82.3 Construction outside the recommended standard hours 9

3 Selecting the assessment method 10

4 Quantitative assessment method 114.1 Airborne noise 11

4.1.1 Residences 114.1.2 Other sensitive land uses 134.1.3 Commercial and industrial premises 14

4.2 Ground-borne noise at residences 144.3 Sleep disturbance at residences 154.4 Blasting and vibration 154.5 Predicting noise levels – quantitative assessment 154.6 Assessing impacts 18

5 Qualitative assessment method 195.1 Steps in assessing noise 195.2 Checklist for work practices – qualitative assessment 20

6 Work practices 23

7 How consents and licences can regulate noise 337.1 Regulating projects through licences 337.2 Managing noise impacts through the planning approval process 34

7.2.1 Pre-approval stage 357.2.2 Post-approval stage 35

7.3 Industry published procedures 38

8 Evaluating performance and compliance 398.1 For a qualitative assessment 398.2 For a quantitative assessment 39

Appendix A: Case studies 41

Appendix B: Equipment noise levels 48

Appendix C: Audible alarms on mobile plant 49

Abbreviations 50

Glossary 51

References 53

Further reading 54

Index 55

Figures

Figure 1: Prediction and assessment of impacts – quantitative method 22

Figure 2: Example site layout with quieter work practices 39

Figure 3: Sample notifi cation letter to residents 57

Tables

Table 1: Recommended standard hours for construction work 8

Table 2: Noise at residences using quantitative assessment 13

Table 3: Noise at sensitive land uses (other than residences) using quantitative assessment 14

Table 4: Options for work practices – at any time of day or night 30

Table 5: Options for work practices – consultation and notifi cation 31

Table 6: Options for work practices – plant and equipment 33

Table 7: Options for work practices – on site 35

Table 8: Options for work practices – scheduling 36

Table 9: Options for work practices – transmission path 37

Table 10: Options for work practices – at residences or other sensitive land uses 37

Table 11: Summary of noise management tools at various stages in the planning approval process 42

Table 12: Summary of case studies 50

Quick reference to using the Guideline

Area of concern Go to

Does the Guideline apply to the construction project?

Section 1.1

Who may be aff ected by noise from the construction works?

Section 2.1

What are suitable times for construction? Section 2.2

How is a major construction project near residences or other sensitive land uses assessed?

Examples of major projects regulated by DECC are a new motorway, railway or a large scale industrial development

Sections 3 and 4

How are short-term works assessed?

Examples of short-term works regulated by DECC are repair and maintenance of public infrastructure

Sections 3 and 5

What are the options for work practices to reduce noise impacts?

Section 6

How much noise control would be expected? Section 6 (feasible and reasonable)

How do we work with the community? Table 5 (consultation and notifi cation), andSection 7.2.2 (community engagement)

How do we address complaints? Table 5 (consultation and notifi cation), andSection 7.2.2 (negotiated agreements)

How do we protect the community through consents and licences?

Section 7 – larger projectsSection 5.1 – smaller projects

How do we evaluate compliance? Section 8

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1 Introduction

1.1 OverviewThis Interim Construction Noise Guideline (the Guideline) has been developed by a number of agencies including the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC), NSW Department of Planning, Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW (RTA), WorkCover NSW and NSW Health together with the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW. In preparing the document there was extensive public consultation. The views of industry stakeholders were sought at an early stage and have contributed significantly to this document. The Standards Australia committee was consulted to address any potential inconsistencies between the Guideline and relevant standards.

The Guideline will be reviewed after three years to ensure it meets stakeholder and community needs.

Construction noise is one of the major environmental noise issues in NSW – not only from building works but also from demolition, remediation, renewal and maintenance. Construction can generate high noise levels that can adversely aff ect:�� sleep�� concentration, and thus learning performance�� mental and physical health.

Construction can occur close to residences or other sensitive land uses and be variable in times of occurrence. These aspects of construction can exacerbate noise levels and their effects. Construction noise by its nature is temporary, may not be amenable to purpose-built noise control measures applied to industrial processes, and may move as construction progresses.

With these constraints in mind, this Guideline has been developed to focus on applying a range of work practices most suited to minimise construction noise impacts, rather than focusing only on achieving numeric noise levels. While some noise from construction sites is inevitable, the aim of the Guideline is to protect the majority of residences and other sensitive land uses from noise pollution most of the time.

1.2 What the Guideline coversThe Guideline is specifi cally aimed at managing noise from construction works regulated by DECC, and will be used to assist DECC in setting statutory conditions in licences or other regulatory instruments. The types of construction regulated by DECC under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (POEO Act) are:�� construction, maintenance or renewal activities carried out by a public authority (section 6

of the POEO Act). An example is maintenance and repair of public roads.�� non-scheduled activities for the purpose of regulating water pollution (section 43(d) of the

POEO Act) – in this case the licence may include conditions for managing noise impacts. An example is a small construction project that discharges to environmentally sensitive waters.

�� scheduled development work that will enable scheduled activities to be carried out (section 47 of the POEO Act). An example is the construction stage of a new coal loader terminal or a new major marina.

�� construction, maintenance or renewal related activities described in Schedule 1 of the POEO Act – DECC regulates these activities through an environment protection licence. An example is construction, maintenance or repair of railway lines.

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The local council is the appropriate regulatory authority for noise from non-scheduled construction activities in its area, except as described in section 6(2) of the POEO Act, and thus has discretion in dealing with noise. Some local councils have their own policy (for example, City of Sydney) whereas other local councils that do not have the resources to develop their own policy often seek guidance from DECC. The Guideline may be of assistance to local councils in guiding their decision making.

Other determining and consent authorities (defined in the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979), such as the Department of Planning, may also find the Guideline useful when dealing with noise from construction and maintenance works that require planning approval. Approval conditions may differ from the approaches set out in this Guideline, depending on factors such as the duration of works and specific community needs.

Examples of noise that is not covered by the Guideline are:�� occupational noise exposure – this is covered by the NSW Occupational Health and Safety

Regulation 2001�� noise from power tools and equipment used on residential premises – this is covered by

the Protection of Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2008 – clause 50 of this Regulation only applies where planning approval is not required for construction works at residential premises

�� noise from public roads and construction traffic on public roads – this is assessed under the Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise (EPA 1999) (currently under review)

�� noise from industrial sources (for example, factories, quarrying, mining, and including construction associated with quarrying and mining) – this is assessed under the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000)

�� vibration from construction works – human comfort vibration is assessed under Assessing Vibration – a technical guideline (DEC 2006).

Rail maintenance often involves work in a narrow corridor (DECC)

3

The above documents published by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and the Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW) (DEC) are current and applied by DECC.

1.3 Objectives of the GuidelineThe main objectives of the Guideline are to:�� promote a clear understanding of ways to identify and minimise noise from construction

works�� focus on applying all ‘feasible’ and ‘reasonable’ work practices to minimise construction

noise impacts�� encourage construction to be undertaken only during the recommended standard hours

(Table 1), unless approval is given for works that cannot be undertaken during these hours�� streamline the assessment and approval stages and reduce time spent dealing with

complaints at the project implementation stage�� provide flexibility in selecting site-specific feasible and reasonable work practices in order

to minimise noise impacts.

Feasible work practices are practical to implement, while reasonable work practices take into account the balance of costs and benefits and community views.

Those involved in construction, including the project team, consent authorities and regulators, need to understand noise impacts and relevant work practices. To assist this, guidance is provided on noise levels that can trigger a selection of work practices to minimise noise.

Streamlining assessment and complaint handling is achieved through a clear and consistent process for noise impact assessment and the application of work practices to minimise noise. Work practices can include notifying the community of expected noise impacts and when they are expected to occur.

Responsibility for applying the Guideline lies with:�� construction project planners and acoustical practitioners at the approval, detailed design

and project implementation stages�� construction managers and contractors at the detailed design and project implementation

stages�� approval and regulatory authorities.

Project planners and acoustical practitioners assess noise levels from proposed activities and identify work practices that can be applied to minimise noise, and consult with the community on mitigation.

Construction managers review work practices at the approval stage and apply feasible and reasonable work practices based on detailed knowledge of the construction work to be carried out. They also consult with and notify the community on potential noise impacts, and implement conditions of consents, licences or approvals.

Approval and regulatory authorities review the application of all feasible and reasonable work practices and also regulate against unacceptable levels of noise at all stages of a project.

1.4 Feasible and reasonableOne of the most important parts of this Guideline is the application of feasible and reasonable measures to minimise noise impacts. The terms ‘feasible’ and ‘reasonable’ are explained below.

4

FeasibleA work practice or abatement measure is feasible if it is capable of being put into practice or of being engineered and is practical to build given project constraints such as safety and maintenance requirements.

Source control of noise often involves modifications to existing technology or practices that result in small but cumulatively significant reductions in generated noise. Examples of such modifications include the use of low noise power tools or hydraulic or electrically controlled equipment instead of petrol or pneumatic equipment. Control of noise at the source is always the preferred method of noise control as it reduces the impact on the entire surrounding area. Noise path control or mitigation at the receiver usually requires the adoption of measures that block the transmission of noise by means of barriers or architectural treatments to building facades. As the benefit from these measures would only apply to a limited area, in general, this should only be done after endeavouring to control noise at the source.

ReasonableSelecting reasonable measures from those that are feasible involves making a judgment to determine whether the overall noise benefits outweigh the overall adverse social, economic and environmental effects, including the cost of the measure. To make such a judgement, consideration may be given to:

Noise level impacts –�� existing and future levels and projected changes in noise levels�� number of people affected or annoyed�� any noise performance criteria required for land uses affected by the construction

Noise mitigation benefi ts –�� the amount of noise reduction expected including the cumulative effectiveness of the

proposed work practices/abatement measures�� potential ability of the work practices/abatement measures to reduce noise during the

construction stage (and preferably also the operational stage) of the project�� the number of people protected

Cost effectiveness of noise mitigation –�� total cost of mitigation measures, taking into account the physical attributes of the site,

such as topography and geology, and the cost variation to project given benefit expected�� noise mitigation costs compared with total project costs taking into account capital and

maintenance�� impact of disruption to essential transport and utility networks (for example, main roads,

railways, water supply, electricity supply)�� risk to worker safety during live traffic (road or rail) conditions

Community views –�� engagement with affected land users when deciding about the aesthetic or other impacts

of work practices/abatement measures�� views of all affected land users not just those making complaints, determined through

early community consultation�� practices/measures with majority support from the affected community.

5

The regulatory authority may review the information on feasible and reasonable work practices provided by the proponent, and compare the proposed practices against those applied on other similar projects. The regulatory authority may negotiate additional work practices that it considers may also be feasible and reasonable.

Some examples of feasible and reasonable practices applied on construction projects are:�� A new large pipeline – construction methods and the best pipeline route were chosen to

minimise noise for residents and businesses. Two construction methods were used: ‘microtunnelling’ together with temporary noise barriers in residential areas, and ‘trenching’ in non-residential areas. Also, where possible, the pipeline was laid in industrial areas or reserves away from sensitive land uses.

�� Construction project near a waterway – the contractor trialled three different types of piling: impact piling, push piling and secant piling. Secant piling, which involved installing reinforced concrete piles by drilling a hole into the ground and then filling with concrete to interlock with the neighbouring pile. Secant piling was chosen over impact or push piling, due to its lower vibration impact on the community, although it was not considered the most effective construction method.

�� A new pedestrian bridge over a main road – the bridge footings were constructed during standard hours and night-time works were limited to two non-consecutive nights of operating a crane to lift the pre-fabricated bridge sections into position.

�� Use of alternatives to ‘beeper’ style reversing alarms – to minimise noise impacts from reversing alarms, expecially during out of hours, a major infrastructure constructor required contractors to supply and use mobile equipment fitted with reversing alarms that are not the ‘beeper’ style alarms. An example is a broadband style alarm, sometimes referred to as a ‘quacker’ alarm.

Temporary noise barriers around a pipeline worksite (DECC)

6

�� A multi-storey building – given the proximity to neighbouring residences, the contractor installed temporary barriers along the property in consultation with the affected neighbours.

�� A permanent roadside barrier at early stage of the construction – the regulator’s previous experience and knowledge indicated that most of a permanent noise barrier could be built before construction works progressed, despite contrary advice from the proponent. Negotiations between the regulator and proponent led to a revised design of the permanent barrier, construction of the permanent barrier in stages with defined timeframes, and also construction of a temporary barrier using plywood.

1.5 Applying the GuidelineThe aim of the Guideline is to provide guidance on managing construction works to minimise noise (including airborne noise, ground-borne noise and blasting), with an emphasis on communication and cooperation with all involved in, or affected by, construction noise.

No single approach can minimise noise from all types of construction. The level of effort and sophistication needed to assess impacts and identify ways to minimise noise will be guided by factors such as the duration of works and the extent of the noise. Short-term works or low noise level works will be typically easier to assess and manage. The Guideline may also be useful for determing authorities and other approval authorities when dealing with noise from construction and maintenance works on smaller-scale projects.

The steps for managing noise impacts from construction are:1. identify sensitive land uses that may be affected2. identify hours for the proposed construction works

A temporary noise barrier between the worksite and a neighbour (DECC)

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3. identify noise impacts at sensitive land uses4. select and apply the best work practices to minimise noise impacts.

Depending on the extent of impact and the scale of the works, managing noise impacts may involve engaging the community. As more information becomes available through each stage of the project, the description of feasible and reasonable work practices will need to be made more detailed.

The Guideline presents two ways of assessing construction noise impacts – the quantitative method (see section 4), which is generally suited to longer-term construction, and the qualitative method (see section 5), which is generally suited to short-term works such as infrastructure maintenance.

The noise levels in section 4 apply to quantitative assessment. In all cases these levels should not simply be included in licence or planning approval conditions, but rather are intended to guide the need for, and the selection of, work practices to minimise noise impacts. Refer to section 7.1 for more detail on how to frame regulatory conditions. Section 6 gives a comprehensive list of work practices that should be used when evaluating options for noise mitigation or when a noise management plan is required.

When determining the best mix of work practices, the proponent needs to consider what practices are feasible and reasonable.

For many small construction projects that are dealt with by local councils, sections 2, 5 and 8, and Appendices A and B may be most relevant. The other sections of the Guideline may provide guidance for major construction projects that are dealt with by local councils. Local councils are best placed to decide what level of assessment should be applied to the types of construction projects they regulate in their area.

Six case studies which cover a range of situations are given in Appendix A as examples of how the Guideline can be applied to minimise noise impacts from construction sites.

1.6 Occupational noise managementIn addition to managing environmental noise from construction work, contractors and employers must ensure compliance with the occupational noise management provisions of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 which is administered by WorkCover NSW. Specifically, clause 49 of the Regulation requires workplaces to take appropriate control measures when managing workers’ exposure to noise. In addition the Code of practice: Noise management and protection of hearing at work (WorkCover 2004a) and Moving plant on construction sites: Code of practice (WorkCover 2004b) provide practical advice on managing noise levels in the workplace.

Work practices that both reduce noise levels in the workplace as well as reduce noise impacts in the community should be given a high priority for any project.

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2 Identifying sensitive land uses and construction hours

2.1 Identifying sensitive land usesThe fi rst step in assessing and managing noise impacts is to identify sensitive land uses with the potential to be aff ected by noise from construction, and these include:�� residences�� classrooms�� hospitals�� places of worship�� passive recreation areas such as outdoor grounds used for teaching�� active recreation areas such as parks and sports grounds.

Other land uses that may at times be sensitive to noise from construction include:�� commercial premises, such as film and television studios, research facilities, entertainment

spaces, temporary accommodation (such as caravan parks and camping grounds), child care centres, restaurants, office premises and retail spaces

�� industrial premises.

Residences and other sensitive land uses potentially impacted by noise from proposed works should be identified in the proponent’s application. Noise from the site can vary greatly depending on the distance to each sensitive land use, as well as any intervening topography or buildings. These factors should be considered when identifying sensitive land uses, as locations other than those closest to the site may also be affected.

2.2 Recommended standard hoursThe recommended standard hours for construction work are shown in Table 1; however, they are not mandatory. There are some situations, as described below, where construction work may need to be undertaken outside of these hours. The likely noise impacts and the ability to undertake works during the recommended standard hours should be considered when scheduling work.

Table 1: Recommended standard hours for construction work

Work type Recommended standard hours of work*

Normal construction Monday to Friday 7 am to 6 pmSaturday 8 am to 1 pmNo work on Sundays or public holidays

Blasting Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pmSaturday 9 am to 1 pmNo blasting on Sundays or public holidays

* The relevant authority (consent, determining or regulatory) may impose more or less stringent construction hours.

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2.3 Construction outside the recommended standard hours

The fi ve categories of works that might be undertaken outside the recommended standard hours are:�� the delivery of oversized plant or structures that police or other authorities determine

require special arrangements to transport along public roads�� emergency work to avoid the loss of life or damage to property, or to prevent

environmental harm�� maintenance and repair of public infrastructure where disruption to essential services

and/or considerations of worker safety do not allow work within standard hours�� public infrastructure works that shorten the length of the project and are supported by

the affected community�� works where a proponent demonstrates and justifies a need to operate outside the

recommended standard hours.

In the last two categories, the proponent should provide the relevant authority with clear justification for reasons other than convenience, such as to sustain operational integrity of road, rail and utility networks. The relevant authority may be the same as the government organisation undertaking the works.

In general, only works undertaken on public infrastructure need to be undertaken outside the recommended standard hours. This need is typically based on a requirement to sustain the operational integrity of public infrastructure, as works to restore operation of the infrastructure provide benefi t to the greater community (that is more than just local residents). Examples of public infrastructure are:�� transport – railways, roads, ferries, airports�� utilities – water, electricity or gas, sewerage or drainage.

The proponent should address in reports prepared under the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process any expected need to undertake work outside the standard hours. Consultation required under the EIA process allows community views to be considered when deciding whether the need to work outside standard hours has been adequately justified.

Road maintenance often needs to be done at night (DECC)

Equipment may move along as the project progresses (RTA)

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3 Selecting the assessment method

Once the proposed hours of work are identified, the next step in assessing and managing noise impacts is to select the assessment method. The choice of assessment method is not dependent on what time of day the works are proposed to take place, instead it relates to the proposed duration of the works.

People are usually annoyed more by noise from longer-term works than by the same type of works occuring for only a few days. Construction of new public infrastructure or major commercial development warrants a quantitative assessment, as the works often occur for longer periods of time and can involve lots of equipment and/or stages of work. Maintenance and repair works on existing public infrastructure typically warrant a qualitative assessment of noise as such works are often of short duration.

The quantitative assessment method, described in section 4, may be applied to major construction projects. Major construction projects are typically subject to the EIA process. Examples of major construction projects that are licensed by DECC are:�� new public infrastructure such as a tollway, railtrack or major water pipeline�� major commercial or industrial development, such as a major marina, a coal loader

terminal, or a major power plant.

See Schedule 1 of the POEO Act for a complete list.

The qualitative assessment method, described in section 5, may be used on short-term infrastructure maintenance. Short-term means that the works are not likely to aff ect an individual or sensitive land use for more than three weeks in total. Examples of maintenance works that are regulated by DECC are:�� repair and maintenance of public powerlines�� maintenance or repair of a public road�� maintenance or repair of a railway.

No assessment would be required for emergency works (as defined in the glossary).

The proponent should check with the person responsible for issuing a project approval, determination, development consent or licence, to ensure that the assessment method selected is suitable. The assessment should be selected to best provide information on noise impacts, such as:�� how loud it will be�� how long the works will go on for�� whether there will be night work, and if so how loud it will be and how long it will last.

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4 Quantitative assessment method

The quantitative assessment method involves predicting noise levels and comparing them with the levels in this section of the Guideline. Guidance noise levels are given for airborne noise at sensitive land uses, including commercial and industrial premises, ground-borne noise and sleep disturbance. Vibration is not covered in this Guideline. The noise levels in this section are important indicators for construction managers to avoid or minimise noise that, if not considered, could delay construction work.

