Consultancy

Reasons for choosing H&H Acoustic Consultancy?

With a broad area of expertise our professionally trained staff can offer assistance in wide ranging areas of acoustics from the start to finish of a project. Whether assistance is required at the very early planning stages or if sign-off of a completed project is required we are able to assist. In addition our breadth of expertise allows us to consider projects from a number of different acoustic angles often resulting in more cost effective and practical solutions.

Why are environmental noise services required?

Residential and commercial developments require assessments to consider noise impact (residential) and noise generation (commercial). These assessments apply to any commercial site where additional noise sources are proposed and to all proposed residential sites. In addition commercial sites with ongoing activities may require periodic assessment to confirm noise levels are within permissible limits.

What assessments can you help with?

• BS 8233:2014 ’Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings’ —is typically applied when considering newly formed residential properties affected by noise sources such as roads and railways. It provides reference for suitable assessment methods as well as giving guidance on noise level limits for habitable spaces.
• World Health Organisation (WHO) Guidelines — although not normally referenced in planning conditions these guide-lines help inform a number of official documents and is often cited in discussions around the subject
• BS 4142:2014 ‘Methods for rating and assessing industrial and commercial sound’ — is typically applied when considering noise from a commercial/industrial source the affects nearby sensitive locations such as residential properties.
• MPG11 ‘Minerals Planning Guidance Note 11’ or MPS2 ‘Minerals Policy Statement 2 “Controlling and Mitigating the Environmental Effects of Minerals Extraction in England: Annex 2: Noise” – is used to consider the noise impact of mineral extraction (such as quarrying) on nearby noise sensitive locations.
• IPPC Horizontal Guidance for Noise Part 2 – Noise Assessment and Control – this guidance references multiple documents including those listed above. A noise management plan is required within this document and makes consideration of best available technique (BAT) approaches to noise control.
• HTM08-01 : Acoustics — considers noise affecting healthcare buildings and is enforced to protect future users of the site from distracting noise sources and sleep disturbance. Typically this is required before/during the design stage and helps inform specification of external envelope elements
• BB93 — Acoustic design of schools: performance standards — this document considers many areas of acoustics within schools. For the purposes of environmental noise considerations it serves to protect users from nuisance external noise sources and ensure a beneficial learning/teaching environment.

What happens during an environmental noise survey?

Typically an environmental noise survey will fall into two elements. Firstly a long-term measurement is normally required; this will require that sound level metering equipment be left on the site over a weekend period. Secondly a manned detailed assessment is conducted (typically at the time of set up or collection of the long-term metering) to determine specific noise source at the site or affecting the site.

How long does the process take?

Depending on weather conditions and site specific details the process will normally be completed within a 1 month working period.

How do I get in contact and discuss my needs?

The best way to get in contact is via our main telephone number (01536 270450) or via our email address: info@acoustictechnologies.co.uk.

Reasons for choosing H&H Acoustic Consultancy?

With a broad area of expertise our professionally trained staff can offer assistance in wide ranging areas of acoustics from the start to finish of a project. Whether assistance is required at the very early planning stages or if sign-off of a completed project is required we are able to assist. In addition our breadth of expertise allows us to consider projects from a number of different acoustic angles often resulting in more cost effective and practical solutions.

Why is sound testing required?

Sound Insulation testing is required to ensure privacy and prevent nuisance between new build and refurbished dwellings used for residential purposes. This includes all variations of dwellings including houses, apartments, hotels, student halls and long-term healthcare units.

What assessments can you help with?

• Approved Document E (England and Wales) — testing is required to show that suitable protection is offered by party wall and floor constructions across the whole site. The required level of sound insulation is based on the type of project and proposed use of the space.
• HTM08-01 : Acoustics — sound insulation between spaces within a healthcare building is required for speech privacy. The requirements vary with space usage and are usually combined with a full HTM08-01 assessment.
• BB93 — Acoustic design of schools: performance standards — sound insulation within schools is targeted at disturbance prevention. The target level is calculated on a space-by-space basis and is normally completed in tandem with a full BB93 assessment.

What happens during a sound insulation assessment?

There are three stages to a sound insulation assessment—design, construction and verification. It is highly recommended that any proposed solutions for provision of sound insulation be checked prior to the construction phase of the project. A design assessment can be based on a proposed construction outline or in more complex installations drawings can be assessed. If any changes are required these will be determined an specified. Attention to detail during construction is critical and as such guidance is typically provided, an additional service of periodic site assessments during the construction phase is available where required. Once construction has been completed it is possible to conduct final testing, this comprises of a site visit to assess a number of example constructions.

