BS 4142:2014+A1:2019

Comprehensive Guidance for Assessing Industrial and Commercial Sound

The BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 is an essential technical resource for professionals working in the field of acoustics and noise management. This British Standard provides methods for rating and assessing sound of an industrial and/or commercial nature, including:

• Procedures for determining the level of the specific sound
• Guidance on the measurement and assessment of the background sound level
• Methods for deriving the rating level of the specific sound
• Advice on the significance of the assessed sound level

Key Features and Benefits

Ensure Compliance with Noise Regulations

This standard outlines a robust framework for assessing the impact of industrial and commercial sound, helping organizations comply with relevant noise pollution regulations and mitigate the risk of complaints or enforcement action. By providing a standardized approach, the BS 4142 supports consistent and defensible noise assessments.

Comprehensive Measurement Guidance

The standard covers all aspects of the measurement and assessment process, from determining the specific sound level to evaluating the significance of the sound in relation to the background acoustic environment. This detailed guidance ensures accurate and reliable results, underpinning effective noise management strategies.

Support Decision-Making

The assessment methods outlined in BS 4142 enable users to make informed decisions regarding the acceptability of sound levels, the need for noise control measures, and the potential impact on nearby noise-sensitive receptors. This supports planning, design, and operational decisions to minimize noise-related issues.

Mitigate Noise Pollution

By providing a standardized approach to assessing industrial and commercial sound, this British Standard helps organizations identify and address noise problems, reducing the risk of complaints and the associated reputational and financial consequences. Effective noise management also supports broader sustainability goals by mitigating the environmental and health impacts of noise pollution.

Technical Specifications

The BS 4142:2014+A1:2019 standard covers the following key technical areas:

• Measurement of Sound Levels: Procedures for determining the level of the specific sound, including measurement location, duration, and instrumentation requirements.
• Background Sound Level Assessment: Guidance on the measurement and assessment of the background sound level, considering temporal variations and the potential influence of the specific sound.
• Rating Level Calculation: Methods for deriving the rating level of the specific sound, taking into account various acoustic features that may increase or decrease the significance of the sound.
• Significance of Assessed Sound Levels: Advice on interpreting the significance of the assessed sound level in relation to the background acoustic environment and the potential impact on noise-sensitive receptors.

The standard also includes informative annexes covering topics such as uncertainty in measurements, the assessment of tonal, impulsive, and intermittent sounds, and the consideration of context in the assessment process.

The latest edition, BS 4142:2014+A1:2019, incorporates an amendment that provides additional guidance on the assessment of uncertainty in measurements and the interpretation of results.