The information on noise levels in this section should only be referenced where a quantitative assessment is used.

The level of detail required for a quantitative assessment is likely to vary according to the potential noise and the size and complexity of the project. The proponent should check with the person responsible for issuing a project approval, determination, development consent or licence about their requirements for assessing noise.

Where noise from construction works is above the ‘noise affected’ levels presented below, the proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to minimise noise. The proponent should also inform potentially affected parties of the activities to be carried out, the expected noise impacts and duration.

4.1 Airborne noise

4.1.1 Residences

People’s reaction to noise from construction will depend on the time of day that works are undertaken. Residents are usually most annoyed by work at night-time as it has the potential to disturb sleep. Noise from work on evenings, Saturday afternoons, Sundays and public holidays can also be annoying to most residents as it may interrupt leisure activities.

A quantitative assessment usually suits complex works (Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation)

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Table 2 sets out management levels for noise at residences and how they are to be applied. Restrictions to the hours of construction may apply to activities that generate noise at residences above the ‘highly noise affected’ noise management level.

In Table 2 the rating background level (RBL) is used when determining the management level. The RBL is the overall single-figure background noise level measured in each relevant assessment period (during or outside the recommended standard hours). The term RBL is described in detail in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000).

As a guide, the difference between the internal noise level and the external noise level is typically 10 dB with windows open for adequate ventilation.

Table 2: Noise at residences using quantitative assessment

Time of dayManagement level

LAeq (15 min) *How to apply

Recommended

standard hours:

Monday to Friday7 am to 6 pmSaturday 8 am to 1 pmNo work on Sundays or public holidays

Noise affectedRBL + 10 dB

The noise affected level represents the point above which there may be some community reaction to noise.� Where the predicted or measured LAeq (15 min) is

greater than the noise affected level, the proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to meet the noise affected level.

� The proponent should also inform all potentially impacted residents of the nature of works to be carried out, the expected noise levels and duration, as well as contact details.

Highly noise affected75 dB(A)

The highly noise affected level represents the point above which there may be strong community reaction to noise.� Where noise is above this level, the relevant authority

(consent, determining or regulatory) may require respite periods by restricting the hours that the very noisy activities can occur, taking into account:1. times identified by the community when they are

less sensitive to noise (such as before and after school for works near schools, or mid-morning or mid-afternoon for works near residences

2. if the community is prepared to accept a longer period of construction in exchange for restrictions on construction times.

Outside recommended

standard hours

Noise affectedRBL + 5 dB

� A strong justification would typically be required for works outside the recommended standard hours.

� The proponent should apply all feasible and reasonable work practices to meet the noise affected level.

� Where all feasible and reasonable practices have been applied and noise is more than 5 dB(A) above the noise affected level, the proponent should negotiate with the community.

� For guidance on negotiating agreements see section 7.2.2.

* Noise levels apply at the property boundary that is most exposed to construction noise, and at a height of 1.5 m above ground level. If the property boundary is more than 30 m from the residence, the location for measuring or predicting noise levels is at the most noise-affected point within 30 m of the residence. Noise levels may be higher at upper floors of the noise affected residence.

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4.1.2 Other sensitive land uses

Other sensitive land uses, such as schools, typically consider noise from construction to be disruptive when the properties are being used (such as during school times). Table 3 presents management levels for noise at other sensitive land uses based on the principle that the characteristic activities for each of these land uses should not be unduly disturbed. The proponent should consult with noise sensitive land use occupants likely to be affected by noise from the works to schedule the project’s work hours to achieve a reasonable noise outcome.

Internal noise levels are to be assessed at the centre of the occupied room. External noise levels are to be assessed at the most affected point within 50 m of the area boundary. Where internal noise levels cannot be measured, external noise levels may be used. A conservative estimate of the difference between internal and external noise levels is 10 dB for buildings other than residences. Some buildings may achieve greater performance, such as where windows are fixed (that is, cannot be opened). The management levels in Table 3 are 5 dB above the corresponding road traffic noise levels in the Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise (EPA 1999) (and the ‘maximum’ levels in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000) for commercial and industrial uses) to account for the variable and short-term nature of construction noise.

Table 3: Noise at sensitive land uses (other than residences) using quantitative assessment

Land useManagement level, LAeq (15 min)(applies when properties are being used)

Classrooms at schools and other educational institutions

Internal noise level45 dB(A)

Hospital wards and operating theatres Internal noise level45 dB(A)

Places of worship Internal noise level45 dB(A)

Active recreation areas (characterised by sporting activities and activities which generate their own noise or focus for participants, making them less sensitive to external noise intrusion)

External noise level65 dB(A)

Passive recreation areas (characterised by contemplative activities that generate little noise and where benfefits are compromised by external noise intrusion, for example, reading, meditation)

External noise level60 dB(A)

Community centres Depends on the intended use of the centre.Refer to the recommended ‘maximum’ internal levels in AS2107 for specific uses.

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4.1.3 Commercial and industrial premises

Due to the broad range of sensitivities that commercial or industrial land can have to noise from construction, the process of defi ning management levels is separated into three categories. The external noise levels should be assessed at the most-aff ected occupied point of the premises:�� industrial premises: external LAeq (15 min) 75 dB(A)�� offices, retail outlets: external LAeq (15 min) 70 dB(A)�� other businesses that may be very sensitive to noise, where the noise level is project

specific as discussed below.

Examples of other noise-sensitive businesses are theatres and child care centres. The proponent should undertake a special investigation to determine suitable noise levels on a project-by-project basis; the recommended ‘maximum’ internal noise levels in AS 2107 Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors may assist in determining relevant noise levels (Standards Australia 2000).

The proponent should assess construction noise levels for the project, and consult with occupants of commercial and industrial premises prior to lodging an application where required.

During construction, the proponent should regularly update the occupants of the commercial and industrial premises regarding noise levels and hours of work.

4.2 Ground-borne noise at residencesGround-borne noise is noise generated by vibration transmitted through the ground into a structure. Ground-borne noise caused, for example, by underground works such as tunnelling can be more noticeable than airborne noise. The following ground-borne noise levels for residences indicate when management actions should be implemented. These levels recognise the temporary nature of construction and are only applicable when ground-borne noise levels are higher than airborne noise levels. The ground-borne noise levels are for evening and night-time periods only, as the objectives are to protect the amenity and sleep of people when they are at home.

Evening (6 pm to 10 pm)Internal: LAeq (15 min) 40 dB(A)

Night-time (10 pm to 7 am)Internal: LAeq (15 min) 35 dB(A)

The internal noise levels are to be assessed at the centre of the most affected habitable room.

Mitigation options to deal with ground-borne noise may include extensive community consultation to determine the acceptable level of disruption and the provision of respite accommodation in some circumstances, not just restriction of work hours. The level of mitigation of ground-borne noise would depend on the extent of impacts and also on the scale and duration of works. Any restriction that the relevant authority (consent, determining or regulatory) may impose on the days when construction work is allowed should take into account whether the community:�� has identified times of day when they are more sensitive to noise (for example, Sundays or

public holidays)�� is prepared to accept a longer construction duration in exchange for days of respite.

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4.3 Sleep disturbance at residencesWhere construction works are planned to extend over more than two consecutive nights, and a quantitative assessment method is used, the analysis should cover the maximum noise level, and the extent and the number of times that the maximum noise level exceeds the RBL. Some guidance indicating the potential for sleep disturbance is in the NSW Environmental Criteria for Road Traffic Noise (EPA 1999).

Factors that may be important in assessing the extent of impact on sleep include how often high noise events occur at night, the predicted maximum noise levels at night, whether there are times when there is a clear change in the noise environment (such as during early morning shoulder periods), and the degree of maximum noise levels above the background noise level at night.

4.4 Blasting and vibrationOverpressure and vibration from blasting are to be assessed against the levels in the Technical Basis for Guidelines to Minimise Annoyance Due to Blasting Overpressure and Ground Vibration (ANZEC 1990). Human comfort vibration from construction works, including continuous, intermittent or impulsive vibration from construction, but excluding blasting, is to be assessed in accordance with section 2.5 ‘Short-term works’ in Assessing Vibration – a technical guideline (DEC 2006).

4.5 Predicting noise levels – quantitative assessmentThe parameters for predicting noise impacts need to be clearly identifi ed for noise impacts to be predicted adequately. These parameters are:�� all noise sources related to the proposed construction works, including vehicles that

operate on site�� location and height of noise sources on site�� type of noise, such as airborne or ground-borne noise�� proposed movement alarms on plant and vehicles�� the number and timing of proposed blasts per day and per week�� alternative work methods (including noise mitigation measures) and justification of the

selected work methods�� equipment or plant noise levels – references should be provided for all noise source levels

in the assessment (see Appendix B)�� all stages of the construction works�� all residences and other sensitive land uses potentially impacted�� site features (including topography, buildings and surrounding land uses) that affect noise

propagation�� proposed construction hours and the percentage of time the equipment operates�� other concurrent construction works in the vicinity that may contribute additional noise.

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A number of activities have proven to be particularly annoying to nearby residents:�� use of ‘beeper’ style reversing or movement alarms, particularly at night-time�� use of power saws, such as used for cutting timber, rail lines, masonry, road pavement or

steel work�� grinding metal, concrete or masonry�� rock drilling�� line drilling�� vibratory rolling�� rail tamping and regulating�� bitumen milling or profiling�� jackhammering, rock hammering or rock breaking�� Impact piling.

If any of these activities are to be undertaken they should be factored into the quantitative assessment by adding 5 dB to the predicted levels.

To quantify the noise impact, the realistic worst-case or conservative noise (and blasting) levels from the source should be predicted for assessment locations representing the most noise-exposed residences or other sensitive land uses, taking into account the parameters above, and compared with the relevant noise levels in section 4.

Worked example – predicting noise levels

It is proposed to construct a jersey kerb on the edge of a roadway between 7 am and 5 pm, approximately 25 m from the nearest residences along the road. The jersey kerb is constructed by pouring concrete from a concrete truck into a moving kerb-forming machine which moves at a rate of 150 m per 10-hour day. Noise levels from these works, measured on a previous project, were 67–70 dB(A) at 25 m. For the proposed works, the maximum predicted LAeq (15 min) is therefore 70 dB(A).

Deciding on the level of detail needed in calculations, cost and accuracy are important factors. Typically an increase in accuracy in the calculations will result in greater costs, and the proponent should consider the trade-off between these two factors. The proponent may choose to start with a rough calculation to indicate the magnitude of expected noise levels. If the calculated noise levels are above the relevant noise management levels, the proponent may choose to undertake more detailed calculations using computer models. The additional detail and accuracy gained through the use of a computer model may help in selecting work practices that will be applied to achieve the noise management levels.

For simple construction projects, the predicted levels from the source may be calculated by hand, taking into account the distance and any shielding between the source and the residences or other sensitive land uses.

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For large or complex projects, noise is generally predicted through the use of computer models. Such models generally account for attenuation due to distance, atmospheric conditions, barriers and buildings, effects of topography and weather conditions to calculate overall levels at an assessment location. Preference should be given to the use of modelling approaches that have been the subject of peer review and that have been extensively used on other noise impact assessments. Any modelling would need to be validated by the proponent. Where many people are likely to be affected by construction noise, a map showing predicted noise contours surrounding the site may be required.

Worked example – rough calculation of noise levels

A proponent wishes to use a rock breaker on a construction project. The proponent has contacted a range of possible suppliers and has been given the following information on two diff erent rock breakers:

Rock breaker A: LAeq (15 min) sound power level of 124 dB(A).Rock breaker B: LAeq (15 min) sound pressure level of 98 dB(A) at 10 m.

The proponent chooses to do a rough calculation initially to gauge whether noise impacts will be likely. The proponent had previously determined that the noise management level applicable to the site is 57 dB(A) at the nearest residence.

The proponent plans for the rock breaker to be used up to 18 m from the nearest residence. The following calculations only take distance into account.

Rock breaker A:Sound pressure level = Sound power level – 10log(2πr2) = 124 – 10log (2π x 18 x 18) = 124 – 33 = 91 dB(A)Rock breaker B:Sound pressure level at 18 m = Sound pressure level at 10 m – 10log(r12/r22)where r1 = 18 m and r2 = 10 m.

Sound pressure level at 18 m = 98 – 10log ((18 x 18) / (10 x 10)) = 98 – 5 = 93 dB(A)

Compared to the management level of 57 dB(A), the calculations indicate that either rock breaker will cause signifi cant noise. The proponent decides there is a need to investigate alternative work practices to address the likely noise impacts.

Note that the distance attenuation equations used here are approximate only and are for a point source with hemispherical propagation (that is, the noise source is not elevated high above ground level). The equations assume a fl at ground surface and do not take into account other propagating eff ects, such as ground eff ects, atmospheric absorption or weather.

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4.6 Assessing impactsThe potential for noise impact from the proposed construction can be assessed by comparing the predicted noise at the assessment locations with the levels given in section 4. The construction works are considered to have the potential to cause a noise impact if the predicted noise exceeds the levels in Tables 2 and 3.

Noise modelling to predict noise should incorporate the work practices that will be applied. This may be an iterative process of adjusting work practices according to predicted noise levels, and is summarised in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Prediction and assessment of impacts – quantitative method

Identify noise parameters.

Predict noise levels at residences and other sensitive land uses.

Are the predicted levels below the relevant noise management levels at each

assessment location?

Have all feasible and reasonable work practices been applied?

Are predicted levels below the highly noise-affected level?

Examine work practices and mitigation measures

that are feasible and reasonable and can be

applied to minimise noise.

The proponent should communicate with the impacted residents by clearly explaining the duration and noise level of the works, and inform of any respite

periods.

Document predicted levels, determined impacts, and work practices and mitigation measures to be applied to minimise noise.

Yes

Yes

Yes

No

No

No

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5 Qualitative assessment method

The qualitative method for assessing noise is a simplifi ed way to identify the cause of potential noise impacts. It avoids the need to perform complex predictions by using a checklist approach to assessing and managing noise. As described in section 3, the qualitative method may be used for short-term maintenance works. Short-term means that the works are not likely to aff ect an individual or sensitive land use for more than three weeks in total. Examples of maintenance works that are regulated by DECC are:�� repair and maintenance of public powerlines�� maintenance of a public road.

5.1 Steps in assessing noiseThe first step in a qualitative noise assessment is to determine whether there are any residences or other sensitive land uses near the construction site. Small construction projects in rural areas may not generate significant noise at surrounding residences due to the typically large distances involved. Larger construction projects may generate noise that can be annoying at residences some distance away from the works (such as over one kilometre away in a rural area), and therefore a quantitative assessment following the approach set out in Section 4 would be better suited if noise impacts are anticipated.

Where residences or other sensitive land uses may be affected by noise, the work practices described in section 5.2 should be used.

Where construction is planned to occur at night, guidance is given in Table 4 on suitable ways to minimise sleep disturbance.

Noise management plansThe relevant consent or determining authority may require that a noise management plan be prepared as part of an environmental management plan. A copy of the noise management plan should be kept on site. For small construction projects, the noise management plan may include:�� identification of nearby residences and other sensitive land uses�� description of approved hours of work and what work will be undertaken�� description of what work practices will be applied to minimise noise�� description of the complaints handling process.

High noise level equipmentWhere a qualitative assessment is followed and very annoying activities (such as those described in section 4.5) are proposed, the proponent should carefully consider feasible and reasonable alternative work methods to minimise noise impacts and provide justification for the method selected.

ComplaintsIf there are complaints concerning noise once the project has started, the steps below can be followed to address the noise. A copy of the complaints register should be kept on site.

Step 1: Noise sources should be identified, such as movement of material using a bobcat, cutting of wood using electric saws, short-term foundation works using a rock breaker, loader and truck, and deliveries of building materials with utilities and trucks.

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Step 2: Answer the following questions regarding each noise source:�� Is the noise from the source loud either in an absolute sense or relative to other noise

sources in the area?�� Does the noise include any tones or impulses?�� Does the noise occur at times when interference with sleep or comfort is likely – for

example, at night?

Step 3: Implement feasible and reasonable work practices to minimise or avoid noise.

5.2 Checklist for work practices – qualitative assessment

This section is intended for works assessed in a qualitative manner. The following checklist of work practices can be used. The consent authority may include items from this checklist that are applicable, as well as other requirements such as work practices listed in Table 4, in its consent conditions. The checklist is not exhaustive and other practices may be used where identified. Application of the practices below should take into account the safety of workers.

Community notifi cation�� Contact potentially noise affected neighbours at the earliest possible time before any site

work begins.�� Inform potentially noise affected neighbours about the nature of the construction stages

and the duration of noisier activities – for example, excavation and rock-breaking.�� Describe any noise controls, such as walls to be built first that will reduce noise, temporary

noise walls, or use of silenced equipment.�� Keep potentially noise affected neighbours up to date on progress.�� Provide contact details on a site board at the front of the site, and maintain a complaints

register suited to the scale of works.�� Ask about any concerns that potentially noise affected neighbours may have and discuss

possible solutions.�� Provide a copy of the noise management plan, if available, to potentially noise affected

neighbours.

Operate plant in a quiet and effi cient manner�� Where practical, undertake the noisiest works during the recommended standard hours.�� Turn off plant that is not being used.�� Examine, and implement where feasible and reasonable, alternative work practices which

generate less noise – for example, use hydraulic rock splitters instead of rock breakers, or electric equipment instead of diesel or petrol powered equipment.

�� Examine, and implement where feasible and reasonable, the use of silenced equipment and noise shielding around stationary plant (such as generators), subject to manufacturers’ design requirements.

�� Ensure plant is regularly maintained, and repair or replace equipment that becomes noisy.�� Ensure road plates are properly installed and maintained.�� Arrange the work site to minimise the use of movement alarms on vehicles and mobile

plant.

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�� Locate noisy plant away from potentially noise affected neighbours or behind barriers, such as sheds or walls.

�� Where there are no overriding project constraints, program works so as to not affect any residence or other sensitive land use for more than a total of six nights in any four week period.

Involve workers in minimising noise�� Avoid dropping materials from a height, dropping or dragging road plates.�� Talk to workers about noise from the works at the identified land uses and how it can be

reduced.�� Use radios and stereos indoors rather than outdoors.

Handle complaints�� Keep staff who receive telephone complaints informed regarding current and upcoming

works and the relevant contacts for these works.�� Handle complaints in a prompt and responsive manner.�� Where there are complaints about noise from an identified work activity, review and

implement, where feasible and reasonable, actions additional to those described above to minimise noise output.

Consider bored piling to reduce noise and vibration (DECC)

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Worked example – using a qualitative assessment

Road Works Co. plans to undertake maintenance work on behalf of local council on a pedestrian bridge that passes over a major arterial road, from 10 pm to 3 am to minimise disruption to road traffic. It is planned to use a crane to realign a section of the bridge, trucks to transport material to and from site, hand-held jackhammers to modify the concrete structure, and a loader to move material and tools. Road Works Co. plans to complete the maintenance on three consecutive nights starting on a Monday night.

In assessing potential noise impacts, Road Works Co. used a qualitative approach. A survey of the area surrounding the works indicated that a residential area adjoins the site on both sides of the pedestrian bridge, with the closest residences being approximately 60 m away. For the nearest residences, Road Works Co. identified that the following noise sources associated with the maintenance works would be operating near these residences.

Noise source Questions relating to noise heard at residences Is examination of work practices necessary?Is noise loud, in

absolute terms, or relative to other noises in the area?

Does the noise include tones or impulses?

Does the noise occur at times that interfere with sleep or comfort?

