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Division 1.4 Noise and vibrations

United Kingdom

Original text. Later amendments are not shown.

BAT 17. In order to prevent or, where that is not practicable, to reduce noise and vibration emissions, BAT is to set up, implement and regularly review a noise and vibration management plan, as part of the environmental management system (see BAT 1), that includes all of the following elements:

  1. I..

    a protocol containing appropriate actions and timelines;

  2. II..

    a protocol for conducting noise and vibration monitoring;

  3. III..

    a protocol for response to identified noise and vibration events, e.g. complaints;

  4. IV..

    a noise and vibration reduction programme designed to identify the source(s), to measure/estimate noise and vibration exposure, to characterise the contributions of the sources and to implement prevention and/or reduction measures.

BAT 18. In order to prevent or, where that is not practicable, to reduce noise and vibration emissions, BAT is to use one or a combination of the techniques given below.

TechniqueDescriptionApplicability
a.Appropriate location of equipment and buildingsNoise levels can be reduced by increasing the distance between the emitter and the receiver, by using buildings as noise screens and by relocating building exits or entrances.For existing plants, the relocation of equipment and building exits or entrances may be restricted by a lack of space or excessive costs.
b.Operational measures

This includes techniques such as:

  1. (i)

    inspection and maintenance of equipment;

  2. (ii)

    closing of doors and windows of enclosed areas, if possible;

  3. (iii)

    equipment operation by experienced staff;

  4. (iv)

    avoidance of noisy activities at night, if possible;

  5. (v)

    provisions for noise control during maintenance, traffic, handling and treatment activities.

Generally applicable.
c.Low-noise equipmentThis may include direct drive motors, compressors, pumps and flares.
d.Noise and vibration control equipment

This includes techniques such as:

  1. (i)

    noise reducers;

  2. (ii)

    acoustic and vibrational insulation of equipment;

  3. (iii)

    enclosure of noisy equipment;

  4. (iv)

    soundproofing of buildings.

Applicability may be restricted by a lack of space (for existing plants).
e.Noise attenuationNoise propagation can be reduced by inserting obstacles between emitters and receivers (e.g. protection walls, embankments and buildings).

Applicable only to existing plants, as the design of new plants should make this technique unnecessary. For existing plants, the insertion of obstacles may be restricted by a lack of space.

For mechanical treatment in shredders of metal wastes, it is applicable within the constraints associated with the risk of deflagration in shredders.
  1. Applicability