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ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
Complaints of noise covered a wide range of activities, including machines
in launderettes, testing of compressors, use of forklift trucks at night, air
extraction plant of various types and the operation of pneumatic road
breakers without mufflers. Eight hundred and thirty-nine visits were made
by public health inspectors during 1970 in connection with noise nuisance.
One complaint referred to noise from the air conditioning plant serving a
computer room in a new office block, the plant being situated on the roof
of the building. The volume of the noise was not high and during the day
was lost in traffic and other noises in the area. At night, however, a
persistent hum was clearly heard and was a nuisance to a number of
residents. Measurements of noise level were made during the night, both
at ground level near the houses affected and on the roof of the office block,
and as a result it was suggested that an acoustic screen should be erected
around the plant. A temporary screen proved satisfactory and is to be
replaced by a permanent and weatherproof structure.
Noise from ventilating plant and exhaust fans can be disturbing and several
such cases were dealt with during the year. This type of noise can often be
brought to acceptable limits by fitting attenuators to the outlet ducts.
Generally these attenuators have to be purpose-made for the particular plant
and this sometimes involves delay in completing remedial work.
Occasionally complaints are received of noise from industrial sewing
machines being operated by outworkers in dwelling houses. Conditions
are aggravated by the structure of most houses being unsuitable for such
machines and by work often being done in the evening. The spread of this
activity has been limited by the action of the Council in refusing to allow
the establishment of this type of work in dwellings. A private Court action
in one case resulted in an injunction and damages being granted.
In dealing with complaints of noise it is impossible to apply a rigid numerical
standard for sound level readings. Each case must be judged on its merits
and consideration given not only to loudness but to the characteristics,
time and duration of the noise, the local conditions and whether the best
practicable means have been taken to prevent the noise.
The most difficult cases arise where double-shift or night-shift work is carried
out in the proximity of dwellings. Operations which cause no comment
during the day can be disturbing to residents during the night even when
all possible steps are taken to reduce noise. In practice, reminders are
frequently required of the need for adequate supervision on night-shift work
to ensure that proper consideration is shown for adjoining householders.
The Council has statutory power to deal with noise which constitutes a
nuisance, but by far the most satisfactory way of dealing with noise nuisance
is to prevent it occurring. Increasing emphasis is being given to this aspect
of noise control work and every endeavour is made to inspect, during the
planning stage, proposals which might involve noisy processes or machinery.
Industrialists are becoming more aware of the effect of noise on the
environment and are becoming more ready to discuss ways of reducing
noise and preventing nuisance. Such co-operation is also to the advantage
of the firms concerned, since it is easier and cheaper to incorporate precautions
against noise production at the time of installation rather than
carry out work to established machinery or buildings.
Disinfestation
Sections 83-86,
Public Health Act 1936
as amended by
Sections 35-37,
Public Health Act 1961
The Council is empowered to deal with filthy or verminous premises and
articles and also with persons.
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