Crane Yes, but infrequently

No Yes Yes

Trucks Yes – reversing alarms

Yes – reversing alarms

Yes Yes

Hand-held jackhammer

Yes Yes Yes Yes

Loader Yes Yes – reversing alarms

Yes Yes

Road Works Co. has determined that it needs to examine work practices, and considers that the feasible and reasonable work practices to minimise noise will be to:�� organise the site so that delivery trucks only drive forward to avoid the use of reversing

alarms�� use a loader that has a less annoying alternative to an audible movement alarm�� schedule noise generating works over no more than two consecutive nights�� erect temporary shrouding from 20 mm marine plywood to a height of 1.5 m around

the jackhammer work area�� minimise potential sleep disturbances from crane noise by avoiding dropping material

or equipment from a height�� inform residents by mail of planned works one week before works are undertaken.

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6 Work practices

The Guideline focuses on achieving desired environmental outcomes – there are no prescribed noise controls for construction works. Instead, all feasible and reasonable work practices should be implemented to minimise noise impacts. This approach gives construction site managers and construction workers the greatest flexibility to manage noise.

The sections below provide guidance on selecting work practices to minimise noise impacts at residences and other sensitive land uses, as well as information on contact with neighbours and the community. Not all the work practices discussed in this section may be applicable to a particular project, and they should be considered on a case-by-case basis. The options described in Table 10 may not be applicable to a qualitiative assessment as the nature of these measures typically suit longer-duration projects.

The following steps should be followed when selecting work practices to minimise construction noise:

Step 1: Identify work practices likely to be major contributors to noise.

Step 2: Select from the list of options in this section, which are intended as a guide only, the feasible and reasonable work practices relevant to the project – more comprehensive information is likely to be available from industry sources.

Step 3: Apply the applicable universal work practices described in Table 4, as well as the selected feasible and reasonable work practices.

Reduce noise from chutes and bins by lining with damping material (Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd)

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Work practices that minimise noise levels on site and provide for proper communication with the community are generally the most effective at managing noise. Noise mitigation at residences is generally least preferred as noise levels at other affected locations may remain high and costs of mitigation per dwelling can be high.

Worked example – identifying feasible and reasonable work practices

For the proposed remediation of a large industrial site adjacent to a residential area, a quantitative assessment indicated that several activities will exceed the noise management levels:�� demolition and removal of existing masonry and steel structures using rock breakers,

loaders and trucks�� piling of retaining walls�� levelling of site and removal of material using graders, excavators and trucks�� movement alarms.

The construction proponent examined and documented work practices that are feasible, including:�� demolishing structures with jaw crushers and saws, as an alternative to using rock

breakers�� using a lower noise and vibration generating form of piling, such as bored piling for

retaining walls, instead of impact piling�� limiting noisy activities – piling and demolishing – to 9 am to 12 pm Monday to

Saturday and 2 pm to 5 pm Monday to Friday to provide respite to surrounding residents

�� selecting low noise equipment for site levelling works�� liaising with affected residents and informing them when noisy work will occur and

what is being done to minimise the noise�� using less annoying alternatives to audible movement alarms that provide a safe

system of work, or configuring the site to maximise forward movements of mobile plant.

Using the above list of feasible practices, the proponent identified what work practices were reasonable by comparing the costs of the work practices against the overall project costs and by taking into account the community views. The proponent then documented the basis for selecting those practices.

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Tables 4 to 10 present a summary of options for work practices with lower noise impact.

Table 4: Options for work practices – at any time of day or night

Strategy 1 Universal work practices

Many complaints about construction noise are due to preventable activities at any time of day or

night.

Work practices at any time of day

� Regularly train workers and contractors (such as at toolbox talks) to use equipment in ways to minimise noise.

� Ensure site managers periodically check the site and nearby residences and other sensitive land uses for noise problems so that solutions can be quickly applied.

� Include in tenders, employment contracts, subcontractor agreements and work method statements clauses that require minimisation of noise and compliance with directions from management to minimise noise.

� Avoid the use of radios or stereos outdoors where neighbours can be affected.� Avoid the overuse of public address systems.� Avoid shouting, and minimise talking loudly and slamming vehicle doors.� Keep truck drivers informed of designated vehicle routes, parking locations, acceptable delivery hours

or other relevant practices (for example, minimising the use of engine brakes, and no extended periods of engine idling).

� Develop a one-page summary of approval or consent conditions that relate to relevant work practices, and pin it to a noticeboard so that all site operators can quickly reference noise information.

� Workers may at times need to discuss or negotiate practices with their managers.

Additional work practices at night

� Avoid the use of equipment which generates impulsive noise.� Minimise the need for reversing or movement alarms as described in Table 7.� Avoid dropping materials from a height.� Avoid metal-to-metal contact on equipment.� Schedule truck movements to avoid residential streets if possible.� Avoid mobile plant clustering near residences and other sensitive land uses.� Ensure periods of respite are provided in the case of unavoidable maximum noise level events.

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Table 5: Options for work practices – consultation and notification

Strategy 2 Consultation and notification

The community is more likely to be understanding and accepting of noise if the information

provided is frank, does not attempt to understate the likely noise level, and if commitments are

firmly adhered to.

Notification before and during construction

� Provide, reasonably ahead of time, information such as total building time, what works are expected to be noisy, their duration, what is being done to minimise noise and when respite periods will occur. For works outside standard hours, inform affected residents and other sensitive land use occupants between five and 14 days before commencement.

� Provide information to neighbours before and during construction through media such as letterbox drops, meetings or individual contact. In some areas, the proponent will need to provide notification in languages other than English. A website could also be established for the project to provide information.

� Use a site information board at the front of the site with the name of the organisation responsible for the site and their contact details, hours of operation and regular information updates. This signage should be clearly visible from the outside and include after hours emergency contact details.

� Maintain good communication between the community and project staff.� Appoint a community liaison officer where required.� For larger projects consider a regular newsletter with site news, significant project events and timing

of different activities.� Provide a toll-free contact phone number for enquiries during the works.� Facilitate contact with people to ensure that everyone can see that the site manager understands

potential issues, that a planned approach is in place and that there is an ongoing commitment to minimise noise.

Complaints handling

� Provide a readily accessible contact point, for example, through a 24 hour toll-free information and complaints line.

� Give complaints a fair hearing.� Have a documented complaints process, including an escalation procedure so that if a complainant is

not satisfied there is a clear path to follow.� Call back as soon as possible to keep people informed of action to be taken to address noise problems.

Call back at night-time only if requested by the complainant to avoid further disturbance.� Provide a quick response to complaints, with complaint handling staff having both a good knowledge

of the project and ready access to information.� Implement all feasible and reasonable measures to address the source of complaint.� Keep a register of any complaints, including details of the complaint such as date, time, person

receiving complaint, complainant’s contact number, person referred to, description of the complaint, work area (for larger projects), time of verbal response and timeframe for written response where appropriate.

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Table 6: Options for work practices – plant and equipment

Strategy 3 Plant and equipment

In terms of both cost and results, controlling noise at the source is one of the most effective methods

of minimising the noise impacts from any construction activities.

Use quieter methods

� Examine and implement, where feasible and reasonable, alternatives to rock-breaking work methods, such as hydraulic splitters for rock and concrete, hydraulic jaw crushers, chemical rock and concrete splitting, and controlled blasting such as penetrating cone fracture. The suitablility of alternative methods should be considered on a case-by-case basis.

� Use alternatives to diesel and petrol engines and pneumatic units, such as hydraulic or electric-controlled units where feasible and reasonable. Where there is no electricity supply, use an electrical generator located away from residences.

� Examine and implement, where feasible and reasonable, alternatives to transporting excavated material from underground tunnelling off site at night. For example, stockpile material in an acoustically treated shed at night and load out the following day.

Use quieter equipment

� Examine different types of machines that perform the same function and compare the noise level data to select the least noisy machine. For example, rubber wheeled tractors can be less noisy than steel tracked tractors.

� Noise labels are required by NSW legislation for pavement breakers, mobile compressors, chainsaws and mobile garbage compactors. These noise labels can be used to assist in selecting less noisy plant.

� Pneumatic equipment is traditionally a problem – select supersilenced compressors, silenced jackhammers and damped bits where possible.

� When renting, select quieter items of plant and equipment where feasible and reasonable.� When purchasing, select, where feasible and reasonable, the most effective mufflers, enclosures and

low-noise tool bits and blades. Always seek the manufacturer’s advice before making modifications to plant to reduce noise.

Operate plant in a quiet and efficient manner

� Reduce throttle setting and turn off equipment when not being used.� Examine and implement, where feasible and reasonable, the option of reducing noise from metal

chutes and bins by placing damping material in the bin.

Maintain equipment

� Regularly inspect and maintain equipment to ensure it is in good working order. Also check the condition of mufflers.

� Equipment must not be operated until it is maintained or repaired, where maintenance or repair would address the annoying character of noise identified.

� For machines with enclosures, check that doors and door seals are in good working order and that the doors close properly against the seals.

� Return any hired equipment that is causing noise that is not typical for the equipment – the increased noise may indicate the need for repair.

� Ensure air lines on pneumatic equipment do not leak.

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Table 7: Options for work practices – on site

Strategy 4 On site

Barriers and acoustic sheds are most suited to longer-term fixed works, as in these cases the

associated cost is typically outweighed by the overall time savings.

Location of plant

� Place as much distance as possible between the plant or equipment and residences and other sensitive land uses.

� Restrict areas in which mobile plant can operate so that it is away from residences and other sensitive land uses at particular times.

� Locate site vehicle entrances away from residences and other sensitive land uses.� Carry out noisy fabrication work at another site (for example, within enclosed factory premises) and

then transport to site.

Alternatives to reversing alarms

� Avoid use of reversing alarms by designing site layout to avoid reversing, such as by including drive-through for parking and deliveries.

� Install where feasible and reasonable less annoying alternatives to the typical ‘beeper’ alarms taking into account the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety legislation; examples are smart alarms that adjust their volume depending on the ambient level of noise and multifrequency alarms that emit noise over a wide range of frequencies.

� In all circumstances, the requirements of the relevant Occupational Health and Safety legislation must be complied with. For information on replacing audible warning alarms on mobile plant with less annoying alternatives, see Appendix C.

Maximise shielding

� Reuse existing structures rather than demolish and reconstruct.� Use full enclosures, such as large sheds, with good seals fitted to doors to control noise from night-

time work.� Use temporary site buildings and materials stockpiles as noise barriers.� Schedule construction of permanent walls so that they can be used as early as possible as noise

barriers.� Use natural landform as a noise barrier – place fixed equipment in cuttings, or behind earth berms.� Note large reflecting surfaces on and off site that might increase noise levels, and avoid placing

noise-producing equipment in locations where reflected noise will increase noise exposure or reduce the effectiveness of mitigation measures.

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Table 8: Options for work practices – scheduling

Strategy 5 Work scheduling

Scheduling noisy work during periods when people are least affected is an important way of

reducing noise impact.

Provide respite periods

� Consult with affected schools to ensure that noise-generating construction works in the vicinity of affected school buildings are not scheduled to occur during examination periods, unless other arrangements (such as relocation to an alternative location) acceptable to the affected schools can be made.

� Where night work near residences cannot be feasibly or reasonably avoided, restrict the number of nights per week and/or the number of nights per calendar month that the works are undertaken, in consultation with residents who will be most affected.

Schedule activities to minimise noise impacts

� Organise work to be undertaken during the recommended standard hours where possible.� Schedule work to avoid times when there are special events, such as international sporting

competitions, if the construction site is in the vicinity of the venue. When works outside the recommended standard hours are planned, avoid scheduling on Sundays or public holidays.

� Schedule work when neighbours are not present (for example, commercial neighbours, colleges and schools may not be present outside business hours or on weekends).

� Schedule noisy activities around times of high background noise (local road traffic or when other local noise sources are active) where possible to provide masking or to reduce the amount that the construction noise intrudes above the background.

� For tunnelling works examine and implement, where feasible and reasonable, the possibility of stockpiling excavated material overnight in an enclosure and restrict load-out to the recommended standard hours only.

� Consult with affected neighbours about scheduling activities to minimise noise impacts.� Care should be taken to minimise noise from any refuelling at night.

Organise deliveries and access

� Nominate an off-site truck parking area, away from residences, for trucks arriving prior to gates opening.

� Amalgamated loads can lead to less noise and congestion in nearby streets.� Optimise the number of vehicle trips to and from the site – movements can be organised to

amalgamate loads rather than using a number of vehicles with smaller loads.� Designate access routes to the site, through consultation with potentially noise-affected residences

and other sensitive land uses, and make drivers aware of nominated vehicle routes.� Provide on-site parking for staff and on-site truck waiting areas away from residences and other

sensitive land uses. Truck waiting areas may require bunding or walls to minimise noise.� Schedule deliveries to nominated hours only.

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Table 9: Options for work practices – transmission path

Strategy 6 Transmission path

Physical methods to reduce the transmission of noise between the construction works and

residences or other sensitive land uses are generally suited to works where there is longer-term

exposure to the noise.

� Reduce the line-of-sight noise transmission to residences or other sensitive land uses using temporary barriers.

� Temporary noise barriers can be constructed from hoarding (plywood boards, panels of steel sheeting or compressed fibre cement board) with no gaps between the panels at the site boundary. Stockpiles, shipping containers and site office transportables can be effective barriers.

� Erect temporary noise barriers before work commences to reduce noise from works as soon as possible.

� Where high-rise dwellings adjoin the construction site, the height of a barrier may not be sufficient to effectively shield the upper levels of the residential building from construction noise. Check whether this is a consideration for the project and examine alternative means of mitigation where needed.

� Consult with most affected neighbours about how effective the proposed noise mitigation measures will be in addressing their concerns.

Table 10: Options for work practices – at residences or other sensitive land uses

Strategy 7 At residences or other sensitive land uses

Providing treatments at the affected residence or other sensitive land use should only be a last

resort.

Temporary relocation

� Examine and implement, where feasible and reasonable, the option of relocating noise-affected occupants for short periods of time, such as when high noise levels from construction occur at night and there are no feasible and reasonable ways of reducing noise levels. For example, the proponent could offer alternative accommodation or other respite measures (such as movie tickets) where mitigation is sought and there are no feasible and reasonable work methods available.

Architectural treatments

� Examine and implement, where feasible and reasonable, the option of acoustical treatment to residences affected by construction noise, such as to windows at the building façade – however, alternative means of ventilation may be needed where windows are closed and airflow into a building does not meet building requirements. Note that the effectiveness of closing existing windows may be limited by the performance of the window seals.

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Worked examples – treatments at residences

Example 1After complaints were received during night-time resurfacing works on a major arterial road, the construction manager identified that complaints were from significant levels of vibration transmitted from the works to the apartment building below as the building was directly connected to the supporting column of the elevated roadway. As works could not be undertaken during the recommended standard hours due to traffic constraints and the number of affected residences was relatively small, the construction manager reviewed a range of work practices (including those listed in section 6) and decided that the most cost-effective way to address the impacts was to offer to relocate affected residents to nearby accommodation for the two nights that the work occurred.

Example 2During the construction of a major dam spillway near a residential area, the contractor provided a noise mitigation package to affected residents to address significant noise impacts. For houses closest to the site, the package comprised air conditioners augmented by external roller shutters and acoustic seals to external doors and windows. For the remainder of the affected residences, a 1.75 hp air conditioner was installed in a room that was in use during the hours of construction, with provision of a larger capacity air conditioner in a small number of ‘open-plan’ style houses. The cost of the noise mitigation packages was substantially less than the cost of constructing a four metre high acoustic wall.

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An example of a site layout showing how to reduce noise impacts is given in Figure 2. Work practices used in this example are:�� temporary noise barriers (hoarding) along site boundary�� forward truck movements to avoid engaging reversing alarms�� vehicle entrance, car park and site office located away from residences�� limited number of mobile equipment operating near residences�� noisy fixed plant (generator) located as far as possible from residences.

Figure 2: Example site layout with quieter work practices

Identify noise parameters.

Commercial

Residential

Commercial

Residential

Commercial

ResidentialResidential

Residential

Car Park Site Office

Generator

Forward Truck Movements

ExcavatorTemporary Hoarding Along Site

Truck

Truck

Loader

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7 How consents and licences can regulate noise

From a community point of view, there is a need for a range of actions and processes which are incorporated into consents and licences that aim to reduce noise impacts from construction activities while encouraging community involvement and providing clarity for proponents on what is required of them.

As a project moves through the stages (from pre-approval to post-approval), more detail normally becomes available on the planned work methods, location of plant and equipment, and scheduling. The construction noise impact assessment and construction noise management plans should thus be consistent with the level of design detail available at each stage. For high noise impact projects, the community should be involved throughout the assessment process. For low noise impact projects, contact with the community is desirable once approval has been given to commence works and should be undertaken prior to any work beginning. The type of community engagement should relate to the likelihood and extent of noise impacts from the construction works.

7.1 Regulating projects through licencesThe information in this section is specifically aimed at large scale construction projects regulated by DECC. DECC issues environment protection licences for the purpose of authorising scheduled activities described under Schedule 1 of the POEO Act. Licence conditions can be highly project-specific, and should relate to the noise impacts expected from the works. When developing suitable noise conditions, consideration should be given to the type of assessment method used (qualitative or quantitative) and the conceptual description of identified work practices to be applied to minimise noise impacts, as well as the planning and approval requirements for the project.

Environment protection licences

�� In all cases the levels presented in sections 4.1 to 4.3 should not simply be placed in licence conditions, but are intended to guide the need for and the selection of work practices to minimise noise impacts.

�� The primary focus of conditions in licences should be on referring to the conceptual

description of feasible and reasonable work practices documented in the EIA that will be implemented to minimise noise impacts from the construction project. The conditions should also require that a detailed description of work practices that will be implemented be documented, such as through a noise management plan or similar as more detail becomes available on the project.

�� Where both the proponent and the regulatory authority have sufficient confidence that noise levels described in the EIA will be achievable, a secondary focus on conditions in licences could be on these noise levels. In this case, the EIA documentation should make a clear commitment to the feasible and reasonable mitigation measures that will be implemented to achieve these noise levels.

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7.2 Managing noise impacts through the planning approval process

The information in this section has been compiled from approval conditions on a number of recent major construction projects in NSW.

Construction noise should be assessed throughout the pre-approval and post-approval stages. Table 11 summarises the noise management tools available at the various stages of the planning approval process for the works. The most appropriate noise management approach for a project should be determined on a case-by-case basis taking into account the potential likelihood and extent of noise impacts from the construction works.

At the pre-approval stage, the proponent should contact the consent authority as early as possible in the process to ascertain any specific EIA documentation requirements. The approval and consent conditions may require any of the post-approval documents described below.

Table 11: Summary of noise management tools at various stages in the planning approval process

Type and function of document Typical information included

Pre-approval

EIA documentation

This conceptually describes the proposal, the likely noise impacts and work practices to minimise the noise impacts.

� Description of proposed works and proposed duration

� Identification of nearby residences and other sensitive land uses

� Assessment of likely noise impacts� Conceptual description of feasible and reasonable

work practices to minimise noise impacts� Changes made to the proposal in response to

submissions or representations received.

Post-approval

Construction Noise Management Plan

This describes in detail the methods that will be implemented for the whole project to minimise the noise impacts.

� Identification of nearby residences and other sensitive land uses

� Assessment of expected noise impacts� Detailed examination of feasible and reasonable

work practices that will be implemented to minimise noise impacts

� Strategies to promptly deal with and address noise complaints

� Details of performance evaluating procedures (for example, noise monitoring or checking work practices and equipment)

� Procedures for notifying nearby residents of forthcoming works that are likely to produce noise impacts

� Reference to relevant licence and consent conditions.

Construction Method Statement

This describes in detail the methods that will be implemented at a specific site to minimise a range of impacts from the works. Noise is often a key issue for a Construction Method Statement, but not the only issue.

Community Consultation Plan

This describes in detail the methods that will be implemented, for the whole project, to liaise with affected community members to advise on and respond to noise-related complaints and disputes.

All stages

Industry Best Practice Environment Manual

This contains further information on best practice that the industry would expect to be used on their construction projects when assessing and managing noise impacts.

� Clarification of specific aspects of noise management to promote a better understanding

� Standardisation of best practice approaches where appropriate.

