It’s clear that the construction industry is on the rise. If you visit London, you’ll see construction projects throughout the capital. Not only are there new developments within business districts, but they’re in other parts of the city as well, including the area alongside the River Thames. These investments in new developments aren’t limited to London. Across the nation, there’s been a surge of new commercial and residential developments. It’s changing the landscape and having an impact on the economy.
The Fiscal Impact of New Construction
If you look at government figures, it’s clear that new developments are a boon to Britain’s economy. Data from the Office for National Statistics so impressive figures of £113,127 million at 2018’s end. You can also see this in the increase of construction firms across Britain. There are 325,736 firms operating in the country, which is a new record. It’s a 3.5% increase over the previous year.
The Risk of Noise Pollution
It’s clear that these new developments have positively impacted residential and business sectors. However, they have also created a new issue that must be addressed, which is the problem of noise pollution, specifically open site noise and structure borne noise. Noise emissions can be evaluated and monitored by local authorities to make sure that the noise isn’t having a negative impact on nearby communities. Noise pollution can be detrimental to a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. It can also lead to learning delays in young children.
Because of this, it’s crucial to reduce the amount of noise that comes from construction sites. Not only can this benefit nearby communities, but measures that reduce noise can benefit workers as well. According to research, from 2017 to 2019, approximately 21,000 workers in Great Britain experienced on-the-job hearing loss. This is a safety and health issue that impacts developers too.
Legislation on Noise Pollution
There are a few codes and pieces of legislation that must be followed by site operators and developers on construction sites. Most crucially, they must comply with BS 5228. These measures are specifically designed to ensure vibration and noise levels to not go beyond an acceptable range. That way, business, residences, hospitals, and schools will not be impacted negatively by the noise. It’s crucial for construction sites to be properly managed and assessed, ensuring that the sites are fully compliant with these regulations. Violations may lead to an enforcement notice from the local authority. This can cause a site to be shut down until measures are taken, which can be very costly for developers.
The Measures the Legislation Recommends
To reduce issues caused by noise pollution, the document recommends the following these control measures on job sites:
- Choose the best equipment for construction projects
- Ensure machines and plants receive regular maintenance
- Follow manufacturer guidelines when operating machinery
- Opt for compressors that are electrically powered instead of options that run on diesel or petrol
- Utilise a generator system that’s centralised
- Opt for electric or hydraulic tools when able
- Allow machinery to idle when possible and do not leave it running when it isn’t needed for use
Why Working Alongside an Acoustic Consultant Is Beneficial
It’s clear that it’s necessary to follow the requirements set by the British Standard. If you fail to do so, it’s possible for a job site to be shut down until the right measures can be taken. This can lead to a surge in costs, including increased costs for labour and equipment hires. Because of this, it’s crucial to partner with an Acoustic Consultant and to begin working with a professional at the start of a project.
