Construction Noise, Vibration and Dust (NVD)

The creation of Construction Noise, Vibration and Dust (NVD) can be a significant issue for active construction sites. As this can be a restricting factor, it is an important consideration for any contractor or developer planning a construction project.

An NVD risk assessment and a construction management plan is crucial – but will then often lead to restrictions, and the necessity to control your NVD emissions via active monitoring systems.

Proactive NVD monitoring will help you to be a compliant, responsible contractor, and operate within the relevant Environmental Regulations. Responsible contractors tend to avoid complaints from local residents, don’t suffer from expensive temporary work suspensions, and avoid costly fines.

What is Noise, Vibration and Dust (NVD) Monitoring?

NVD Monitoring entails monitoring the creation of noise, dust, and vibration on your site, with various different units. Each monitoring unit provides real-time information on the environment’s NVD levels, displayed on an online portal, and the information is stored. 

The information will be garnered in consideration of project-specific NVD emission criteria. Certain levels will be set which then send out warning alerts to pre-decided, relevant recipients. Project management can then work with the client to alter how they are operating, if necessary, to avoid breaching acceptable environmental requirements and thus avoid complaints, fines, and suspensions.

Access to the information collected is project-specific – limited access can be given to an unrestricted number of viewers, or a publicly accessible portal can be set up for high-profile projects. The number of monitoring units is site-dependent, units are certified to the highest standard and calibrated within British Standard requirements, and the units are powered by 240V, 110V, or using ‘off-grid’ solar or battery-powered options.

What is Noise Monitoring?

Noise monitoring units capture all environmental sounds. They measure the captured sound in decibels. Units can be equipped with the capacity for sound recording too, to help identify the nature of particular breaches in noise level parameters.

What is Vibration Monitoring?

Vibration monitoring units protect the comfort of local residents in nearby buildings and the risk to any structures by monitoring vibration dose value (VDV) or peak particle velocity (PPV). 

What is Dust Monitoring?

Dust monitoring units measure and report on particulate matters of PM 1, PM 2.5, and PM 10. Particulate matter, or PM, is a combination of liquid and solid particles in the air. PM can be dust, soot, dirt or smoke, or natural phenomena like pollen. PM is categorised into size, with 1, 2.5 and 10 being the most common types to monitor. The smallest, PM 1, has a diameter of less than 1 micrometre. These are monitored less routinely. Fine particles of up to 2.5 micrometres are considered inhalable particles – meaning they can be inhaled deep into the lungs. PM 10 particles are coarse, with a diameter of 10 micrometres or less. These are also considered inhalable.

How long does NVD monitoring take?

Here at Acoustic Consultants, we are flexible. We offer tailored monitoring packages to suit each project, whether that’s a short-term monitoring project for specific monitoring, or long-term monitoring taking place over several years.

Why should I invest in NVD monitoring on my construction site?

Compliance

Ensure you comply with all regulations by undergoing NVD monitoring. Local Authorities will often prescribe NVD monitoring in your planning conditions, or by the consent agreement to the Control of Pollution Act Section 61. NVD monitoring showcases a really reliable way to ensure your compliance with regulatory requirements. 

Identifying Issues early

With predetermined trigger levels for your emissions levels on your NVD monitoring units, relevant project-specific recipients will be informed of any breach – long before you receive complaints. Amber and red alerts will be sent out to let you know that emissions have breached your limit, allowing you to immediately undertake corrective measurements and bring the breach back into allowable limits.

Cost efficiency

NVD monitoring tends to reduce the risk of any enforcement efforts from the LEA. Enforcement can suspend site activity, a costly undertaking when you have a workforce unable to complete their roles. Construction acoustic and vibration assessment and monitoring is likely to save you in the long run.

Construction acoustic and vibration assessment

Maintain your reputation

NVD monitoring helps you to reduce the likelihood of complaints, as you have data available at all times, and immediate alerts when levels have been breached. The data also helps you navigate a complaint process as you have the data to illustrate what emissions have breached critical levels, and when. Noise vibration and dust monitoring also lets local residents and neighbours know that you care and are committed to compliance.

NVD specific regulations: calm & compliant

Here at Acoustic Consultants Limited, we have considerable experience in BS5228 assessments, Section 61 applications and long-term NVD monitoring.

We are able to provide reliable advice and monitoring on how to navigate the tricky business of controlling these emissions and complying with any limits imposed by the Local Authority.

When appointed early in a scheme, we will assist the contractor in a BS 5228:2009 noise and vibration assessment, Section 61 agreement and noise, vibration and dust (NVD) mitigation plan. 

The process starts with our assessment of your proposed schedule of works, including details of any construction noise and vibration plant and operations.

We will liaise directly with the Local Authority, Party Wall surveyors or other interested parties to establish their requirements, and to understand the local context. Our advice is provided in a clear and concise format which can be readily interpreted by potential contractors, Local authorities and all stakeholders.

Ensure the Section 61 application process runs more smoothly with Acoustic Consultants Limited.

Acoustic Consultants Limited has considerable experience in monitoring Noise, Vibration and Dust (NVD). We offer a competitive and proactive approach to NVD monitoring. We have the capability to set up our own noise, vibration and dust meters on your construction project. The meters are checked daily by qualified acoustic consultants to ensure your NVD Section 61 limits are not exceeded.

The meters provide a web portal, email alerts and text alerts which enable us and the contractor to react quickly to any limits being breached. This ensures any alerts are minimal, which will satisfy all stakeholders, including the local authority and residents in the area.

As part of our NVD service, we appoint a minimum of three full-time, suitably qualified acoustic consultants to monitor the equipment and your project. By allowing for three consultants we can check the meters’ functionality and NVD levels daily, and ensure any issues are proactively addressed. We also issue regular (normally weekly) reports in an easy-to-read format, with the monitoring results and commentary on any alerts.

 Our monitoring system is an individual unit system which ensures we can monitor noise only, vibration only, dust only – or a combination of all three. The equipment is company-owned, and regularly calibrated and serviced by the manufacturers.

We are currently working on numerous large and sensitive construction schemes using this technology across London and the southeast. Our proactive approach and sensitive handling of these schemes have assisted us in building up a repeat client base with main contractors, project managers and demolition contractors.

If you would like further information on the Noise, Vibration, and Dust services we offer, and a competitive quotation from our noise and vibration consultants, please contact us at mail@acoustic-ltd.co.uk to discuss how we can help with your project.