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7.2.1 Pre-approval stageThe EIA documentation is typically prepared at the pre-approval stage of the project. The assessment of noise impacts contained within the EIA can be either quantitative or qualitative, depending on the size, complexity and expected noise impact from a proposal. For larger complex proposals an EIA typically involves a conceptual description of feasible and reasonable work practices that can be applied to minimise noise impacts. This is made based on preliminary understanding of the expected noise impact from proposed construction works and any changes made in response to comments received during public consultation on the proposal. The EIA documentation provides the proponent with an up-front understanding of what needs to be done to minimise noise impacts (and, indirectly, the costs of managing the impacts) from the proposed works.

Issues that should be considered in preparing the EIA documentation may include:�� description of the proposed works, including a discussion of alternative construction

methods and justification for selected method. Clear justification of proposed works to be undertaken outside the recommended standard hours must be given.

�� identification of the residences and other sensitive land uses near the works�� description of proposed total duration of noise exposure at the identified assessment

locations from the proposed works�� discussion of expected noise or blasting impacts at the most noise-exposed residences

and other sensitive land uses. If a quantitative method is used, the predicted noise levels from the proposed construction works should be presented. A discussion of any community consultation undertaken in assessing the noise impacts should be included.

�� discussion of feasible and reasonable work practices and mitigation measures that will be applied to minimise noise impacts from the works

�� changes to the proposal in response to submissions and representations received.

7.2.2 Post-approval stageThe framework for managing environmental performance is the:�� application of best practice environmental management�� implementation of the project’s commitments made during the EIA process�� implementation of the project’s conditions of approval or consent�� review of information on environmental performance of the project and progress in

implementing the project approval�� compliance with environmental legislation and statutory conditions (for example, in

licences and consents)�� management of environmental risks associated with a project.

To ensure that a project runs smoothly through its construction stage, the proponent needs to:�� openly engage with the community to keep it informed and to discuss environmental

performance�� ensure that appropriate work practices are implemented during the construction of the

project to minimise noise impact.

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Community engagementThe aim of community engagement is to:�� establish good working relationships between the proponent, the community and other

stakeholders in relation to the construction project�� receive feedback on the project’s environmental performance, discuss community

concerns and identify opportunities for the resolution of community complaints�� gain advice on how best to communicate relevant information on the project and its

environmental performance to the broader community�� work cooperatively towards outcomes of benefit to the project, immediate neighbours

and the local and regional community.

There is a range of ways to engage the community to manage environmental performance for construction projects.

For large projects where many people are identifi ed to be potentially impacted by noise from the works, the relevant authority (consent or determining) may require a community consultation plan. Such plans can be particularly helpful where projects propose noisy work outside normal working hours or extended work that produces high levels of noise (such as rock hammering or piling). The community consultation plan might include:�� the establishment of one or more community liaison groups or community forums�� procedures for face-to-face consultation between the proponent and affected parties�� procedures for notifying residents and occupants of other sensitive land uses of

forthcoming works likely to affect their noise amenity (such as letterbox drops)

Establishing a good working relationship between the proponent and the community (Transport Infrastucture Development Corporation)

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�� procedures for complaints handling, and for keeping a copy of the complaints register on site

�� dispute resolution procedures.

The proponent should establish appropriate representative community liaison groups or forums and nominate an independent chair for each group. The groups or forums should have opportunities to comment on the management of the project including implementation of the environmental management plan. Each group or forum would advise on how best to communicate relevant information on the project and its environmental performance to the community. The proponent should consider comments and provide a response. The proponent should bear costs associated with the establishment and ongoing function of the groups or forums.

Being up-front with the community liaison team from the outset can assist in transferring information to the affected community. An example of being up-front is to present information to community liaison groups or forums before commencing works.

An option for dispute resolution that has been used for large construction projects associated with high levels of noise has been for the proponent to appoint a person as an independent community liaison representative for the duration of the construction. Essentially, the community liaison representative is a resource available to the community to advise on concerns community members may have with the environmental performance of the project. The community liaison representative would attend local group or forum meetings, oversee community consultation obligations, be available for direct contact with the community within reasonable hours and, to the greatest extent practicable, resolve complaints. The proponent should bear the costs of employing the community liaison representative.

Noise management plansAn environmental management plan or, more specifically relating to noise, a construction noise management plan is a site or project specific plan developed to ensure that appropriate work practices are implemented during a project’s construction to minimise noise impact. Noise management plans can be used to explain in detail how the proponent intends to implement work practices on a project to minimise noise.

For large projects a construction noise management plan may include the following features:�� identification of all nearby residences and other sensitive land uses and, where relevant,

the noise or blasting management levels at the identified assessment locations�� an assessment of potential noise or blasting impacts from the proposed construction

methods and construction vehicle movements�� detailed examination of feasible and reasonable noise mitigation measures that would

minimise or avoid noise impacts – this would include a commitment to what feasible and reasonable work practices and measures are to be applied to minimise noise impacts

�� preparation of regular feedback by undertaking noise monitoring and analysis of the results to improve the management plan, so that best practice noise control is continually met for the duration of the project

�� development of reactive and pro-active strategies for dealing promptly with any noise complaints, including documentation and feedback mechanisms

�� identification of a site contact person to follow up complaints�� details of noise or blast monitoring and reporting procedures, including where these have

been established as necessary during the noise impact assessment

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�� the establishment of monitoring systems at affected residences and other sensitive land uses for noise levels and weather conditions (for example, wind speed and direction, rainfall)

�� regular internal checks of plant and equipment to confirm there has been no degradation in noise levels

�� regular independent auditing of procedures.

Negotiated agreementsWhen excessive noise impacts occur, alternative approaches to noise management, such as negotiated agreements between affected individuals and the construction manager, may be considered. The option of negotiated agreements is most suited to dealing with small numbers of people. For further guidance on negotiated agreements refer to section 8 of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000). Where large numbers of people are identified as potentially affected by noise from the construction works – such as can occur with linear projects like motorways or railways – negotiated agreements are not an appropriate noise management strategy due to costs and potential diversity of community views. In these cases the proponent should develop a strategy specific to the project that encompasses the approaches listed above of management plans, community liaison groups or forums and an independent community liaison representative.

7.3 Industry published proceduresMembers of the construction industry may want to use published procedures to describe in more detail the best practice approaches that they expect will be used in their projects to minimise noise impacts from construction. When preparing these procedures, an organisation should consult with the public and take into account any comments raised. Having procedures publicly available, rather than only available internally, provides the public with a greater level of transparency. This transparency, combined with consultation with the public when preparing the procedures, may result in the community supporting the organisation’s implemented approaches. Any published procedures should be consistent with this Guideline.

For example, a published procedure could be used to describe work practices that the proponent and their contractors will apply in addition to the practices set out in the checklist in section 5.2 for a qualitative assessment.

Whether or not there is a published procedure, the organisation’s principal obligation is to meet noise conditions of any environment protection licence that DECC has issued to them.

Examples of some industry published procedures are:�� the Environmental Noise Management Manual (RTA 2001) and the Environmental Fact Sheet 02

– Noise Management and Night Works (RTA 2007), which aim to provide guidance to RTA staff, contractors and consultants on RTA’s principles in managing noise from the maintenance or upgrading of existing roads, as well as the construction of new roads in NSW

�� the Construction Noise Strategy (TIDC 2007), which aims to guide Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation staff, contractors and consultants on managing noise from the construction of rail projects in NSW.

Other organisations involved with construction, maintenance or upgrading are encouraged to develop similar documents to describe their best-practice techniques for managing construction noise.

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8 Evaluating performance and compliance

Evaluating noise and blasting impacts during construction works facilitates:�� providing feedback to the proponent on the amount of noise associated with different

activities to inform future decisions regarding work methods and associated impacts�� investigating complaints relating to noise from the construction works�� determining compliance with the consent and licence conditions.

Where noise impacts from a construction project are identifi ed and there is a need to manage complaints, two options are available for the proponent to evaluate performance against the noise conditions on a consent, approval or licence:�� examination of work practices, where a qualitative assessment has been undertaken, or�� noise monitoring, where a quantitative assessment has been undertaken.

8.1 For a qualitative assessmentWhere noise conditions do not describe noise management levels or limits for the works, the most appropriate way to evaluate performance against the conditions is to examine whether all work practices described in the checklist in section 5.2 are being applied.

Section 6 also presents a broader range of options for work practices that may be suitable for minimising noise impacts. This may be, for example, a small project only undertaken during the recommended standard hours.

8.2 For a quantitative assessmentThe duration of noise monitoring could be over an hour, a day, a week, or longer. The amount of noise monitoring will depend on the scale of the project and the extent of expected noise impacts. Monitoring should cover a representative period (typically divided into 15 minute intervals) of the construction activity. Where distinct construction activities occur and for large projects where construction is designed to occur in distinct stages, monitoring would typically be needed for the different activities and stages.

As a minimum, monitoring should be carried out at the most noise-affected sensitive land uses (that is, where noise levels are likely to be the highest). If monitoring is carried out as a result of a complaint, noise levels should be monitored at the complainant’s location. Monitoring should also cover the time of day when the impacts were reported to occur.

Noise monitoring results should be clearly reported and acted on in accordance with the requirements contained in the licence and/or consent conditions. It is recommended that results also be made readily accessible to the community.

The LA10 (15 min) noise level may be a useful indicator of construction activity for use in compliance monitoring, where the existing LAeq (15 min) noise levels are higher than the identified management levels. The measured LA10 (15 min) levels should be adjusted to estimate the LAeq (15 min) for comparison with the noise management levels for the project.

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Monitoring reportsThe following may be included in a noise monitoring report:�� the type of monitoring conducted (for example, at a particular project stage or following

complaints) and a brief statement of the measurement method�� the noise/vibration/blasting conditions on the consent/licence, or the relevant noise

management objectives�� descriptions of the nearest affected residences and other sensitive land uses or, in the case

of complaints, description of the complainant location and complaint�� plan or diagram showing the location of the monitoring and the noise generating works�� description of the instrumentation used (the instrumentation specifications required for

compliance noise monitoring are the same as those required for background noise monitoring set out in Appendix B of the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000))

�� name and relevant qualifications or professional memberships of monitoring personnel�� the weather conditions during monitoring�� the time(s) and duration(s) of monitoring, including dates – in the case of complaints�� a clear description of the construction activities taking place during the monitoring�� the results of monitoring at each monitoring location, including a comparison with the

consent conditions or relevant noise management objectives�� a clear statement outlining the project’s compliance or non-compliance with the

conditions or objectives�� where the monitored level is higher than the conditions or objectives, the reasons for

non-compliance should be stated, strategies for minimising noise identified and stated, and the appropriate actions to implement the strategies.

TrialsTrials can be used to evaluate the impact of an activity, through a controlled test over a limited period of time. Before and after the trial there should be consultation with the potentially affected community to gauge their response to the activity being trialled. Also, there should be detailed predictions to show that the trial can be properly managed to minimise noise impacts.

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Appendix A: Case studies

A range of case studies illustrates various ways to manage noise impacts from construction works by applying the recommendations in the Guideline. The approaches illustrated in each case study are summarised in Table 12.

Table 12: Summary of case studies

Case study Approaches illustrated

1. Targeted community consultation � consultation with community

2. Night-time ‘in-tunnel’ blasting � consultation with community� notification prior to works commencing, providing

respite periods� using temporary barriers

3. Managing ground-borne noise � noise prediction� complaint handling� ongoing consultation with community

4. Major road construction � installing permanent barriers as soon as possible� using quieter plant or equipment, using alternative

construction methods� consultation with community� using ‘smart’ reversing alarms� locating plant as far as possible from residences and

other sensitive land uses

5. Major infrastructure upgrade � consultation with community� less annoying alternatives to audible movement

alarms� organising deliveries and access� temporary relocation of noise-affected occupants

6. Night-time essential maintenance works � qualitative impact assessment� implementing work practices set out in section 5.2� community notification letter

Case study 1: Targeted community consultationOn a large civil engineering project involving the construction of a major dam spillway approximately 200 m from a residential area, targeted community consultation was used effectively to facilitate smooth running of the project. Targeted consultation specifically directs communication with those in the community who are identified as being potentially affected by noise, vibration, and dust from the project. The main benefit of this form of consultation is that it opens channels of communication with an affected community and can deal with noise issues before they become irreconcilable issues.

Conditions of approval included a requirement that the dam owner establish a community liaison group (CLG) and appoint an environmental representative. Key players were drawn together to become part of the CLG that would address community concerns in a constructive, non-confrontational approach to resolving problems. The CLG comprised:�� the CLG chairman�� the principal (the organisation which wants the spillway constructed)�� the project manager�� the environmental representative

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�� three community representatives – one from each of the nearby villages that were identified as being potentially affected

�� the area’s Chamber of Commerce�� the local action group.

CLG members were encouraged to liaise closely with the community, both to supply accurate information on the project and to identify areas of concern for discussion at CLG meetings. Presentations to the CLG prior to construction, briefings on progress throughout the project and open discussion about issues kept the committee informed and involved in the project. Through this approach, trust developed between the committee, the project manager and the principal.

Throughout the project, the following community information tools were used:�� a toll-free 24 hour telephone contact number�� a community liaison office (CLO) in one of the villages, opened by the principal, where the

community could easily make complaints or enquiries; noticeboards, displays and photos of the project were also provided at the CLO

�� a monthly newsletter, explaining what processes were in place to minimise noise impacts�� an extraordinary meeting between the principal, the contractor and the environmental

representative to discuss ways to resolve noise issues when numerous complaints were received.

Due to the proximity of this large project to the residential area, there was potential for widespread negative reaction from the community, which could have resulted in considerable additional costs and/or delays to the project. However, through effective consultation targeted at the potentially affected residents and implementation of a range of noise mitigation measures, all parties worked together to the satisfaction of the local community in terms of noise impacts.

Case study 2: Night-time ‘in-tunnel’ blastingAn application was made to the relevant authority for night-time ‘in-tunnel’ blasting on a major dam project in rural NSW. The application proposed a one-week trial period to verify that minimal impacts would result from the blasting. The proposal received strong support from the community as it meant that the project would be completed quickly.

Mitigation measures were identifi ed to minimise noise impacts at the aff ected residences and other sensitive land uses and to ensure that the conditions on the environment protection licence (EPL) were met. These measures comprised:�� detailed blast design that was checked through initial blasts during the recommended

standard hours to ensure the noise management objectives would be met�� barriers at the entrance to the tunnel portal�� replacement of the blast warning siren outside the recommended standard hours with a

less annoying alternative that satisfied the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.

The EPL required that the contractor undertake extensive consultation with the general community and the potentially affected residents prior to and following the blasting. Consultation involved a range of media, including community information sessions, meetings with potentially affected residents, one-on-one discussions with residents (by phone and face-to-face), newsletters, information boards and a website.

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The community was also informed of the various ways they could contact the project staff if they had queries, concerns or complaints. This included a 24 hour toll-free complaints line, phone numbers of key project staff, and project email and website addresses.

The contractor undertook measurements at several of the most affected residences and other sensitive land uses to determine compliance with the air-blast overpressure and ground vibration limits set out in the licence. The measurements showed that the limits were met at all locations.

The contractor received no complaints during the trial blasting period, but received a number of calls from people confirming that they had heard some noise during the blasting seeking reassurance to allay their concerns.

What if the community was not consulted?In another situation, the contractor undertook trial blasting without consulting with the community. There was a significant number of complaints received from the affected community regarding noise. The regulatory authority initiated an investigation after they also received complaints regarding noise. The contractor subsequently experienced large delays in the project through dealing with and addressing the numerous community concerns.

Case study 3: Managing ground-borne noiseDuring 24-hour tunnelling in a densely-populated urban area, ground-borne noise was a concern as the tunnel-boring machine was to pass very close to residences.

Conditions in the licence for the project required the contractor to identify residences and other sensitive land uses along the route of the tunnelling works, then present predicted internal ground-borne noise levels (in a graphical form) on a map showing the identified residences and other sensitive land uses. The predicted noise levels needed to be verified from measurements during a 24-hour trial period, and the predicted levels reviewed as data was obtained.

A zone of affected residences along the route was then determined, based on where the predicted levels were above the LAeq(15 min) noise level of 35 dB(A). The licence required the contractor to develop a complaint response program and specified that the contractor would need to respond within two hours for a complaint received from within this zone, and within 24 hours for complaints received outside of this zone. The contractor set up a 24-hour response line for the affected community to use for noise complaints.

Where the investigation of a complaint showed that measured levels were above the ground-borne noise limit at night (10 pm to 7 am), the licence required the contractor to develop an approach to manage the ground-borne noise impacts. The constructor was able to negotiate an agreement with the complainant to permit night-time tunnelling to continue where ground-borne noise levels were higher than the limits in the licence conditions.

This ongoing direct communication with the aff ected community allowed a good relationship to be developed and assisted in the works being completed on time and budget.

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Case study 4: Major road construction projectA four-lane freeway that would pass through a large town was to be constructed. The noise assessment indicated that noise from the construction would significantly affect a number of residences.

Work practices to minimise noise impacts during the recommended standard hours included:�� construction of earth mounds as early as possible during the construction works to

provide shielding to residences adjoining the work site – the mounds work best when they are located as close as possible either to the residences or to the noise source

�� extensive consultation with the affected community, including mail-outs and advertisements in local newspapers to notify when, where and for how long noisy works would be undertaken, a 24 hour toll-free information line, a community liaison officer at an information booth and a complaints management program

�� a table of set noise levels for major items of equipment used on site – when equipment arrived on site its noise level was measured and, if it was above the tabled value, the equipment was checked and modified as necessary; the equipment noise levels were checked monthly to identify equipment that required immediate maintenance

�� consideration of quieter construction methods, for example, expansion joints in freshly laid concrete paving were cut using a ‘soft-cutting’ method that cuts the concrete when it is semi-cured to generate less noise than cutting the concrete in its harder full-cured form.

Work practices implemented to minimise noise impacts from approved works outside the recommended standard hours (such as during possession of a major road), in addition to notifying the community of the works, included:�� providing a 24-hour phone number to contact a construction officer who had the

authority to alter works being undertaken where the complaint was justified�� using ‘smart’ (less annoying) movement alarms on mobile cranes

Works can be close to neighbouring residences (Courtesy of Sydney Water and Leighton Contractors)

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�� locating compressors, power generators and other fixed plant at ground level and behind site structures to provide the greatest shielding

�� using plywood to form temporary barriers around noisy works, and wrapping noise-reducing material around noisy equipment where possible

�� selecting the quietest equipment available – equipment fitted with high-performance mufflers on engine exhausts and sealed enclosures on engines

�� locating the site entry, site offices and parking areas as far as possible from the residences.

Case study 5: Major infrastructure upgrade projectAs part of a strategic plan to service the needs of an expanding residential district, a 10 km pipeline was constructed to the regional sewage treatment plant through three towns. The pipeline was 9 m deep with a diameter of 1.8 m, constructed using a tunnel-boring machine to bore out a cavity into which the pipe was pushed into place.

To manage noise impact at the aff ected communities, tailored mitigation plans for each site, based on the duration of works and the expected noise levels, were prepared. A range of community consultation methods were used to manage the noise impacts, including written notifi cation, meeting with aff ected residents, notifi cation in the local newspaper of noisy works, a 24 hour toll-free telephone complaints line, and street signage. In residential areas, proposed work practices included:�� installation of a temporary enclosure at the tunnel portal, as the tunnel-boring machine

operated 24 hours a day�� fitting a muffler to a 35 tonne crane�� instructing all night staff about quiet work practices�� scheduling deliveries during the recommended standard hours only, unless restricted by

police or other authorities�� arranging the work site to minimise the use of movement alarms on vehicles�� developing an agreement with residents where noise could not be mitigated to meet the

night-time noise level.

The project team found that through noise management planning, implementation of quieter work practices and continued community consultation the project was undertaken with minimal disruption to the community.

