Commercial/Industrial Noise (BS4142 Assessment)

BS 4142:2014 – Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound

Noise can be a big problem for many people – it can be the reason for stress and unproductive operations. It might even be the cause of financial penalties to some businesses.

BS 4142 assesses the potential impact of industrial/commercial noise on residential (noise-sensitive) dwellings. It is established to assess several sources of noise – from a single AC unit to large installations like an oil refinery; it also evaluates the effects to the people nearby, along with the associated risks that can be minimised.

Acoustic instruments have changed a lot since the last 1997 revision. The latest editions consider the advances in technology, which can help to improve the accuracy of final assessments.

According to the BSI (British Standards Institution) group, many sections of the standard have also been revised to improve clarity:

• Helps assess sound levels at proposed new residential premises
• Enables the investigation of complaints by determining sound levels
• Reduces the likelihood of financial penalties
• Supports the current UK planning guidance and Environment Agency guidance

Guidelines for commercial or industrial noise with no distinguishable features

• A significant adverse impact is said to occur if the commercial/industrial noise reaches up to 10 dB or if it is much higher than the background noise level. 10 dB above background is not acceptable – a cause for “severe annoyance”, in accordance with BS 4142. 5 dB above background is “moderate annoyance”
• Commercial/industrial noise should be avoided if it reaches 5 dB or much higher than the background noise level
• Normally, it is acceptable if commercial/industrial noise is lower than the background noise level