What happens after a sound insulation assessment?

At all stages of the process a report is issued that is suitable to 3rd parties. In the case of design advice it is common to have a process of conversation with the client to agree on a preferred solution. Upon final testing an assessment is submitted to the accrediting body (which ensure Building Control will accept the report) along with a report issued to the client detailing the results of the testing. In the rare case that testing should result in failure support will be offered to determine the cause and suitable remedial measures recommended.

How long does the process take?

Depending on availability of drawings and/or site access the process will normally be completed within a 2 week working period.

How do I get in contact and discuss my needs?

The best way to get in contact is via our main telephone number (01536 270450) or via our email address: info@acoustictechnologies.co.uk.

Reasons for choosing H&H Acoustic Consultancy?

With a broad area of expertise our professionally trained staff can offer assistance in wide ranging areas of acoustics from the start to finish of a project. Whether assistance is required at the very early planning stages or if sign-off of a completed project is required we are able to assist. In addition our breadth of expertise allows us to consider projects from a number of different acoustic angles often resulting in more cost effective and practical solutions.

Why is reverberation noise control required?

Reverberation exists almost everywhere, sometimes it is wanted (such as concert halls and lecture theatres), sometimes it is unwanted (such as testing laboratories). In most cases however it is desirable to have the right amount—too little reverberation can lead to a sterile acoustic environment and increased effort for speakers, too much can result in uncomfortable levels of noise (often referred to as ‘hubbub’) and reduced speech intelligibility. The requirement for reverberation control is represented in a number of documents mainly revolving around speech intelligibility and the control of noise spread.

What assessments can you help with?

• BS 8233:2014 ’Guidance on sound insulation and noise reduction for buildings’ — gives guidance to maintain a good level of speech intelligibility.
• HTM08-01 : Acoustics — considers noise affecting healthcare buildings and is enforced to protect future users of the site from distracting noise sources and sleep disturbance. Typically this is required before/during the design stage and helps inform specification of external envelope elements
• BB93 — Acoustic design of schools: performance standards — this document considers many areas of acoustics within schools. For the purposes of environmental noise considerations it serves to protect users from nuisance external noise sources and ensure a beneficial learning/teaching environment.

What happens during a reverberation assessment?

Typically a reverberation assessment will fall into two categories. The first method is to visit site and measure the reverberation time, this is the most accurate method as it removes any assumptions within a model but requires an existing environment and a site visit. Alternatively reverberation can be calculated or modelled, this is the most flexible approach as it can be completed for theoretical environments.

What happens after a reverberation assessment?

The collected/determined data is assessed against the relevant guidance. The findings of the assessment are presented in the form of a technical report and issued to the identified client. In some cases control measures are required and in these cases advice is integrated into the report with a final workable solution.

What happens after a reverberation assessment?

The collected/determined data is assessed against the relevant guidance. The findings of the assessment are presented in the form of a technical report and issued to the identified client. In some cases control measures are required and in these cases advice is integrated into the report with a final workable solution.

How do I get in contact and discuss my needs?

The best way to get in contact is via our main telephone number (01536 270450) or via our email address: info@acoustictechnologies.co.uk.

Reasons for choosing H&H Acoustic Consultancy?

With a broad area of expertise our professionally trained staff can offer assistance in wide ranging areas of acoustics from the start to finish of a project. Whether assistance is required at the very early planning stages or if sign-off of a completed project is required we are able to assist. In addition our breadth of expertise allows us to consider projects from a number of different acoustic angles often resulting in more cost effective and practical solutions.

Why are noise at work assessments required?

The Health and Safety Executive requires that noise assessment of a work environment is undertaken where exposure to high noise levels is experienced or suspected. Typically this will arise when new equipment/processes are installed or older equipment becomes worn. The requirement is specifically targeted at hearing protection but also includes consideration of ‘over protection’ where employees experience problems due to incorrect specification of hearing protection systems.

What assessments can you help with?

• Personal Exposure Levels – the requirements given relate to a personal exposure level, this can be very difficult to calculate through static noise level measurements so a specialist ‘badge’ metering system should be employed.
• General exposure Levels – in cases where work stations are static and employees perform single tasks during a typical shift it is possible to determine exposure levels in this way.
• Hazard Areas – the provision of hearing protection is required only where necessary, as such it is possible to designate areas within a facility as a hearing protection zone based on the measured noise levels within.

What happens during a sound insulation assessment?

A noise at work assessment is carried out in situ and during normal working practices, therefore disruption should be minimal. Typically an escort around site is required for safety reasons, but not mandatory if allowable by site specific rules. The assessment will normally take a full working day of 8-12 hours.