Case study 6: Night-time essential maintenance worksEssential maintenance on a damaged section of a major arterial road was needed. The works were near a residential area and were scheduled for night-time due to high levels of commuter traffic on the road at other times.

The project manager applied to the road authority for approval to undertake the works at night. As part of this process, the project manager was required to assess the potential for noise impacts from the proposed works. The work was scheduled for only four consecutive nights (weather permitting) and the total duration of noise exposure from the works would be four nights at any residence. The project manager decided that a qualitative assessment would be the most appropriate way of assessing noise impacts from the proposed works.

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Using aerial photographs, maps of the locality and knowledge of the proposed work site, the project manager identifi ed the nearest residences to be:�� along the arterial road, a minimum of 15 m to either side of the site�� in streets off the arterial road.

The application for approval included a qualitative noise assessment report with a description of the identified residences and the proposed plant and equipment. The report indicated that the noisiest activities would probably be the bitumen removal and asphalting, and noted that the equipment involved would be operated when required between 11 pm and 4 am.

The report recommended that the work practices described in section 5.2 of this Guideline be implemented to minimise noise impacts, together with guidance from the Environmental Noise Management Manual (RTA 2001) and the Environmental Fact Sheet 02 – Noise Management and Night Works (RTA 2007). These work practices included notifying residents prior to undertaking works, considering alternative work methods that generate less noise, operating plant in a quiet and efficient manner, and training workers in ways to minimise noise (such as avoiding shouting).

The project manager prepared a letter to residents surrounding the work area informing them that noise from the proposed works may be audible; a sample notification letter is shown in Figure 3. The project manager organised a toolbox talk each night with the workers before work commenced, to explain to them the importance of minimising the noise on site. The project manager also arranged for the site manager for each night to carry a mobile phone and be the point of contact for community enquiries or complaints.

Consider respite periods for high-noise level works (DECC)

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Over the four nights of work, the site manager received calls from some residents concerned about noise. As a number of the callers mentioned that they had been woken by noise from equipment left idling for long periods close to residences, the site manager talked to the workers about turning off equipment when not in use.

Figure 3: Sample notification letter to residents

Sample Constructions Pty LtdPO Box 999Smithville

1 July 2009

Dear Resident and Business Operator,

Western Arterial Road: Night-time maintenance works

Sample Constructions Pty Ltd has been contracted to undertake maintenance works on a section of Western Arterial Road between Smith Street and John Street. The works will be undertaken over four nights commencing 12 July 2009, weather permitting.

During these night-time works, lane closures will occur. Traffic controls will be used and the speed limit near the construction areas will be reduced to 60 km/h.

You may hear occasional reversing beepers, truck engines, and engine noise from machines used for road surface preparation. The equipment will be used between the hours of 10 pm and 4 am each night. Lights may be used but will be directed away from residences. Workers will be asked to minimise noise from the works. All practices described in our published procedures (available at www.website.address) will be implemented at these works.

We apologise for any inconvenience or disturbance that this work may cause.

To contact the site manager whilst these works are being undertaken, please call 0400 555 555.

Yours sincerely

John CitizenProject Manager

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Appendix B Equipment noise levels

Plant and equipment noise levels can be described in two ways:�� sound power level (Lw or SWL), or�� sound pressure level at a given distance (Lp or SPL).

The sound power level is the intrinsic noise output of plant or equipment, and does not depend on distance or orientation of the machine. There are Australian and international standards that define methods for determining the sound power level of a machine (for example, the AS1217 series).

The sound pressure level is the noise at a given distance from plant or equipment, and the sound pressure level can change depending on the distance from the equipment and also the orientation of the equipment. The sound pressure level is meaningless without knowing the distance at which the sound pressure level is measured. Because sound pressure levels can vary with distance from plant or equipment, it is not the preferred data for comparing noise output – sound power level is generally best for comparison of plant or equipment as it is independent of distance.

When selecting plant or equipment, the proponent should contact manufacturers or suppliers and ask for the noise level data of a range of suitable equipment. The proponent may also wish to compare the noise level data of similar equipment from diff erent manufacturers or suppliers. There are broadly four responses that a manufacturer may give when asked for equipment noise level data:1. sound power level, for example, Lw 115 dB(A)2. sound pressure level for a given distance, for example, Lp 82 dB(A) at 7.5 m3. sound pressure level without specifying the distance, for example, Lp 78 dB(A)4. no noise level data available.

The first two responses are useful as the information allows comparison of the noise output of suitable equipment. The last two responses are not useful, and in this case the proponent should either ask the manufacturer or supplier to provide more information (such as the distance at which the sound pressure level was measured), or obtain noise level data from another manufacturer or supplier.

The noise output of equipment may vary depending on operating conditions, such as idle or under load. Where possible, equipment noise levels should be compared for similar operating conditions. When undertaking on-site compliance checks, the proponent should obtain exact noise level data from the equipment manufacturer or supplier.

There are several published databases on construction equipment noise levels:�� The Department of Environment Food and Rural Affairs in the United Kingdom published

LAeq and LA (max) sound pressure levels in 2005 (DEFRA 2005).�� The Federal Highway Adminstration published LA (max) sound pressure levels in 2006

(FHWA 2006).�� The European Commission (2000) issued Directive 2000/14/EC (amended by Directive

2005/88/EC) on equipment sound power levels.�� The Department of Energy and Infrastructure in South Australia published Infrastructure

Works at Night – Operational Instruction 21.7 in 2007 (DTEI 2007).

49

Appendix C Audible alarms on mobile plant

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 requires that mobile plant incorporate measures that eff ectively warn persons in danger from its operation. This requirement applies to:�� a designer of powered mobile plant, under clause 93(4)�� a person selling or transferring the plant, under clause 121(3)�� a person hiring or leasing the plant to another person, under clauses 127(2)(a) and 127(2)(b)�� an employer, under clauses 136(A)(1)(c), 137(1)(c) and 141(10)(a).It is important to emphasise that the Regulation does not specify the format such warning devices must take. Audible movement alarms, such as reversing ‘beepers’, are not mandatory but are simply one of a range of movement alarms fitted by various manufacturers. Manufacturers may also have a range of alternative audible movement alarms that may be appropriate for the specific operation of the equipment. Where the manufacturer has fitted movement alarms, they must be maintained and operated as intended. Changing the type of alarm fitted would constitute an alteration and clauses 84 to 97 of the Regulation would apply. The Moving plant on construction sites: Code of Practice (WorkCover 2004b) discusses the possible inconvenience and disadvantages of using audible reversing alarms for operations with multiple plant and at night-time near residential areas.

Approval conditions (such as in licences or consents) or when altering the type of alarm fi tted may require that:� a safety risk assessment be undertaken to determine whether it is practicable to

implement less annoying audible movement alarms, on powered mobile plant, and� if the safety risk assessment determines that alternative audible movement alarms are

practicable without compromising safety, then those alarms must be functional whilst undertaking the construction works.

The safety risk assessment must be determined by a competent person, and be based on an assessment of the site and its conditions as well as the machines involved. The alternative audible movement alarms must be compatible with the machine, and not adversely affect its operation. The competent person must specify the procedures involved in changing the warning measures, and the maintenance necessary to ensure their correct operation.

When a movement alarm is replaced by a less annoying audible movement alarm, all site personnel should be advised of this change and the manner in which the device functions.1

1 An example of the sound of a broadband alarm can be found at www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/constructnoise.htm

A loader fitted with a broadband reversing alarm rather than a beeper alarm (Abigroup Contractors Pty Ltd)

50

Abbreviations

CLG community liaison group

CLO community liaison offi ce

dB decibel

DEC Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW)

DECC Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW

EIA environmental impact assessment

EPA Environment Protection Authority

EPL environment protection licence

POEO Act Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997

RBL rating background level

RTA Roads and Traffi c Authority, NSW

51

Glossary

Airborne noise management levels – to be measured and assessed at the residential property boundary that is most exposed to construction noise, and at a height of 1.5 m above ground level. If the residential property boundary is more than 30 m from the residence, the location for measuring or predicting noise levels is at the most aff ected point within 30 m of the residence.

Assessment location – an identifi ed residence or other sensitive land use.

A-weighting – an adjustment made to the sound level measurement to approximate the response of the human ear.

Background noise level – the underlying level of noise present in the ambient noise when extraneous noise is removed and excluding noise from the construction project under consideration. This is described using the LA90 descriptor.

Blasting – to be assessed in accordance with the Technical Basis for Guidelines to Minimise Noise Annoyance Due to Blasting Overpressure and Ground Vibration (ANZEC 1990).

Competent person – a person who has acquired through training, qualifi cation or experience, or a combination of these, the knowledge and skills to carry out a particular task (as defi ned in Clause 3(1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001).

Construction works – include the erection, installation, alteration, repair, maintenance, cleaning, painting, renewal, removal, excavation, dismantling or demolition of, or addition to, any building or structure, or any work in connection with any of these activities, that is done at or adjacent to the place where the building or structure is located. Construction works occur on a site for a limited period of time only.

Decibel (dB) – a measure of sound equivalent to 20 times the logarithm (to base 10) of the ratio of a given sound pressure to a reference pressure, and 10 times the logarithm (to base 10) of the ratio of a given sound power to a reference power.

dB(A) – a measure of A-weighted sound levels.

Emergency works – unforseen works immediately needed to prevent the loss of life, damage to property or environmental harm.

Environmental impact assesment – a broad term that covers the range of assessments required under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 and any related amendments to the Act.

Extraneous noise – noise resulting from activities that are not typical of the area. Atypical activities include traffi c generated by holiday periods and special events such as concerts or sporting events. Normal daily traffi c is not considered to be extraneous.

Ground-borne noise – noise heard within a building that is generated by vibration transmitted through the ground into the structure from construction works, sometimes referred to as ‘regenerated noise’ or ‘structure-borne noise’. Ground-borne noise can be more noticeable than airborne noise for underground works such as tunnelling. The ground-borne noise levels are only applicable when ground-borne noise levels are higher than airborne noise levels.

Habitable room – any room other than a garage, storage area, bathroom, laundry, toilet or pantry.

Internal noise level – applies at the centre of the room in use that is most exposed to the construction noise, and can include both airborne and ground-borne noise.

52

LA1 (1 min) – the A-weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for 1% of the 1-minute measurement period.

LA10 (15 min) – the A-weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for 10% of the 15-minute measurement period.

LA90 (15 min) – the A-weighted sound pressure level that is exceeded for 90% of the 15-minute measurement period, when measured in the absence of the construction works under consideration and excluding extraneous noise. This is considered to represent the background noise.

LAeq (15 min) – the A-weighted equivalent continuous (energy average) A-weighted sound pressure level of the construction works under consideration over a 15-minute period and excludes other noise sources such as from industry, road, rail and the community. Other descriptors may be used providing they can be justifi ed as representing the characteristics of the construction noise.

LA (max) – the A-weighted maximum noise level only from the construction works under consideration, measured using the fast time weighting on a sound level meter.

Mandatory – required by legislation. The Guideline specifi es noise management levels that guide the need to apply work practices to minimise noise impacts, but the legislation does not make it compulsory, that is not mandatory, to meet these noise levels. However, the Guideline will be used when setting statutory (legally enforceable) conditions in a licence or consent.

Most aff ected location(s) – location(s) that experience (or will likely experience) the greatest noise impact from the construction works under consideration. In determining these locations, existing background noise levels, noise source location(s), distance and any shielding between the construction works (or proposed works) and the residences and other sensitive land uses need to be considered.

Proponent – the developer of the construction works under consideration.

Rating background level – the overall single-fi gure background noise level for each assessment period. Determination of the rating background level is by the method described in the NSW Industrial Noise Policy (EPA 2000). This approach aims to result in the noise management level being met for at least 90% of the time periods (15 minutes each) over which reactions of annoyance can occur.

Short-term maintenance works – maintenance or repair of infrastructure, where the works are not likely to aff ect an individual or sensitive land use for more than three weeks in total.

Vibration – human comfort vibration to be measured and assessed in accordance with Assessing vibration – a technical guideline (DEC 2006).

53

References

ANZEC (1990). Technical basis for guidelines to minimise annoyance due to blasting overpressure and ground vibration. Australia and New Zealand Environment Council, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/blasting.htm

DEC (2006). Assessment of vibration – a technical guideline. Department of Environment and Conservation (NSW), Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/vibrationguide.htm.

DEFRA (2005). Update on noise database for prediction of noise on construction and open sites, Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK), London, www.defra.gov.uk/environment/noise/research/construct-noise/constructnoise-database.pdf.

DTEI (2007). Infrastructure works at night – Operational instruction 21, Department of Energy and Infrastructure, Adelaide, South Australia,

http://210.247.132.180/alt-host/assets/word_doc/0003/35652/1004908-v7-Environment_-_Technical_Standards_-_Infrastructure_Works_at_Night_-_Operational_Instruction_21_7.DOC.

EPA (2000). NSW industrial noise policy. NSW Environment Protection Authority, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/industrial.htm.

FHWA (2006). Roadway construction noise model user’s guide, Federal Highway Administration, US Department of Transportation, Washington, www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/noise/rcnm/rcnm.pdf.

RTA (2001). Environmental noise management manual, Roads and Traffic Authority, NSW, Sydney, www.rta.nsw.gov.au/environment/downloads/environmental_noise_management_manual_v1_0.pdf.

RTA (2007). Environmental fact sheet 02 – Noise management and night works

Standards Australia (2000). Acoustics – Recommended design sound levels and reverberation times for building interiors, AS/NZS 2107, Sydney.

TIDC (2007). Construction noise strategy. Transport Infrastructure Development Corporation, NSW, Sydney, www.tidc.nsw.gov.au/ArticlePage.aspx?PageID=1406.

WorkCover (2004a). Code of practice: Noise management and protection of hearing at work, WorkCover NSW, Sydney, www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/LawAndPolicy/CodesofPractice/noisemgmt.htm.

WorkCover (2004b). Moving plant on construction sites: Code of practice, WorkCover NSW, Sydney, www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/LawAndPolicy/CodesofPractice/cop_moving_plant.htm.

54

Further reading

AS 2436—1981, Australian Standard, Guide to noise control on construction, maintenance and demolition sites.

BSI (1992). Noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – part 4. Code of practice for noise and vibration control applicable to piling operations. BS 5228-4:1992. The British Standards Institution, London UK.

BSI (2008). Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Noise. BS 5228-1:2009. The British Standards Institution, London UK.

BSI (2008). Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites. Vibration. BS 5228-2:2009. The British Standards Institution, London UK.

Burgess, M. and Lai, J. (1999). Noise management for the building industry – current practices and strategies for improvement, Condensed report for WorkCover NSW. Australian Defence Force Academy, Canberra, www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/Industry/Construction/NoiseManagementBuildingIndustry.htm.

Considerate Constructor Scheme, www.ccscheme.org.uk.

CIRIA (1999). How much noise do you make? A guide to assessing and managing noise from construction sites, Project report 70, Construction Industry Research and Information Association, London UK.

Environment Australia (1998). Best practice environmental management in mining: noise, vibration and blasting control, Canberra.

Environmental Protection Department (1997). Technical memorandum on noise from percussive piling, Hong Kong, www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/noise/guide_ref/files/tm_pp.pdf.

Environmental Protection Department (2006). Noise control, Hong Kong, www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/eia_planning/guide_ref/rpc_3.html.

EPA (1999). Environmental criteria for road traffic noise. NSW Environment Protection Authority, Sydney, www.environment.nsw.gov.au/noise/traffic.htm.

European Commission (2000). Directive 2000/14/EC of the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union (amended by Directive 2005/88/EC in 2005), Official journal of the European Committee, Brussels, www.ec.europa.eu/enterprise/mechan_equipment/noise/legisl.htm

IAP2 (2007). Spectrum of public participation, International Association for Public Participation, www.iap2.org/associations/4748/files/spectrum.pdf.

Landcom (2004). Blue book – Managing urban stormwater: soils and construction. Volume 1, 4th edn, reprinted 2006, Sydney, www.landcom.com.au/whats-new/publications-reports/the-blue-book.aspx.

Ritterbusch, G.H. and Meitl, K.G. (2001). Thirty years of governmental limits for construction machinery, Noise Control Engineering Journal 49(4), 206–9.

Thalheimer, E. (2000). Construction noise control program and mitigation strategy at the Central/Artery Tunnel project, Noise Control Engineering Journal 48(5), 157–65.

Thalheimer, E. (2001). Proactive construction noise control policies developed for the central artery/tunnel project’s C17A6 contract, in Proceedings of the national conference on noise control engineering (Noise-Con 2001), 29–31 October 2001, Portland, Maine.

55

Index

Page numbers in bold refer to main entries.

Airborne noise, 4, 11, 12, 15, 54, 55Alternative work method, 16, 19, 48Assessment method

Qualitative, 9, 19Quantitative, 9, 11, 15

Barriers, 3, 16, 21, 28, 30, 42, 44, 46Blasting, 4, 7, 11, 15, 16, 27, 36, 37, 40, 41, 42,

44, 54

Commercial premises, 7, 11, 14, 15Consent authority, 11, 21, 34Consent condition, 21, 25, 34, 35, 40, 41Construction Method Statement, 35Consultation, community, 4, 36, 38, 42, 43, 47Contractor, 43, 44, 45

Delivery, 8, 25Demolition, 1, 54Dozer, 51Drilling, 15Duration of noise exposure, 9, 19, 36, 48

Educational institutions, 14Emergency works, 9, 54Environment Protection Licence, 44, 53Excavator, 51

Feasible, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 19, 20, 21, 23, 26, 27, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 54

Ground-borne noise, 4, 11, 15, 16, 42, 45, 55

Hospital wards, 7, 14

Impulsive, 8, 15, 17, 25, 55Industrial premises, 7, 11, 14, 15

Local Council, 5, 33

Maintenance, 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 19, 39, 42, 46, 48, 52, 54

Maximum noise level, 15, 17, 25, 55

Negotiated agreement, 6, 38Night-time, 15, 20, 25, 26, 27, 28, 42, 44, 45,

47, 48

Noisemodelling, 17

Noise Management Plan, 19, 21, 33, 34, 35, 37, 47

Notification, community, 21, 42

Operating theatre, 14Overpressure, 15, 44, 54

Piling, 19, 38, 51Places of worship, 7, 14Prediction, 18, 42Protection of the Environment Operations Act

1997, 1

Qualitative assessment, 9, 19, 21, 40, 48Quantitative assessment, 5, 9, 11, 13, 14, 15,

19, 40

Railway, 5, 6, 9, 11, 38Rating Background Level, 12, 13, 15, 53Reasonable, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 13, 19, 20, 21, 23,

26, 27, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 54Recommended standard hours, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,

11, 12, 13, 19, 23, 29, 36, 40, 44, 46, 47, 55Remediation, 1Renewal, 1, 5, 6, 9, 19, 54Residence, 1, 6, 7, 8, 13, 15, 16, 19, 23, 25, 27,

28, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 41, 42, 44, 45, 46, 48, 54, 55

Reversing alarm, 25, 28, 42, 47Road traffic noise, 11, 55Rock breaker, 21, 51

School, 8, 14, 29Sensitive land use, 1, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16,

19, 23, 25, 28, 29, 30, 35, 36, 37, 38, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45, 54, 55

Sleep disturbance, 11, 15, 19

Tonality, 17Tunnelling, 15, 27, 29, 45, 55

Underground, 15, 27, 55

Vibration, 2, 11, 15, 41, 43, 44, 54, 55, 56

WorkCover NSW, 5

www.environment.nsw.gov.au

ManageMent guidelines

noise & vibration

IntroductIon 2

i. Objectives 3

ii. Scope 4

iii. Disclaimer 4

iv. Definitions 4

v. How to use this guide 5

1. LegIsLatIve requIrements 6

1.1 Activities Local Law 2009 (Local Law) 6

1.2 Environment Protection Act 1970 7

1.3 Residential Noise Regulations 7

1.4 Health Act 2008 7

2. Key noIse management PractIces 8

2.1 Community consultation 8

2.2 Complaint resolution 8

2.3 Work scheduling and respite periods 9

2.4 Universal work practices 10

2.4.1 General practices – particularly important at night or during sensitive times 10

2.4.2 Contract specification and staff training 10

2.4.3 Monitoring 10

2.5 Plant and equipment 10

2.5.1 Selecting equipment 10

2.5.2 Alternative equipment 11

2.5.3 Maintenance 11

2.5.4 Alternatives to traditional ‘beeper’ alarms 11

2.6 Site planning, barriers and layout 11

2.6.1 Managing noise from trucks and mobile equipment 12

2.6.2 Location of plant and equipment 12

2.6.3 Use the site to shield sources of noise 12

2.6.4 General principles for barriers – breaking ‘line of sight’ 13

2.6.5 More information 13

3. aPPLyIng desIgnated sound LeveLs 14

3.1 Estimating noise from sites 14

3.1.1 Other considerations for noise assessment 17

3.2 How to apply Designated Sound Levels 17

4. councIL’s aPProach to noIse assessments 18

4.1 General nuisance assessments 19

4.2 Enforcement by Council 20

4.3 Noise Sensitive Zones and noise levels 20

4.3.1 Area for consideration and noise levels 20

4.3.2 Typical sensitive periods and noise levels 21

4.3.3 Procedure for measurements 21

4.4 Vibration Assessments 21

4.4.1 Procedure for measurements 21

5. noIse and vIbratIon management PLans 22

5.1 What is a Noise and Vibration Management Plan? 22

5.2 Council’s requirements at ‘planning stages’ 22

5.2.1 Planning Permit Stage 23

5.2.2 Project Planning and Design 23

5.2.3 What information should be submitted to Council? 24

5.3 Council’s expectations through works’ stages 24

5.3.1 Case scenarios 24

5.3.2 When might a builder/contractor want to amend an NVMP during works’ stages? 25

5.3.3 How should new NVMP information be submitted to Council? 25

5.3.4 When might Councnil request an NVMP during works’ stages? 25

6. acoustIc advIce 26

6.1 When is acoustic advice required? 26

Table: Designated Sound Levels and 27 related actions

6.2 Project planning and design 28

6.3 Works’ stages 28

6.4 What should acoustic advice achieve? 28

6.4.1 Noise levels and projected limitations 29

7. noIse measurement Procedures 30

7.1 Noise measurements procedures 30

7.1.1 Measurement procedures and duration 30

7.1.2 Measurement location 30

7.1.3 Measurement equipment and calibration 32

7.2 Vibration assessments 33

7.2.1 Designated Vibration Levels 33

7.2.2 Vibration measurements 33

contents

IntRoDUctIon

As development continues and the City of Melbourne’s population grows,

construction noise may affect a greater number of people in our municipality.

