Acoustic Testing

Noise and vibration are significant issues affecting many aspects of society in both the environment and the workplace. The life-changing effects range from general annoyance and sleep disturbances to life-changing physical effects such as noise-induced hearing loss or hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) caused by prolonged exposures working in hazardous conditions.

Element’s team of experts are members of the Institute of Acoustics (IOA) and the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS). We can provide specialist testing, assessment, and modeling services in all areas of environmental and workplace acoustics with cutting edge equipment and technology. These include:

Noise assessments

Element’s environmental noise assessment services utilize state-of-the-art noise modeling software, which considers meteorological conditions, local terrain, and other outside impacts in residential and industrial projects, providing highly accurate results.

Environmental noise and vibration assessments to support the planning process
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)
Environmental permitting support
BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 assessments
Construction and demolition assessment
Road traffic, rail, and aviation noise assessments

Acoustic noise modeling

Acoustic noise modeling provides a 3D simulation of both existing and proposed conditions and compares the two to determine the environmental impact. Element can provide visual noise contour plots of the predicted environmental impact.

Environmental noise and vibration modeling in support of planning applications
Noise modeling using Computer Aided Noise Abatement (CadnaA) software

Ground-borne vibration

Many residential and industrial areas have a legal vibration limit. Construction, demolition activities, railway lines, and busy roads provide a significant vibration impact. It is critical to determine the potential vibration impact on the surrounding areas and structures before any construction or demolition activities commence. Element’s vibration surveys will provide you with certainty that your project remains below the vibration limit.

Standards & Guidance

British Standards Institution [BS] 7445-1:2003 - Description and measurement of environmental noise. Guide to quantities and procedures. BSI, London.
British Standards Institution [BS] EN 61672-1:2003 Electroacoustics. Sound level meters. Specifications. BSI, London.
British Standards Institution [BS] 6472-1:2008 Guide to evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings. Part 1: Vibration sources other than blasting, BSI, London.
British Standards Institute [BS] 7385-2:1993 Evaluation and Measurement for vibration in Buildings. Part 2, Guide to damage levels from ground borne vibration. BSI, London.
British Standards Institution [BS] 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 “Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 1: Noise”.
British Standards Institution [BS] 5228-2:2009+A1:2014 “Code of practice for noise and vibration control on construction and open sites – Part 2: Vibration”.
British Standards Institution [BS] 8233: Sound Insulation and Noise Reduction for Buildings. BSI, London.
British Standards Institution [BS] 4142:2014+A1:2019 Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound, BSI, London.
Department of Transport, Welsh Office (1988). Calculation of Road Traffic Noise. HMSO, London.
Environmental Protection Act (1990). HMSO, London.
The Control of Pollution Act (1974). HMSO, London.
Environment Agency (2004). Integrated Pollution Prevention and Control [IPPC] Version 3 Horizontal Guidance for Noise Part 2 – Noise Assessment and
Control. Environment Agency, Bristol.
Highways Agency (2011). Design Manual for Roads and Bridges, Volume 11, Section 3, Part 7: Noise and Vibration. The Highways Agency.
International Organization for Standardization (1996). ISO 9613-2:1996 Acoustics – Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors – Part 2: General method of calculation. ISO, Switzerland.
International Organization for Standardization (2010). ISO 3744:2010 Acoustics –Determination of sound power levels and sound energy levels of noise sources using sound pressure -- Engineering methods for an essentially free field over a reflecting plane. ISO, Switzerland.
Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2018). National Planning Policy Framework. OGL, London.

All our measurement equipment is routinely calibrated by external laboratories to ensure the accuracy of the data and provide full transparency to regulatory bodies.

Please contact us if you have any questions about acoustics testing or requirements.

making certain for nearly 190 years

Air Quality

Find out how our ambient air quality testing solutions help our customers to systematically measure the pollutant levels of their operations and minimize their impact on the environment.

Workplace Monitoring & Assessments

Conducting workplace monitoring and assessments on air quality, noise level, electromagnetic fields, vibration levels, and water quality can help you protect your employees from permanent damage to their health.

Acoustic Camera Surveys

Our Environmental Experts provide acoustic camera surveys in a clear, concise format based on pictures taken with the camera.

Environmental Planning Consultancy

Air quality, noise, and vibration are significant environmental impact issues and must be closely considered through the planning process. Element’s industry experts provide local and highly responsive environmental impact assessments.

Our team are ready to help.

Make an inquiry today