Noise pollution should be at the forefront when planning a large-scale event, from music festivals to sporting competitions. Sound travels – that’s a fact. While those inside might be enjoying everything you have to offer, those outside could be exposed to a nightmare.
There are strict laws when it comes to the sound exposure – and it is the organisers job to ensure they are followed. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) recommends the average sound level in any part of the audience should not exceed 107dB, and peak noises should not exceed 140dB. Failure to do so could have serious impacts on people’s health.
But even so, those levels are still known to lead to noise complaints – especially when events are held in residential areas.
How sound screening can help
Successive noise complaints could bring an event to its knees. The answer doesn’t have to be turning the dials down – Echo Barrier can help.
Built by experts with decades of acoustics experience, our products are market leaders for a reason.
Our innovative systems allow event organisers to maximise the volume at their events – be it a headline act at a music festival or a sporting final – all without the worry of causing distress or hearing damage to neighbours.
Not only do they help protect people’s hearing and quality of life, they can also help improve sound quality within the venue by acting as screening between stages – making it a win win for those in the entertainment industry.
Our products allow for sound to be directed specifically towards the audience, enhancing quality while reducing nuisance for those nearby.
Frequently used products include items from our H-Series™. Developed by industry experts, the easy to install panels can help reduce the amount of sound escaping venues by as much as 99%. That’s thanks to our patent-protected technology, harnessing the most advanced acoustics industry developments.
Additional products include the Mini Genset M1™, specifically designed to cover small generators and power units – an often overlooked source of excessive noise. The lightweight solution, fitted with Velcro attachments, can reduce generator noise by as much as 25dB.
The consequences of ignoring noise pollution
Noise complaints can dominate local press headlines if an event sends a community into uproar. Indeed, it has already been seen this year after an outdoor venue in Newcastle had new restrictions imposed on it by a local council.
Events at the venue, in wake of the complaints, can now go on no later than 10.30pm – while noise levels cannot exceed 5dB higher than existing background levels near local homes.
Things can be much worse however, with event licences likely to be removed in cases where noise pollution is not taken seriously by organisers.
What have customers said?
Echo Barrier products are a popular solution for businesses around the world, be they event organisers or property developers.
Happy customers include the organisers of a large-scale 11-day Arundel Festival in England, who continued to receive noise complaints as their event grew. Thanks to Echo Barrier, they have since received tremendous praise and boosted their relationship with the local community.
Across the pond, our products were used at Palm Springs-based party organisers Splash House, with the number of noise complaints for their 2021 festival significantly reduced thanks to Echo Barrier’s bespoke wall of 72 sophisticated acoustic panels.
To learn more about how Echo Barrier can help limit the headaches for both you and your neighbours, contact our friendly team on 0845 561 3246 or visit our website: www.echobarrier.co.uk.