For these reasons, the construction industry needs to respond by

appropriately managing noise and vibration issues.

This set of guidelines outlines the City of Melbourne’s standards around

noise and vibration management, providing a measurable standard of

what is acceptable. It seeks to balance the needs of the construction

industry with reasonable community expectations.

These guidelines include a range of information such as ways to

monitor, manage and measure noise, legislative requirements, and the

City of Melbourne’s approach to noise assessments, project planning

and permit requirements.

Construction and building works are a fundamental part of a growing and changing city like Melbourne.

However, construction works need to be controlled so that noise doesn’t become a nuisance for our visitors, residents and businesses.

2 City of Melbourne | Noise & Vibration Management Guidelines

Noise is sound that is loud,

unpleasant or causes a disturbance.

Noise is not the same for all people,

sounds that are acceptable to some

people may not be tolerated by

others. Noise can have a significant

impact on the health and wellbeing

of people, and is linked to hearing

damage, stress, sleep disturbance,

reduced work performance and

general poor health.

The City of Melbourne

expects builders/contractors

to implement all feasible and

reasonable measures to control

noise, and consult with the

community to keep noise levels

within an acceptable limit.

The City of Melbourne may

require these standards to be

formalised in a Noise and

Vibration Management Plan.

Noise management encompasses

all aspects of a building project

including the demolition, excavation

and construction phases. It extends

to works on site and in the public

domain as well as peripheral

activities such as trucks accessing

a site.

Construction companies are

advised to make contact with

the City of Melbourne in the initial

stages of a project to plan for

noise management.

objectives

The objectives of these guidelines

are to:

• provide guidance on noise

management for building works

• outline the City of Melbourne’s

expectations for noise and

vibration management

• balance the needs of the

construction industry with

reasonable community

expectations

• ensure that builders/contractors

identify and apply all feasible

and reasonable measures to

manage noise and consult

with the community

• provide a measurable standard

for the assessment and control

of noise and vibration from

construction sites within the

City of Melbourne.

Developers are required to consult

with neighbouring and affected

properties in the immediate vicinity

of a site before and during the

construction period to keep local

residents, and any other parties

that may be affected, informed of

the type, duration and location of

works and their potential impact on

the local area.

City of Melbourne | Noise & Vibration Management Guidelines 3

scope

These guidelines present

information pursuant to Council’s

Activities Local Law 2009, Part

9 Building Works (Nuisance

Abatement). This local law

applies to works on commercial

and residential sites, including

construction, demolition and

excavation works.

NOTE: Any reference to a Local

Law, Act or Regulation includes

reference to any subsequent

amending Local Law, Act or

Regulation.

The guidelines specifically apply

to building works as defined in

Council’s Activities Local Law

2009. Under Local Law, building

works ‘includes works, activities,

events and practices for, or in

connection with, the construction,

alteration, demolition or removal

of a building’. The requirements

do not apply to civil infrastructure

works such as bridges, freeways

and tram or train track works. They

do not include the use of tools for

minor maintenance works, hobbies

or arts activities in commercial or

residential properties. Depending

on the nature of these activities

and the site where they take place,

noise that is causing a nuisance

may be assessed by Council’s

environmental health officers

using the relevant health and

environment regulations.

disclaimer

These guidelines have been

compiled and issued to provide

general guidance for compliance

with provisions of Activities Local

Law 2009, Part 9 Building Works

(Nuisance Abatement). While

the guidelines specify minimum

requirements for noise and

vibration control, they are not

intended to be, and should not be

treated as, an exhaustive statement

of legal, technical and other factors

involved in the interpretation and

specification of acoustic measures.

Accordingly, the City of Melbourne

expressly disclaims all liability for

errors and omissions of any kind

whatsoever whether negligent or

otherwise or for any loss, damage,

injury or other consequences

that may arise from any person’s

reliance on these guidelines.

definitions

builder/contractor: A person who is engaged

in building works.

building works: Includes works,

activities, events and practices

for, or in connection with, the

construction, alteration, demolition

or removal of a building.

Low impact project: Includes

minor project works by an owner/

builder, such as internal residential

and commercial renovations,

usually of a short duration where

building activity is not likely to

cause significant noise or vibration

emissions.

medium impact project: Includes

construction of new residential

dwellings, multi-storey renovations

or demolition of buildings by an

independent builder/contractor.

high impact project: Includes

extensive long-term works such

as construction of a multi-storey

development, substantial building

demolition or major excavation

including piling works.

Noise is not the same for all people, sounds that are acceptable to some people may not be tolerated by others.


how to use this guide

Using the definitions below, identify the scale of project you are

responsible for. Then read the sections relevant to your project.

LoW, medIum and hIgh ImPact

All scales of project need to consider

1. Legislative requirements page 6

2. Key noise management practices page 8

3. Applying designated sound levels page 14

4. Council’s approach to noise assessments page 18

medIum and hIgh ImPact

Medium and high impact projects may need to supply:

5. Noise and Vibration Management Plans page 22

hIgh ImPact

High impact projects may require:

6. Acoustic advice page 26

all Projects – low, medium and high impact

1. Legislative requirements

2. Key noise management practices

3. Applying Designated Sound Levels

4. Council’s approach to noise assessments

medium and high impact

5. Noise and Vibration Management Plans

high impact 6. Acoustic advice


1.1 activities Local Law 2009 (Local Law)

All building works within the

City of Melbourne are required to

comply with the Activities Local

Law 2009.

Part 9 Building Works (Nuisance

Abatement) of the ‘Local Law’.

Under the Local Law, Council

requires people undertaking

building works to:

• give notice to Council

before undertaking works

(48 hours notification)

• work within permitted hours

• submit and have approved

by Council a Construction

Management Plan (including

a Noise and Vibration

Management Plan)

when requested prior to

commencement

• undertake building works in a

manner that does not cause a

nuisance, which may include

adherence to sound and

vibration levels designated

by Council.

All projects are required to work

within Council’s prescribed hours.

These are:

For general building works:

• 7am and 7pm Monday to Friday,

and

• 8am and 3pm on Saturday.

NOTE: Council may prescribe

different hours for works in

Docklands.

For owner/builder type works,

where the person carrying out the

works is the owner or occupier and

no other person is engaged for fee

or reward:

• 7am and 7pm Monday

to Friday

• 8am and 6pm on Saturday

• 9am and 6pm on Sunday.

It is important to recognise that

even within these hours there are

groups in the community that may

be more sensitive to noise at

certain times.

Although not specifically precluded,

building works on public holidays

or days when events of special

social significance are planned

should not be undertaken in a

manner that impacts on public

activities. This could constitute a

nuisance and may be regarded as

a breach of the Local Law.

legIslatIve ReqUIRements

1


1.2 environment Protection act 1970

Section 48a of the Environment

Protection Act 1970 makes it an

offence to cause unreasonable

noise from any residential

premises. Residential noise may

be unreasonable at any time of

the day, depending on its volume,

intensity, duration, time, place and

other circumstances.

1.3 residential noise regulations

The Environment Protection

(Residential Noise) Regulations

2008 apply to all residential

properties, including sites under

development. The regulations list

specific types of equipment and

times when their use is

not permitted.

The relevant equipment

includes internal combustion

engines, powered and electrical

equipment including power

tools, chain or circular saws, gas

or air compressors, pneumatic

power tools, hammers and any

other impacting tool or grinding

equipment.

The prohibited times apply when

the noise can be heard from

inside a habitable room of another

residential premises.

• Monday to Friday:

before 7am and after 8pm

• Weekends and public holidays:

before 9am and after 8pm.

It is important to note that some

equipment may still be too loud

even when used during the

appropriate times.

1.4 health act 2008

Council can also take action

under the Nuisances Provisions

of the Public Health and Wellbeing

Act 2008.

Noise is sound that is loud, unpleasant or causes a disturbance.


This section outlines six broad

strategies to help builders/

contractors manage noise from

a construction site:

2.1 Community consultation

2.2 Complaint resolution

2.3 Work scheduling and

respite periods

2.4 Universal work practices

2.5 Plant and equipment

2.6 Site planning, barriers

and layout

2.1 community consultation

Community consultation is an

essential part of managing noise

from a construction project.

Builders/contractors should aim to:

• establish good working

relationships with community

stakeholders such as nearby

residents and businesses

• give and receive feedback

on construction activity and

performance during a project

• discuss the community’s

concerns and be proactive

in complaint resolution.

As part of a community

consultation strategy, neighbouring

premises should be given written

notification of the project. The

information should outline the

type and duration of works,

likely noise impacts, and provide

contact details for feedback and/or

complaints resolution.

The minimum notification

period is 48 hours before noisy

work is scheduled. Longer

notification periods of a week or

more may apply to work likely to

exceed the City of Melbourne’s

regulation noise levels (see section

3: Designated Sound Levels) or at

the start of a project.

Methods of notification for noisy

works and ongoing communication

about project progress can include:

• letterbox drops

• meetings

• individual contact

• a website (for larger projects)

• a regular newsletter with site

news, project planning etc, or

• direct emails to all stakeholders.

In some areas, provision of multi-

lingual notification may be required.

2.2 complaint resolution

A person may have experienced

noise disturbance for some time

before they approach the builder/

contractor. The builder/contractor

should respond respectfully to

a complaint and implement all

feasible and reasonable measures

to address the issue.

key noIse management pRactIces foR low, meDIUm anD hIgh Impact pRojects

2


It is particularly important to

respond when the complaint refers

to disturbed sleep and/or noise that

is tonal (beeping, metal-on-metal),

impulsive (hammering, pile driving)

or low frequency (truck engine,

heavy machinery).

High impact projects should

have a readily accessible contact

point such as a 24-hour toll-free

information and complaints line.

The builder/contractor should call

back as soon as possible, and then

maintain communication about how

the issue is to be resolved.

The complaint management

process should be well

documented, with details about the

following:

• the noise/s in question

• the time of the complaint and

the person making it

• the person dealing with the

complaint and what they plan

to do

• how resolution of the complaint

is to be communicated to

the person who made the

complaint, the community and

the Council

• who should be contacted if the

complaint cannot be resolved,

and

• the time taken for responses.

2.3 Work scheduling and respite periods

Scheduling noisy works to provide

respite and avoid sensitive times

is a vital part of responsible noise

management.

The following are examples of

sensitive times that may require

special consideration:

• a childcare centre with regular

children’s sleep periods

• an office needing to organise

meetings

• a school conducting exams

• a restaurant with lunchtime

trading.

The builder/contractor should

firstly consult with affected

parties, such as the examples given

above, and arrange appropriate

periods of respite from noise.

The scheduled respite times should

then be communicated to the

relevant people.

This kind of communication may

also help the builder/contractor

identify times when people are

not using a site (such as an office

on the weekend).

On a typical weekday, more

frequent respite periods should be

provided where possible, especially

during very noisy works. For

example, a break of 15-20 minutes

for every hour of jack-hammering

may be a suitable way to manage

noise impacts.


Consider the option of relocating

people for short periods of time,

such as when high noise levels

from construction occur at night

and there is no other feasible

or reasonable way to reduce

noise levels.

In some cases a builder/contractor

will have to weigh up the benefits of

avoiding sensitive periods against

the increased costs and additional

time taken on the job. Explaining

the various options to affected

parties will help develop a fair and

balanced approach.

In general, the instance and

duration of noisy works should

be minimised. This is particularly

important for night and other

out-of-hours works.

2.4 universal work practices

A number of easy-to-implement

work practices can help reduce

noise complaints.

2.4.1 general practices – particularly important at night or during sensitive times

Some general construction

activities can be carried out in

the following ways:

• Minimise metal-on-metal

contact: Bins, skips and chutes

can be lined with material such

as carpet, which helps deaden

the sound of metal and other

waste disposal.

• Avoid dropping items from a

height: When an item is dropped

from a height, the resulting noise

is louder than if it were put in

place directly.

• Use equipment sensibly: Turn

off equipment when not in use.

Throttle settings should be

reduced if possible.

• Encourage appropriate staff

conduct: Staff should not use

loud radios and/or stereos

outdoors during sensitive times,

such as early in the morning in

a residential area. Shouting or

inappropriate language, loud

talking and slamming vehicle

doors should be avoided.

• Use PAs appropriately: If a PA is

on site it should be used sensibly

and in moderation. Avoid

broadcasting telephone calls

through the PA.

• Manage truck noise: Noise

from trucks is a common issue,

especially near residences.

Scheduling and management of

truck movements is important

to reduce issues associated with

reversing beepers, engine noise

and general off-site activity.

2.4.2 contract specification and staff training

When a builder/contractor

has made noise reduction

commitments, staff need to be

made aware of them. Workers and

sub-contractors need to be trained

to follow noise management

practices. Toolbox meetings may

be an effective way to do this.

Embedding noise management

requirements, and the

responsibilities for breaches, in

tenders, employment contracts or

subcontractor agreements can

be an effective tool for pro-active

noise management. This ensures

that responsibility for noise rests

with all people involved.


develop a one-page summary

of general practices for noise

management and, if applicable,

Noise and Vibration Management

Plan requirements (see section 5:


Plans, page 22) and clearly display

this on site. Operating hours,

delivery times, truck routes, and

extra considerations for works

during sensitive times could also be

included in the summary. Workers

should be reminded about these

commitments regularly.

2.4.3 monitoring


periodically check the site and

local area for noise problems and

actively manage noise issues before

and as they arise.

2.5 Plant and equipment

All builders/contractors should

endeavour to use low-noise, well-

maintained equipment where

feasible and reasonable. Deciding

to use low-noise equipment in the

early stages of a project can be of

considerable benefit in reducing

noise, especially for medium and

high impact projects.

2.5.1 selecting equipment

Consideration of equipment noise

levels should be part of each stage

of project planning and contract

specification.

The builder/contractor should look

at different types of equipment

that do the same job and compare

the noise level data. Noise emission

labels are often provided on

equipment and can be used to

assist in this process. Investigate

high-quality mufflers, acoustic


enclosures, low-noise tool bits/

blades and inquire from suppliers

about lower-noise equipment.

2.5.2 alternative equipment

Compressors for pneumatic

equipment can often cause

problem noise levels and should

be silenced, enclosed and located

appropriately. Hydraulic or

electrical equipment may be a

viable alternative.

Electrical equipment can also be

used to replace diesel or petrol

engines. Care must be taken with

the location of any generators and

supply lines.

Impacts from noisy excavation and

demolition works can be reduced

by alternative work methods.

Alternatives to rock-breaking

include hydraulic splitters for

rock and concrete, hydraulic jaw

crushers, and rock and concrete

sawing. Smaller rock breakers/

excavators are generally preferable

to larger machines, although the

impact of increased time on the job

should also be considered.

2.5.3 maintenance

A key commitment for any

project (which should be included

within contract specifications) is

to ensure that:

‘equipment is not operated if maintenance or repairs would eliminate or significantly reduce a characteristic of noise resulting from its operation’.

This means that equipment

should be in good working order,

and where there is a fault or

maintenance issue creating the

noise, it must be dealt with before

it is used.

Builders/contractors should

regularly check the condition

of mufflers, enclosures and air

lines, for example, to make sure

they are in good working order

and that there are no gaps or

leaks. An ongoing inspection and

maintenance process should be

established for long-term projects.

Hired equipment that is causing

excessive noise in a manner that

is not typical for the equipment

should be returned to the supplier.

2.5.4 alternatives to traditional ‘beeper’ alarms

The traditional ‘beeper’ alarms

for mobile equipment can create

a nuisance during projects where

there is a lot of movement (such

as prolonged use of scissor lifts)

or if works are being conducted

at night.

Some examples of alternatives that

are less noisy include:

• ‘Smart alarms’ that adjust their

volume depending on the

ambient level of noise. These

are particularly useful during

operations in quieter suburban

areas, where other noise on the

site is less, or when works take

place during quieter periods

such as early morning.

• ‘Broadband’ or ‘quacker’

alarms. These emit a less

annoying sound and are more

directional. This means the

sound is focused to the area

of concern and is less likely to

travel to noise-sensitive areas.

The use of these alternative

technologies must be:

• determined by a competent

person based on an assessment

of the site, its conditions and on

the machines involved

• compatible with the machines

so it does not adversely affect

their operation

• accompanied by specific

procedures for installation

and maintenance to ensure

correct operation

• communicated to all site staff

to ensure they are aware of the

new alarm and how it works.

The requirements of relevant

occupational health and safety

legislation must be complied with

in all cases.

2.6 site planning, barriers and layout

In many projects, noise can

be managed by appropriately

arranging site orientation and

operations. These principles need

to be addressed during early

project stages, when there is

greater flexibility to plan for noise

management.


2.6.1 managing noise from trucks and mobile equipment

On larger sites, the layout should

be arranged to avoid the need

for truck reversing. Drive-through

parking and deliveries with a one-

way thoroughfare is one method

that should be investigated.

Site vehicle entrances should

be located away from sensitive

areas, namely residences, as

beeping and engine noise from

truck movements is a common

issue in the early morning.

Where appropriate, an area away

from residential dwellings should

be nominated for off-site truck

parking when vehicles arrive

before site opening hours. Council

may require that trucks wait away

from the site in a less sensitive

area or other areas/options may

be suggested depending on

the nature of the site. For larger

projects, traffic controllers can be

used to direct trucks that arrive out

of approved times or to instruct

drivers to turn off their engines

when stationary.

