Hi all, I am new to the forum and wish to seek information on best practice regarding alternatives to audible reversing alarms. To explain, residents in a financial district are subject to early morning window washing of nearby office blocks. The contractors arrive early on weekend mornings and use mobile plant for several hours cleaning with power hoses etc. I have looked at BS 5228-1 2009 which related to the following, however I need to establish best practice alternatives, can any body help?

"The use of conventional audible reversing alarms has caused problems
on some sites and alternatives are available. Audible reversing warning
systems on mobile plant and vehicles should be of a type which, whilst
ensuring that they give proper warning, have a minimum noise impact
on persons outside sites. When reversing, mobile plant and vehicles should travel in a direction away from NSPs whenever possible. Where
practicable, alternative reversing warning systems should be employed
to reduce the impact of noise outside sites".

Tonhil

Agreed with Ron in reviewing the methodology and operator positioning and in addition could you also assess the back ground sound level normally quite low in the morning, and then fine tune your reverse alarm accordingly?

Tonhil,

I suggest you conatact the manufacturer of the MEWP as they do not generally fit alarms unless they are neccessary to meet some aspect of the build standard and as such any modification would potentially negate the declaratrion of conformity.

Tonhil

I think that very soon you will be getting a call from the local EHO if you do not stop these alarms sounding. Saturday working in hearing of a residential area is only permitted between 0830 and 1200 unless specifically authorised by the EHO. It only takes a really fed up resident and you will find yourself on the end of a potential prosecution. With proper lookouts these alarms can be turned OFF. If they will not turn off then change the equipment.

They are a nuisance noise and designed to be so in order to do their job - but early and after lunch on Saturdays or any time Sunday are out. Silence them or do it some other time.

Bob

Or two or three perhaps depending on the number of MEWPS

Bob

Thanks anyway, fscott. I will try to follow up up on 'croaker' alarms.

These are known as "white noise" alarms, and a good alternative that does the job but is less likely to cause a nuisance. This is a good option (and one which HGVs implement for sensitive locations).



Whilst I agree that a statutory noise nuisance can occur at any time, each case will be taken on it's merits, from the OP we're not talking construction site noise, therefore every council will have different time periods that they feel are acceptable. E.g. we deliver to lots of stores on Saturday early evenings, the noise of unloading delivery can be heard by residents (OK it is not AS intrusive as a siren, but still clanging from the pallet truck) but would generally not delivery past 8pm. We also delivery on Sundays, but again not early morning or late at night.

The reality of the situation is that a complainant will be given a noise diary to complete, and the council should (depending on their enforcement policy etc.) attempt to resolve the issue informally in the first instance. If there is a continued disregard then of course a noise abatement notice is likely.

I just feel your post was slightly alarmist, certainly not my experience and I deal with EHOs on a weekly basis.

Hi David,

There is nuisance noise legislation here in Ireland, however, I am trying to look at alternatives for negotiations as opposed to EHO's as my first port of call.

Tonhil