Noise monitoring surveys are central to most of the work that is carried out by Hepworth Acoustics. To investigate complaints about noise pollution it is necessary to carry out a noise measurement survey. Also, having an understanding of the existing noise climate is vital in assessing any proposed noise generating development. Noise monitoring is often required to check compliance with noise limits specified in planning conditions.

The company owns a number of noise (and vibration) meters to provide monitoring capabilities. We have the capability to measure 'A-weighted' levels, octave and third octave levels as well as carrying out narrow band frequency analysis. This allows noise surveys to be carried out to standards such as BS 4142, BS 5228, BS 6472, BS 7445, BS 8223, BB93, ETSU-R-97.

Noise surveys can be carried out over time periods varying from a few minutes to a number of days, depending on the type of noise source. If the survey is of an item of mechanical services plant that generates a continual steady noise, the necessary data can be obtained within a few minutes. For developments such as windfarms, it can be necessary to obtain noise data under different wind conditions, and this can require monitoring over a number of days or weeks.

Hepworth Acoustics has been involved in a number of large scale noise monitoring exercises over the years. This has included work for Defra on identifying noise levels from equipment used at mines, quarries and construction sites. This data has been incorporated into the latest version of BS 5228.

Hepworth Acoustics can provide the following services:

• Background noise surveys;
• Vibration surveys;
• Noise surveys to investigate complaints;
• Surveys to investigate sources of tonal noise;
• Sound insulation testing and surveys;
• Representation at legal hearings.