At an early stage, the builder/

contractor should designate a truck

route that minimises noise impacts

and clearly communicate to drivers

the requirements for arrival times,

vehicle movements, idling reduction

and general conduct, and/or

include these requirements as a

condition of contract.

Deliveries to construction sites

should be scheduled to occur only

within the allowed times. Fewer

vehicles with larger loads, rather

than a number of smaller vehicles,

can help reduce noise impacts.

Options may be limited by site

access and scale, with larger sites

usually providing a greater level

of flexibility.

Other considerations, such as

safety and traffic impacts, will

apply when looking at truck access

and routes.

2.6.2 Location of plant and equipment


aim to locate plant and equipment

away from sensitive sites, thereby

maximising the distance from

affected parties. When plant and

equipment needs to be located

close to noise sensitive areas,

restricting the hours of operation

should be considered.

In some cases, it may be possible

for noisy fabrication work to be

done off site and transported to

the site at a later date.

2.6.3 use the site to shield sources of noise

When noisy works involve

demolition or excavation, there

may be opportunities to use

existing building structures as

a shield for noise. For example,

during early demolition stages it


may be possible to leave sections

of an existing building façade/

structure in place, acting as a

barrier between noisy works and

the noise-sensitive areas.

Similar benefits may be gained if

permanent walls are built to act as

a noise barrier.

Temporary barriers can also be

constructed and existing site

materials or hoarding may be useful

in this regard.

Any walls left in place to provide

an acoustic/noise management

or other associated benefit

must be structurally sound and

stable in accordance with current

engineering principles and

requirements.

2.6.4 general principles for barriers – breaking ‘line of sight’

Barriers should be used to break

the ‘line of sight’ between the noisy

works and the noise-sensitive areas

(when looking towards the noise

source from the location receiving

the noise).

Barriers should be located as close

as possible to the noise source or

sensitive receiver. There should be

no gaps or openings at joints in the

barrier material and barriers need

to be sufficiently dense. In general,

material weighing at least 10kg/m2

should be used.

Barriers also need to be sufficiently

high and wide, as sound can carry

around the structure. In cases

where the affected location is in

a high-rise development, barriers

may not be useful, as the height will

not be enough to break ‘line of site’

to the noise received.

Short, straight barriers will allow

sound to pass around the ends.

Therefore, barriers around a

stationary noise source should be

constructed with a length at least

10 times greater than its height.

For shorter barriers, it may help to

bend or wrap the barrier around

the equipment.

Acoustic sheds should be

considered for very noisy

operations where it is possible to

contain the plant and equipment.

As with barriers, the shed should

be of sufficient density and suitable

construction, with seals on doors

and internal treatments to reduce

noise reverberation. Ventilation and

general occupational health and

safety requirements also need to be

considered.

It is important to recognise that

large reflecting surfaces, such

as concrete or glass walls, may

increase noise levels, as the sound

can ‘bounce’ off and be magnified.

The builder/contractor should avoid

placing equipment in locations

where reflected noise will increase

noise exposure.

Barriers and acoustic sheds may

be most useful to high-impact

projects, where the cost is justified

as the works can be done faster or

with greater flexibility.

2.6.5 more information

For more information please

consult the following:

• EPA Noise Control guidelines,

Publication 1254, section 2

• EPA Publication 480 –

Best Practice Environmental

Management – Environmental

Guidelines for Major

Construction Sites

• Australian Standard

AS2436-2010 – Guide to

noise and vibration control

on construction, demolition

and maintenance and

demolition sites.


Designated Sound Levels (DSLs)

form a general noise standard that

Council applies to construction

works within the City of Melbourne.

Council applies DSLs according

to the circumstances in which

the noise is generated and the

type of construction project

creating the noise.

Under the Activities Local Law

2009, Part 9 Building Works

(Nuisance Abatement), an officer

may determine that noise is a

‘nuisance’, based on a comparison

of the site’s noise measurements

to a DSL, and/or because of its

character, intensity, duration and

the time and circumstances in

which it is emitted.

Builders/contractors need to

be aware of Council’s DSLs, and

they may also need to provide

Council with a detailed assessment

of noise by an acoustic consultant

(see section 6: Acoustic Advice,

page 26).

DSLs can be used as:

• baseline acceptable noise

levels, above which builders/

contractors are expected to

demonstrate a higher level of

noise management

• a noise investigation and

enforcement tool for Council

• a benchmark for high impact

projects requiring acoustic

assessment.

3.1 estimating noise from sites

Builders/contractors should assess

noise levels for noise-management

purposes and benchmark against

Council’s DSLs.

Australian Standard AS2436-2010

provides a technical framework

to estimate noise from construction

sites. Some simplified information

derived from AS2436-2010 is

presented in table 1 on the

next page.

Please note: the sound levels

indicated in table 1 are based on

equipment operating at ground

level and should only be used to

provide a general impression of

a project’s likely noise impacts.

applyIng DesIgnateD soUnD levels foR low, meDIUm anD hIgh Impact pRojects

3


quIcK reFerence – acoustIc termInoLogy

The following is a quick reference to the terminology used to estimate sound levels:

db(a) Unit of overall noise level, in A weighed decibels. The A-weighting approximates the average human response over the entire frequency range. This unit is often used in combination with the descriptors below.

Leq Commonly referred to as the average noise level. This is the constant sound level over a period of time which is equivalent in total sound energy to the time-varying sound level measured over the same time period.

L90 Commonly referred to as the background noise level. This is the sound pressure level that is equal to or exceeded for 90% of the time interval considered in the absence of the noise under investigation.

Factors such as the height of

equipment or type of ground

surface will affect outcomes.

Large reflective surfaces and

barriers, such as concrete or

glass walls, may increase noise

levels as the sound can ‘bounce off’

and be magnified.

When an accurate estimate of

noise is required, builders/

contractors should seek advice

from an acoustic consultant.


tabLe 1: aPProxImate sound LeveLs From equIPment oPeratIng at ground LeveL

equIPmentdIstance 15m dIstance 30m dIstance 60m

approx dba level approx dba level approx dba level

concrete mixer

Petrol 2kW 57 – 61 51 – 55 45 – 49

Diesel < 87 < 81 < 75

compactors

220kW 85 – 92 79 – 86 73 – 80

compressors

Standard 3.5 to 4.5m3/min 59 –74 53 – 68 47 – 62

Standard 17m3/min 76 – 87 70 –81 64 – 75

cranes

20kW tower 72 – 76 66 – 70 60 – 64

10-tonne truck mounted 86 – 88 80 – 82 74 – 76

dump truck

20 tonne 70 – 75 64 – 69 58 – 63

25 tonne, 120kW < 82 < 76 < 70

dumpers

1.5 tonne 62 – 82 56 – 76 50 – 70

3 tonne < 81 < 75 < 69

excavators

200 – 300kW 82 – 86 76 – 80 70 – 74

generators

250 kVA 80 – 87 74 – 81 68 – 75

Loaders (tracked)

200 – 300kW 86 – 90 80 – 84 74 – 78

Piling

Single air hammer 86 – 107 80 – 101 74 – 95

Rotary bored 80 – 92 74 – 86 68 – 80

Vibratory system (sheet piles) 87 – 98 81 –92 75 – 86

Pumps

Concrete pumps 70 – 75 64 – 69 58 – 63

rock breakers

Hydraulic 78 – 87 72 – 81 66 – 75

Pneumatic > 75mm diameter 92 – 108 86 – 102 80 – 96

rock drills 64 – 77 58 – 71 52 – 65

Tractors 78 –79 72 – 73 66 – 67

trucks

Concrete mixer 75 – 84 69 – 78 63 – 72

Power tools

Electric drill < 62 < 56 < 50

Hammer drill 69 – 80 63 – 74 57 – 68

Grinder 69 – 74 63 – 68 57 – 62

Pneumatic breaker

14kg standard 80 –84 74 – 78 68 – 72

Silenced 68 – 76 62 – 70 56 – 64

Pneumatic breaker

27kg standard 88 – 91 82 – 85 76 – 79

Silenced < 86 < 80 < 74

Chainsaw 73 – 94 67 – 88 61 – 82


tabLe 2: When dsLs are aPPLIcabLe to a Project and What actIons need to be taKen

WorKs and hours actIon LeveL basIs and actIons

upper dsL outdoor assessments

Conducted within Standard Hours under Activities Local Law section 9.5 or 9.6 as appropriate.

75dB(A) Leq

Measured at the façade of the affected building.

These levels indicate the point at which noise may have an unreasonable interference with activities involving speech. All feasible and reasonable efforts should be made to reduce noise to within these levels.

For works with noise exceeding these levels, an explanation of the need to undertake works, careful scheduling, provision of periods of respite and close communication with affected parties will be required.

Council is likely to undertake further action the noise exceeds these levels and the builder/contractor has not correctly identified impacts or demonstrated an appropriate level of noise management and community consultation.

upper dsL indoor assessments

Conducted within Standard Hours under Activities Local Law section 9.5 or 9.6 as appropriate.

For structure-borne noise, alternate working methods to reduce noise may not be available. Therefore operating hours and the degree to which the noise exceeds the DSL needs consideration. Flexible scheduling and periods of respite should be emphasised.

55dB(A) Leq

Indoors with windows closed: for structure-borne noise or where there is no representative outdoor location.

general works outside normal hours

Conducted during non-standard hours

Council does not use DSLs to manage general works outside of standard hours.

After-hours permits may be issued depending on the reason for working outside of standard hours, the type of works, the history of the site performance and the location of the site in relation to different sensitive uses.

It may be considered most appropriate to undertake works outside of standard hours to find a compromise that minimises impacts on all affected sites, for examples, where there are local businesses but no residents in the area.

Conditions to manage noise are placed on permits, such as community notification, quiet work practices and staff conduct. Permits may be revoked or adjusted in response to community complains and/or inappropriate conduct.

3.1.1 other considerations for noise assessments

Apart from assessing actual noise

levels, it is important to consider

the character of the noise. Some

examples of noise that can be

annoying to people include:

• tonal noise, which refers to

noise such as beeping, grinding,

drilling or sawing

• impulsive noise, which refers

to noise such as hammering,

pneumatic equipment,

excavation and rock breaking

• low frequency noise, which

refers to deep or ‘bass heavy’

noise from equipment such

as heavy machinery or idling

truck engines.

3.2 how to apply designated sound Levels (dsLs)

Council’s DSLs are set to

allow for a ‘minimum to moderate

level of interference with normal

activities involving speech’.

This level represents the upper limit

for reasonable impacts.

Noise above this level is considered

to be significantly detrimental

to speech, and may be deemed

a nuisance if appropriate noise

management and consultative

actions are not put in place.


Council regularly undertakes noise

measurements at building sites

within the City of Melbourne and

compares these to its Designated

Sound Levels (DSLs). These

measurements may be done in

response to a noise complaint or as

part of proactive monitoring.

A decision by Council to undertake

noise measurements will depend on

the nature of the noise, expected

duration, the type of overall project

and any complaints received. Once

a noise measurement is taken,

Council will make a judgement as to

how strictly it will apply the DSL.

Depending on the circumstances,

Council may choose to apply the

DSL as a means of determining

‘nuisance’ and enforcing the

Local Law, or it may use the

measurement as a general guide to

nuisance and/or to assess whether

further noise management is

expected from the site.

In cases where the builder/

contractor has applied ‘a

reasonable level of noise

management’, minor fluctuations

are not likely to result in a

determination of nuisance.

Conversely, application of the DSL

may be more stringent where the

noise has strong tonal or impulsive

characteristics, or occurs during

sensitive hours without proper

justification.

Without limiting the ability of

Council to exercise judgement,

general factors to consider in the

application of DSLs are:

• time of works (with regard to

sensitive periods such as 7am

to 9am for residents or 12pm

to 2pm for restaurants as

described in section 4.3: Noise

Sensitive Zones and noise levels)

• tonal qualities such as those

from beeping, grinding or

metal-on-metal contact

• impulsive characteristics such

as noise from impact equipment,

hammer drills, jackhammers,

rock breakers etc

• strong low-frequency

components such as noise

from idling engines that affect

sleeping areas

• the duration of the noise

• the land zoning and local

context in which the noise

occurs

• protected special uses such

as medical uses or audio

production facilities

coUncIl’s appRoach to noIse assessments foR low, meDIUm anD hIgh Impact pRojects

4


• the level of noise management

exercised by the builder/

contractor, including community

consultation.

Council policy clearly states that a

greater level of noise management

is required for works exceeding

DSLs, in order to demonstrate

that due care has been taken

in planning, operations and

community consultation.

It is not the intention of Council to

adopt an approach that relies on

noise measurements in every case.

Many of the techniques used to

manage construction noise involve

common sense and non-technical

approaches such as scheduling of

works or location of equipment.

Therefore Council’s general

approach focuses on finding

practical solutions to the

management of noise in the

first instance.

Some noise-affected areas may

already have high noise levels

due to typical activities within the

premises. Examples include bars or

cafés where noise from people may

exceed construction noise. These

types of premises may be able to

tolerate higher construction noise

levels, which Council will consider

when making an assessment.

4.1 general nuisance assessments

Council may not need a noise

measurement to determine the

existence of a nuisance.

For example, a nuisance decision

without a noise measurement might

be made where ‘a special use’ is

affected, such as a medical facility,

aged care facility, crèche or school.

Other examples of when a nuisance

may exist without measurement

is when offensive noise occurs

early in the morning or late at

night, and the builder/contractor

has not demonstrated sufficient

justification for the works, has

not attempted to explore quieter

working practices, or has not

appropriately notified affected

parties. Works on public holidays

or during recognised public

events may also be considered a

nuisance, particularly where proper

management measures have not

been implemented.


4.2 enforcement by council

Council may take further action

if noise exceeds DSLs or Council

has determined a nuisance exists

and the builder/contractor has

not demonstrated an appropriate

level of noise management and

community consultation.

Actions may include greater

community consultation, provision

of respite periods, adjustment

of work hours, change in work

practices, submission of more

detailed noise management

information, submission of an

acoustic assessment, a requirement

to cease works, or issuing of an

infringement notice.

Legal action may follow where a

notice or an infringement has been

served and the proponent has not

adequately responded.

4.3 noise sensitive Zones and noise levels

Noise Sensitive Zones are used

to help noise assessments and

determination of DSLs in a number

of ways:

• The zones provide a framework

for managing noise impacts,

undertaking acoustic

assessment and predicting

noise levels for a project.

• The typical sensitive periods

for a ‘use’ will be considered by

Council when making a noise

assessment and measurement.

• For high-impact projects, the

zones are used to determine

DSLs at various locations.

4.3.1 area for consideration and noise levels

The area for consideration is

provided as a general guide for

assessing sites sensitive to noise,

community notification and project

planning. Projects will generally not

be required to assess noise for all

uses within the area. An assessment

at the closest or most affected sites

will usually suffice.

tabLe 3: noIse sensItIve Zones

Zone Land uses tyPIcaL sensItIve PerIods

LIKeLy area For consIderatIon

sensitive Zone 1: Residential buildings, homes, hotels and motels

7am–9am, Mon–Fri 8am–10am, Sat–Sun

Within 200m from site boundary

sensitive Zone 2: Crèches, schools, hospital wards, nursing homes and other noise sensitive areas identified by Council

Case specific, will require consultation with the affected premises


sensitive Zone 3: Office buildings Will generally be equally sensitive during typical hours (9am–5pp, Mon–Fri)


sensitive Zone 4: Restaurants or cafes 12pm–2pm for lunchtime trade Within 50m from site boundary


These requirements are a guide

and do not preclude additional

requirements where particular

sensitive groups are affected by

construction activity. Council

reserves the right to restrict the

hours of operation for certain

types of works with respect to

sensitive uses.

4.3.2 typical sensitive periods and noise levels

There are also periods within

standard working hours (defined

under section 9.5 and 9.6 of

the Activities Local Law 2009)

where noise has a greater impact

on sensitive sites. (e.g. residential

uses during the sensitive early

morning period).

For all projects, planning of

activities should attempt to

minimise noise during sensitive

periods as far as reasonably

possible. When planning a high-

impact project with input from an

acoustic consultant, predictions of

noise levels can be used to indicate

what activities are most likely to be

an issue, which may help in terms

of project coordination and avoid

impacts during sensitive periods.

4.3.3 Procedure for measurements

Noise measurements by Council

follow the above guidelines as well

as technical procedures set out in

Section 7.1: Noise measurement

procedures, page 30.

4.4 vibration assessments

An acoustic consultant may be

required to undertake vibration

assessments for projects with an

identified risk of creating vibration

that negatively impacts on nearby

buildings or infrastructure, or

negatively affects people within

nearby buildings.

Vibration assessments may also be

required in response to a complaint

or concerns expressed about

damage to nearby buildings or

infrastructure.

Vibration assessments may include

predictive analysis, assessments

during trial operations, or ongoing

monitoring.

4.4.1 Procedure for measurements

Technical measurements are set

out in Section 7.1.1: Measurement

procedures and duration

measurement descriptor, page 30.


The Activities Local Law 2009,

Part 9 Building Works (Nuisance

Abatement) outlines requirements

for a person to notify Council

before they carry out building

works. If requested, a Construction

Management Plan (CMP) must be

submitted and approved by Council

before building works begin.

5.1 What is a noise and vibration management Plan?

A Noise and Vibration Management

Plan (NVMP) may be required as a

component of a CMP. An NVMP:

• identifies works that have the

potential for noise or vibration

impacts

• identifies noise-sensitive sites

in the locality

• examines work practices and

assesses means to reduce noise

• outlines communication and

community consultation

commitments for a project

• may contain acoustic

assessment and the advice of an

acoustic consultant

• embeds a formal commitment

to manage noise as part of

a CMP.

The level of detail expected in an

NVMP will depend mainly on the

scale, duration, hours and type of

works employed in a project.

An NVMP may only require

community notification and work

scheduling. However, medium to

high impact projects may also

require assessment of individual

work practices while high impact

projects will generally require input

from an acoustic consultant as

part of project planning and often

during project delivery.

As part of a CMP, an NVMP may

be requested in the following

circumstances:

• by Council’s Planning and

Building Branch department

or by the responsible authority

under the planning scheme

when assessing a planning

application

• where Council identifies works

that have the potential to

substantially interfere with

community amenity, or

• in response to a noise complaint

received when works begin.

5.2 council’s requirements at project ‘planning stages’

Different levels of information on

noise and vibration management

will be required during each

stage of a project. A proactive

approach on the part of the

builder/contractor is needed

from the outset, as well as flexibility

noIse anD vIbRatIon management plans foR meDIUm anD hIgh Impact pRojects

5


to adopt new measures and

respond to issues as they arise

during works’ stages.

Builders/contractors can

achieve a good relationship with

the community and the Council

if noise management is included

as part of early project planning.

A clearly thought-out approach

to noise management will help

set reasonable expectations for

the community and the Council,

helping to minimise issues when

works commence.

5.2.1 Planning permit stage

Council recognises that when a

planning application is received and

planning permit approval is given

for a construction project, only very

basic information may be known

about how the site will be managed

and how works will be undertaken.

Therefore, at the planning permit

stage, an applicant will be required

to provide a general project

overview. This overview will need

to include basic descriptions of

how noise management will be

considered as part of each works’

stage (equipment selection,

site layout, work practices or

acoustic advice if applicable)

and a commitment to the further

development of noise management

practices as the project progresses.

This information will form part of

the project’s CMP and be submitted

to Council.

The commitment to provide more

detailed or specific information as

it becomes available will usually be

formalised within an NVMP though

a condition:

‘to provide detailed information on noise management for each stage of works as soon as is practicable after the appointment of the principal contractor for each stage of works, and before the commencement of those works’.

