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NOISE & VIBRATION SURVEYS
We undertake environmental noise and vibration surveys to establish representative site conditions and provide reliable data for planning, design and investigation. Surveys can include unattended monitoring, attended measurements and vibration monitoring, using Class 1 instrumentation appropriate to the project requirements.
Surveys are tailored to relevant noise or vibration sources, site constraints and assessment objectives. Results are reviewed, validated and presented clearly to support subsequent acoustic assessment, design development or planning submissions, with practical advice provided if further investigation or mitigation is required.
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When might you need a Noise or Vibration Survey?
Planning & Development
Baseline monitoring where existing noise or vibration conditions need to be established.
Specific Noise Sources
Measurements to quantify road, rail, commercial, industrial or other relevant sources.
Investigation & Verification
Objective measurements to investigate concerns, verify performance or inform mitigation.
Noise & Vibration Survey Services
Environmental Noise Monitoring
Unattended monitoring to establish representative baseline noise levels.
Attended Noise Measurements
Targeted measurements to quantify specific sources and operating conditions.
Vibration Monitoring
Measurement of vibration from transport, construction and industrial sources.
Road & Rail Noise
Monitoring of transportation noise affecting noise sensitive development.
Commercial & Industrial Noise
Measurement of plant, premises and other commercial or industrial sources.
Construction Baseline Surveys
Pre-works monitoring to establish existing noise and vibration conditions.
Planning Surveys
Survey data appropriate to Noise Impact Assessments and planning submissions.
Investigation Surveys
Focused monitoring to identify and understand particular acoustic issues.
Our Approach
We plan each survey around its purpose, the sources involved and how conditions vary over time. This helps ensure measurements capture relevant activity and provide a suitable basis for the intended assessment.
Review the site, sources of concern and relevant planning correspondence to establish the survey requirements.
Select representative measurement locations, taking account of access, security, nearby properties and the surrounding environment.
Plan monitoring periods to capture relevant operating conditions, including night-time activity or intermittent events where needed.
Undertake noise or vibration measurements, supported by observations of site activity, weather and other relevant conditions.
Review the results, explain the findings and identify any limitations or further assessment that may be required.
Surveys may range from a targeted attended visit to monitoring over several days, with the scope tailored to the information needed for your project, relevant operating patterns and any specific planning or design requirements.
Relevant Standards and Guidance
Survey methods and interpretation are selected to suit the sources involved, site conditions and purpose of the work. Relevant references include:
BS ISO 1996-2 — environmental noise measurement and determination of sound pressure levels.
BS 7445 — description and measurement of environmental noise, including guidance on measurement quantities, survey procedures and reporting.
BS 4142 — surveys supporting assessments of industrial and commercial sound.
BS 6472-1 — evaluation of human exposure to vibration in buildings.
BS 7385-2 — evaluation of potential building damage from groundborne vibration.
Project requirements and local authority criteria are also considered where applicable. We select measurement locations, monitoring periods and reporting parameters to suit the intended assessment, distinguishing between effects on people, effects on buildings and the information needed to support the proposed development.
Survey Reporting and Next Steps
Our reports explain the measurement locations, monitoring periods, survey methods and relevant site conditions, together with the principal results. We identify significant sources and any limitations affecting interpretation, providing a clear record of the conditions encountered during the survey.
Findings can support planning assessments, acoustic design, investigations or verification work. We agree at quotation stage whether the commission covers survey reporting alone or also includes assessment against relevant criteria, recommendations for mitigation and advice on any further work required.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a noise or vibration survey?
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A survey may be needed to establish baseline conditions, support a planning assessment, investigate a source or check completed works.
Noise and vibration do not always need to be measured together, and we will recommend a scope suited to the project.
How long does a noise or vibration survey take?
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Some surveys involve a targeted attended visit, others require monitoring over several days or during specific activities. The duration depends on how conditions vary and the assessment requirements.
We will explain the proposed survey duration and any access or weather constraints before starting.
What is the difference between attended and unattended monitoring?
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Attended monitoring allows a consultant to observe sources while taking measurements.
Unattended monitoring records changes over a longer period using equipment left securely on site.
Combining the two helps to establish both the variation in levels and the sources responsible.
Will the survey report be suitable for a planning submission?
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We will scope the survey to support a planning submission or condition discharge. A submission may also require assessment, predictions or mitigation advice, so please provide the relevant condition or Environmental Health comments so these can be considered.