Posted By Malcolm Hogarth We have had a neighbour complaint to the effect that our factory noise levels are 97 Decibels. I am disputing this as our own readings indicate an average of around 50dB with a peak of 82dB when we had some vehicle movements. I used to have a leaflet that showed a range of levels from something like normal conversation to a jet aircraft at take off. I would like to access this information again but cannot find it. Can anybody help. NB I did find an up to date 'Noise at Work Advice for Employers' free leaflet from HSE but I cannot read the Example dB(A) levels!!

Posted By Paul Leadbetter Malcolm Did you post your thread in the Careers Forum by mistake? You will probably get a better response if you post in in OSH Chat. Paul

Posted By Kevin West David is correct with his reference to BS 4142. Consultancies such as the one I am employed with can undertake such an assessment on behalf of your company to establish whether the nopise constitutes a nuisance or not and can assist in ways to attenuate the noise where applicable. Kev

Posted By Ken Taylor In my local government days, nuisance noise levels were taken at the facades of complainants' buildings and compared with ambient levels. Those working in E Health may wish to confirm whether this is still the case (ie it's the sound level of the noise that actually reaches you (rather than that which is produced at source) that is taken into account - not to be confused, of course, with duties under noise at work legislation.

Posted By Linda Crossland-Clarke It is important to consider at what distance the noise levels are monitored at, as you could both be right!! You didn't state whether your sound levels are A-weighted or are pressure or power levels (this does make a big difference). Pressure levels have to state the distance from the noise source, whereas power levels do take this into consideration. your options are... a) consult with enviro health dept (however they are more concerned with protecting the noise climate of the area,) they will offer you advice, but may not be acting in your best interests b) seek independant advice from an acoustic consultants, as suggested previously. If you want details of consultants try this link. http://www.association-o....uk/Pages/Site%20Map.htm Linda.