5.2.2 Project planning and design

As a project develops, principal

contractors may be commissioned

for each stage of development (as

applicable to the project), including

demolition, excavation and

construction. It is important that

noise management is discussed as

part of the contract specification

for each stage of works. High

impact works should be identified,

alternatives explored and measures

planned to mitigate noise.

During the project planning stage,

specific work practices should

be developed in a way that is

considerate of noise and vibration

impacts. The principal contractor

should assess the potential

noise impacts of specific work

practices as knowledge develops

about each aspect of the project.

Council expects that all feasible

and reasonable measures be

put in place to control noise and


vibration. Feasibility relates to

what is practical and reasonable to

implement in relation to the balance

of costs and benefits, taking into

account community views.

Decisions at this stage can include

an agreement to include low-noise

working techniques and equipment.

Commitments can also be made to

develop specific noise management

processes as the project develops.

Significant noise management

processes should be factored into

project costing.

If acoustic advice is sought at this

stage it can be properly integrated

into the working program.

Cost efficiencies can be

gained when acoustic advice

and related processes are

included as a proactive rather

than reactive measure.

5.2.3 What information should be submitted to council?

At the project planning and design

stage, an applicant is required to

provide further detail and specific

commitments on how noise

management will be embedded

into each stage of works.

This information should be

presented as:

• an assessment of which works

are at higher risk of creating a

noise or vibration impact, with

reference to duration, hours,

type of works and proximity to

sensitive locations

• an explanation of how all

feasible and reasonable

measures have been put in

place to control noise

• detail on any elements that

are likely to remain as

outstanding issues once

noise control strategies have

been put in place

• related community notification

and consultation processes,

including general contact and

notification/consultation specific

to the periods of higher impact

works.

Where applicable, the assessment

and noise control strategies should

be explained in relation to Council’s

Designated Sound Levels.

This information should be

submitted to Council as an

expansion / addition to the

Construction Management Plan.

Ongoing discussions and feedback

from Council are encouraged as the


Plan is developed.

5.3 council’s expectations through works’ stages

Building works may include

demolition, excavation and

construction stages. Commitments

established during planning,

and formalised through contract

specification, should provide a

clearly defined framework for site

practices and responsibilities.

During works’ stages the builder/

contractor is expected to monitor

work practices (and noise levels

if applicable), review practices as

required, respond to complaints

appropriately and notify/consult

with the community as periods of

very noisy works arise.

If a complaint is received about

noise or vibration once works

begin, the builder/contractor and/

or Council will refer to the NVMP to

see if conditions are being followed

and take action as appropriate.

5.3.1 case scenarios

example 1: After attending a

complaint about noise from

idling trucks on a medium impact

construction project, Council

referred to the project’s NVMP. It

was a condition of the plan for truck

drivers to turn off engines when

not in use. The principal contractor

had included this requirement in

sub-contract specifications, which

helped them to manage the issue

quickly.

example 2: After attending a

complaint about noise from an air

compressor, Council found the unit

was in a poor state of maintenance

and had a hole in its exhaust, which

was creating the noise issue.

A condition of the project’s NVMP

was ‘that equipment should not be

operated if maintenance or repairs

would eliminate or significantly

reduce a characteristic of noise

resulting from its operation’.

Council directed that use of the

equipment be ceased until repairs

were made or a replacement was

sourced. The principal contractor

decided to rent a replacement for

the duration of the project.


5.3.2 When might a builder/contractor want to amend an noise and vibration management Plan during works stages?

A builder/contractor may wish to

amend an NVMP during works’

stages for the following reasons:

• issues may arise that require

further attention in terms of

noise management, such as new

or changed work procedures

• components of working

procedures may not be

developed until general

works begin

• significant community concern

occurs as the project develops

• complications may prevent

some noise management

commitments being met, or

• new noise sensitive uses may be

established during the project.

5.3.3 how should new nvmP information be submitted to council?

Council’s Activities Local Law

2009, (section 9.3) states that a

Construction Management Plan

may be modified with the consent

of the Council. Modifications to

the NVMP should be discussed

with Council and amendments

submitted in writing for approval.

5.3.4 When might council request an nvmP during works’ stages?

Council may request additional

noise and vibration management

information during works’ stages.

Typical reasons may include the

following:

• an NVMP may not have been

requested earlier

tabLe 4: stages oF deveLoPment and the noIse management Process

stage oF deveLoPment

noIse management Process For a noIse and vIbratIon management PLan (as Part oF a cmP)

Planning Permit approval

Conceptual discussion

Commitment to general approach: ‘to provide detailed information on noise management for each stage of works as soon as is practicable after the appointment of the principal contractor for each stage of works; and before the commencement of those works’.

Project Planning stage

Development of concepts

Listing more specific processes

design stage Embedding practices

Builder/contractor encouraged to include practices in contract specification/costing etc.

demolition excavation construction

Proactive

From builder/contractor

• Review of practices

• Response to complaints

• Monitoring of practices/noise

• Communication strategies with residents

From Council

• Site inspections

• Noise readings

• Discussions with builder/contractor

Reactive

From Council or builder/contractor

• Responding to complaints

• Checking against NVMP commitments

• Noise measurements

occupancy Permit (completion of all noisy works)

Proactive

• Seek feedback from stakeholders (incl Council)

• Review acoustic reports (if applicable)

• Identify measures that did and did not meet expectations

• Incorporate learnings into next projects


is received as the project

develops, particularly in relation

to sensitive hours

• Council is not satisfied

that previously submitted

information sufficiently

addresses work and community

consultation requirements

• Council identifies errors or

omissions in the management

plan, or

• noise complaints are received

and the attending officer

believes the source of the noise

or vibration requires further

attention due to its level,

character, duration or timing.

Council may also include a request

for the recommendations of

an appropriately qualified and

experienced acoustic consultant.

(see section 6: Acoustic advice).


High-impact projects have the

potential to generate greater levels

of noise for a longer period of time.

For these projects Council will

usually require submission of an


Plan (NVMP) that includes acoustic

advice as a key component.

Acoustic advice may include

examination of noise reduction

methods, prediction of noise

levels and comparison to Council’s

Designated Sound Levels (DSLs),

detail on noise control limitations,

measurement of noise and

measurement of background

noise levels.

6.1 When is acoustic advice required?

A builder/contractor might seek

acoustic advice as a proactive

component of project planning,

or as a means to resolve complaints

after works begin. Council prefers

the proactive approach as it tends

to yield the best outcomes in terms

of flexibility and cost efficiency for

the project.

Council expects managers of

high impact projects to engage an

acoustic consultant as a matter of

course during project development.

Although Council may specifically

request the commissioning of an

acoustic consultant, it generally

encourages acoustic advice as an

integral part of planning for any

high impact project.

Any new development deemed

significant enough for the planning

application to be processed by

a relevant authority other than

Council, should include acoustic

advice as part of project planning

and development.

There are cases when Council will

approve short-term works and

acoustic assessment is considered

unnecessary. In these cases, the

approach for upper DSL outdoor

and indoor assessments and

general works would be used

(see section 3.2: How to apply

Designated Sound Levels (DSLs),

page 17, table 2).

acoUstIc aDvIce foR hIgh Impact pRojects

6


tabLe 6: desIgnated sound LeveLs (dsLs) and reLated actIons For hIgh-ImPact Projects requIrIng acoustIc assessment

WorKs and hours actIon LeveL basIs and actIons

baseline dsLStandard Hours under Activities Local Law section 9.5

7am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 3pm Saturday

L90 + 10dB(A) Leq (Zone 1,2)

L90 + 15dB(A) Leq (Zone 3,4)

(Measured at the façade of the affected building)

Works generating noise below these levels would generally not require additional noise management and community consultation. General notification and noise sensitive work practices are still expected, including informing the community of work periods and a contact point for complaints.

When the predicted or measured noise level is above this point, the builder/contractor should implement additional measures to minimise noise. They should demonstrate to Council that all feasible and reasonable measures have been put into place to minimise impact and should exercise additional community consultation during these periods of works.

baseline dsLNon standard hours

7pm to 10pm Monday to Friday, 3pm to 10pm Saturdays, 9am to 6pm Sundays and public holidays

Requires permit from Council, including operational conditions. Issued with consideration for history of complaints and site conduct.

L90 + 10dB(A) Leq (Zone 1,2)

L90 + 5dB(A) Leq (Zone 1,2)

L90 + 15dB(A) Leq (Zone 4)


baseline dsLNight period

10pm to 7am Monday to Friday, 10pm to 8am Friday/Saturday, 6pm to 9am Saturday/Sunday and around public holidays

Requires a permit from Council, including operation conditions. Issued with consideration for history of complaints.

L90 + 5dB(A) Leq (Zone 1,2)


Works during these hours are generally discouraged. When a project demonstrates a need to work during these hours for extended periods, all feasible and reasonable measures should be implemented to reduce noise to this level. More substantial expectations apply to what is reasonable for noise management during night periods.

Other than special circumstances, Council is unlikely to approve ongoing works that exceed this level. If approved due to special circumstances, the builder/contractor should communicate closely with affected people. Direct negotiation may be required if works will exceed the DSL. Council may facilitate this process.


6.2 Project planning and design

As project planning develops, it

may become evident that acoustic

advice is needed due to elements

such as:


• extended periods of demolition

• a proposal to include works such

as pile driving or rock breaking

• noisy works during evening or

weekend periods

• works during the night

• close proximity to sensitive sites

and a need to balance noise

impacts, or

• works being undertaken that

pose a risk of vibration or

structure-borne noise impacts.

6.3 Works’ stages

When noise management

information has to be submitted in

response to community concern

during works’ stages, Council

may also request the inclusion of

advice from an acoustic consultant.

Typically, a request for acoustic

information would occur for high-

impact projects in the following

circumstances:

• Council is concerned the builder

has submitted information that

does not explore all reasonable

options for noise control.

• The project has a significant

vibration component that is

likely to continue for a number

of days.

• Noise or vibration is affecting a

sensitive use such as a recording

studio or hospital.

• Noise levels exceed those

prescribed by Council by a

significant margin.

6.4 What should acoustic advice achieve?

Acoustic advice may be useful in

a number of ways. Ongoing input

from an acoustic consultant will

assist decision-making processes,

help to provide reasonable and

tangible targets for noise reduction

and ensure that appropriate noise

control measures are introduced.

Engaging an acoustic consultant

as part of project planning can

help demonstrate to Council

and the community that noise

has been adequately considered

and addressed.

Acoustic advice can bring another

level of expertise to a project and

can help with decisions about the

cost/benefit of noise or vibration

reduction measures such as:

• scheduling of noisy works

• work practices, such as choice

of piling technique

• equipment selection

• noise screens, such as height,

design and mass of screens

and barriers.

Acoustic consultants can calculate

noise and vibration exposure for

sensitive sites using Council’s DSLs.

Alternatively, they can determine

project-specific target noise

levels based on background noise

measurements and Council criteria.

This process can be used to

determine which works comply

with the noise criteria and which

works pose risks once all feasible

measures have been put in place.

Once these high-risk works and

their likely impacts have been

identified, the acoustic consultant

can work with the builder/

contractor to identify:


• appropriate work scheduling

arrangements to minimise

noise impacts

• which types of noisy works

cannot reasonably be controlled

further and may require

additional public consultation

or negotiation

• a noise monitoring arrangement

suitable for the project.

For long-term or very noisy

works where there are a number

of noise-sensitive sites, analysis

by an acoustic consultant may

help to determine a ‘balanced

impact’ approach to noise.

An acoustic consultant can

assess the level of noise

experienced at various locations

on a site and suggest measures

such as screening or scheduling

of works, so that one location is

not unreasonably exposed.

This kind of approach is also useful

to determine whether the benefits

of implementing a noise reduction

measure are outweighed by the

drawbacks (such as prolonging

the total duration of noisy

works). Community consultation

and negotiation can be aided if

immediate noise reduction

benefits can be compared with

the overall effect for the duration

of the project.

6.4.1 noise levels and project limitations

Depending on the works involved

and the location of noise sensitive

uses, not all activities will feasibly

or reasonably be able to meet

Council’s DSLs. Input from an

acoustic consultant will help to

demonstrate these limitations,

so that a balanced approach can

be achieved.

When works are proposed

outside standard working hours

(such as weekend, evening or

night-time works), an acoustic

consultant can undertake further

assessments to determine which

works are allowable and which

pose a risk of unacceptable

impacts on the community.

Engaging an acoustic consultant as part of project planning can help demonstrate to Council and the community that noise has been adequately considered and addressed.


This section addresses:

• measurement procedures

• requirements for acoustic

consultants

• background noise assessments,

and

• vibration assessments.

7.1 noise measurement procedures

For the purposes of these

guidelines, a noise sensitive

room means any habitable

room, workspace or otherwise

sensitive area (excluding service

areas, bathrooms or other similar

areas) that is within a land use

recognised in Council’s Noise

Sensitive Zones, or within a site

specifically acknowledged by

Council as requiring protection

from construction noise under

the Local Law.

7.1.1 measurement procedures and duration

measurement descriptor

The measured sound pressure

level shall be an equivalent

continuous sound pressure level

with the sound level meter set on

the a-weighting and time-weighting

F (fast response) (laeq. t ).

time and duration of measurement

The noise under investigation

should be sampled over a period

sufficiently long enough to be

representative of the particular

works being assessed. The

assessment period shall not be

less than 10 minutes but may

necessarily be up to 30 minutes

per sample.

The measurement shall not

include periods of inactivity during

breakdowns, meal breaks, industry

rostered days off, public holidays

or other substantial stoppages or

site absences.

The measurement shall not

include extraneous noise that

could affect the level of the noise

being assessed.

Noise management from

construction sites should focus on

individual activities and periods of

works and identify ways to better

manage and communicate these.

Accordingly, noise measurement

should generally focus on particular

activities rather than average noise

levels throughout the day, although

an indication of average noise levels

may assist in some circumstances.

7.1.2 measurement location

measurement location

For the assessment of noise from

building works, the microphone

should be located with respect to

the noise sensitive room, where

the person affected by the noise

is situated, and the practicality of

measurement, either:

noIse measURement pRoceDURes

7


a) near the façade of the noise-

affected premises, or

b) from a point at the façade

opening (e.g. window/doors)

inside the noise-affected room.

It is considered preferable to

measure near the façade of the

noise-affected premises by taking

a measurement from a balcony or

other outdoor area.

The microphone of the sound level

meter should be located between a

height of 1.2 metres and 1.5 metres

above the ground or the floor level

of interest.

Where a measurement is taken

within 3.5 metres from reflecting

structures, such as the façade

of the building, the preferred

measurement positions are 1 metre

from the façade and 1.2 to 1.5

metres above the ground or each

floor level of interest.

With consideration for these

requirements, the microphone

will be located at a point where

the highest sound pressure level

of the noise under investigation

can be obtained.

suitable indoor measurements, open façade, alternative locations

For indoor measurements where

a window or door is the major

transmission path for the noise,

then it shall be fully open during

the measurement and all

reasonable steps should be

taken to locate the microphone

in or close to the opening.

Where it is not possible to take

an ‘open façade’ measurement

because the windows/doors of

the building are sealed or it is not

feasible to locate the microphone at

the opening, all reasonable efforts

should be made to undertake a

measurement at a representative

outdoor location.

Options may include other floors or

areas in the same general part of

the building with opening windows/

doors, open roof areas and ground

level locations. Considerations for

the suitability of the measurement

location include the presence of

local noise sources such as roof

plant/equipment, nearby traffic

noise for ground measurements,

or likely differences in noise level

because of the effect of barriers

or hoardings. For consideration of

barriers, the person undertaking

the assessment should consider

whether ‘line of sight’ to the noise

source in the chosen alternative

location is representative of that for

the noise-affected area.

Where it is not considered

appropriate to undertake an

external noise measurement,

the procedure for indoor

measurements should be followed.


Indoor measurements

Although it is generally

preferential to measure outside

the noise-affected premises, there

are situations where a measurement

taken inside the noise-affected

room may be considered more

appropriate. These are:

• when the noise is entering the

room through the building

structure or air conditioning

system, rather than through

windows or doors

• when it is not possible to find

an outdoor location that is

representative of the noise level

outside the affected room

• where is it not possible to

place the microphone at the

opening of the façade because

of access issues or because the

construction does not permit

opening of windows.

In these situations an internal

noise measurement should be

undertaken, with windows and

doors closed. For these indoor

measurements, the criteria of

55dB(a) leq shall be applied,

instead of the 75 dB(a) leq as

used for outdoor measurements.

Please see table 2, page 17,

for more information.

Measurements indoors should

be taken in a location that is

representative of the area in which

the noise-sensitive use takes place.

The measurement location

should be close to the centre of

the room and away from any

barriers or partitions that may

affect the noise level.

During the measurement, all

reasonable steps should be taken

to suspend local activities and

noise sources with the potential to

interfere with the measurement.

Examples include conversation,

telephones, radios and printers.

7.1.3 measurement equipment and calibration

measurement equipment

The equipment used should

conform to the specifications for

sound level meters of Class 1 or

Class 2 as contained in Australian

Standard AS IEC 61672.1-2004,

Electroacoustics – Sound level

meters.

calibration

The sound level meter and portable

sound level calibrator must be

Measurements indoors should be taken in a location that is representative of the area in which the noise-sensitive use takes place.


calibrated at least every two years

by a calibration laboratory as

specified in AS1055.1-1997.

Field checks

The performance of the sound

level meter, when in use, shall

be checked periodically with a

portable sound level calibrator,

piston phone or other portable

checking device appropriate to

the sound level meter.

Calibration checks should be made

before and after measurements are

made. For extended measurement

periods, these checks should be

performed before and after each

measurement sequence. The

instrument shall not be switched

off between checks. If the

instrumentation system registers

a discrepancy equal to, or greater

than, 1dB between consecutive

checks, any measurements in the

interval between the two checks

shall be considered invalid.

7.2 Vibration assessments

The following vibration levels

have been designated by Council

and should be adopted. For

vibration levels exceeding these

criteria, the acoustic consultant

should submit further information

detailing the degree of various risks

and impacts with respect to the

affected locations and uses, and

suggest approaches to managing

these issues.

Alternatively, the acoustic

consultant may choose to

undertake assessments in

accordance with an accepted

standard for vibration management.

The chosen standard and the

general approach taken for

adherence to prediction and

measurement protocols should

be included in a report to the

builder/contractor and Council.

If the predicted or measured

vibration levels are in excess of the

chosen standard, management

actions should be implemented as

appropriate to the standard and the

vibration levels.

7.2.1. Designated vibration levels

The designated vibration levels are:

• Peak particle velocity level of

10mm/s when measured at the

site boundary.

• Peak particle velocity level of

2mm/s when measured on a

foundation, floor, wall or ceiling

surface of a building located in

sensitive zones 1 or 2.

• Peak particle velocity of 5mm/s

when measured on a foundation,

floor, wall or ceiling surface of

any other adjoining building.

7.2.2. Vibration measurements

The following considerations apply

to vibration measurements:

• The equipment used shall be

selected by a suitably qualified

acoustic consultant and shall

be listed in detail in any report

submitted to Council.

• All vibration equipment shall

be laboratory calibrated.

• The transducer shall be

mounted intimately on the

surface of the building element

being assessed for vibration.

• Those making the transducer

selection and mounting

arrangement should ensure

the resonant frequencies

associated with the transducer

in its mounted arrangement are

sufficiently different from the

main frequencies experienced

for the evaluation.


How to contact us

Online: melbourne.vic.gov.au

Telephone: 03 9658 9658

7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday

(public holidays excluded)

National Relay Service: If you are deaf, hearing impaired

or speech-impaired, call us via the National Relay Service:

Teletypewriter (TTY) users phone 1300 555 727 then ask

for 03 9658 9658

9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

(Public holidays excluded)

In person:Melbourne Town Hall - Administration Building

120 Swanston Street, Melbourne

7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday

(Public holidays excluded)

In writing:City of Melbourne

GPO Box 1603

Melbourne VIC 3001

Australia

Fax: 03 9654 4854

melbourne.vic.gov.au

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