Contractors and developers must follow a strict set of laws and rules when undertaking a construction project. Safety regulations and the rights of workers and citizens are heavily enforced in order to protect all parties fairly. Failure to meet these regulations can result in penalisation from local councils.
Construction noise is an occupational and environmental hazard that must be carefully monitored to prevent any harm or legal action from befalling the contractor or its employees. The consequences of negligence can vary in severity from warnings to fines of up to £40,000.
To avoid such devastating fines, contractors need to prove that they are using all reasonable means to reduce the noise level and prevent it from being a “statutory nuisance”.
What is a “Statutory Nuisance”?
Observing the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities are required to to handle statutory nuisance complaints, which is defined as noise that is “prejudicial to health or a nuisance.” If the construction noise issue is elevated to the status of “statutory nuisance”, usually as a result of multiple noise complaints, the responsible contractor or party will be issued an abatement notice. Failure to correct the nuisance will result in a £2,000 fine for each instance reported.
Applying “best practical means”
Contractors must demonstrate that they have used “best practical means” to control the noise levels. By showing that all efforts are being made to control the noise, it is possible to reduce or eliminate the likelihood of legal action or heavy fines.
“Best practical means” can be achieved by engineering measures, such as the installation of acoustic barrier technology. Echo Barriers are capable of reducing noise levels by up to 42 dB, while demonstrating a duty of care to the public on the part of the contractor.
Echo Barrier: Preventing fines for construction noise
Echo Barrier is the leading portable noise control system, allowing contractors to achieve “best practical means” more easily than ever before. Rapid installation, high acoustic performance, and unrivalled durability keep operators safe from being hit with staggering fines, while earning public goodwill as a recognised responsible contractor.