How long does the process take?

Depending on availability of drawings and/or site access the process will normally be completed within a 1 month working period.

How do I get in contact and discuss my needs?

The best way to get in contact is via our main telephone number (01536 270450) or via our email address: info@acoustictechnologies.co.uk.

Reasons for choosing H&H Acoustic Consultancy?

With a broad area of expertise our professionally trained staff can offer assistance in wide ranging areas of acoustics from the start to finish of a project. Whether assistance is required at the very early planning stages or if sign-off of a completed project is required we are able to assist. In addition our breadth of expertise allows us to consider projects from a number of different acoustic angles often resulting in more cost effective

Why are computer models required?

In some cases it is not possible to accurately assess an environment or space or for large scale assessments simply too time consuming. In these circumstances computer modelling can simplify the assessment and simultaneously increase accuracy. For some projects visualisation of noise is often helpful to assist assessment and for 3rd parties to understand the site, computer based models can generate these in 3 dimensions quickly and easily.

What assessments can you help with?

• Environmental Noise – computer modelling is very useful for all sizes of project where noise ingress to buildings is of concern. This includes projects such as residential, offices, schools and hospitals. The model allows calculation of noise levels at the façade of a building on each floor level, meaning that specification can adjusted based on height as well as distance.
• Commercial/Industrial Noise – where noise radiates from a site it is often difficult to accurately assess the effects buildings and natural barriers (such as ground height and ground hardness). Computer modelling accurately includes this ensure under/over specification is not made.
• Reverberation Time – in complex spaces classical calculation methods become increasing unreliable as they assume a certain simplicity to the space. Using computer modelling allows accurate reverberation time assessment of these spaces in addition to more complex assessments such as speech intelligibility.

What is happens during a computer based assessment?

Environmental noise models are based on a combination of site measured noise levels and drawings. The site measure-ments will normally take place over a 4 to 7 day period and consider the dominant noise source at site. Industrial assess-ments can be based on site measured data or manufacturer data in combination with drawings. Reverberation assessments are predominately based on drawings and material specification sheets. Once the model has been created its findings are summarised in a report and issued inline with requirements.

What happens after a sound insulation assessment?

Following a computer based model it is possible to revise elements of the model as a result of repeat assessments or project redesign. This process of iterative assessment is particularly suited to live projects where design ideas are being discussed or to site where periodic reassessments are required.

How long does the process take?

Depending on availability of drawings and/or site access the process will normally be completed within a 1 month working period.

How do I get in contact and discuss my needs?

The best way to get in contact is via our main telephone number (01536 270450) or via our email address: info@acoustictechnologies.co.uk.

Reasons for choosing H&H Acoustic Consultancy?

With a broad area of expertise our professionally trained staff can offer assistance in wide ranging areas of acoustics from the start to finish of a project. Whether assistance is required at the very early planning stages or if sign-off of a completed project is required we are able to assist. In addition our breadth of expertise allows us to consider projects from a number of different acoustic angles often resulting in more cost effective

Why are CPD Presentations useful?

In an increasingly large area of business acoustics is becoming a primary consideration. Whether it is related to acoustics within the business or if it relates to clientele an understanding of the subject can assist with deci-sion making and inform product recommendations.

What areas can you help with?

• Principles and theory – a foundation in acoustic theory can be applied in a number of different areas and allows an understanding of mechanisms at work.
• Sound Insulation Theory and Practice – the correct specification of acoustic materials early on in a project is key to achieving a positive outcome. Understanding the physics at work will allow reasonable flexibility in the approaches taken and allow early identification of projects where problems may occur.
• Reverberation – Understanding the mechanics of reverberation control allows optimal placement of materials and specification. It also provides an understanding of where reverberation control is useful/applicable and can help avoid unnecessary or incorrect specification.

What is happens during a CPD session?

CPD sessions can be provided at our offices in Northamptonshire or at an agreed venue. Typically a single CPD session will be 1hr long but where more in-depth discussions are desired longer sessions can be arranged. Each session will be accompanied by suitable handouts and a Q&A session at the end. Typically contact details of the presenter will be available should any further questions arise at a later date.

What happens after a CPD session?

We pride ourselves on being an open and helpful service, as such any CPD session will likely lead to a point of contact within the acoustic industry willing to assist with any queries. Follow up sessions can be booked in the context of completed elements ensuring a continued and linked instruction in the subject.

How long does the process take?

Typically a CPD session be arranged and completed within a 1 month working period.

How do I get in contact and discuss my needs?

The best way to get in contact is via our main telephone number (01536 270450) or via our email address: info@acoustictechnologies.co.uk.