Occupational vibration Vibrations at the workplace are a source of disturbance for a great number of employees. Prolonged exposure to intense levels can lead to vascular, neurological and musculoskeletal problems, affecting the upper limbs (hand-arm vibrations) or causing lower back pain and degenerative lesions to the spinal cord (whole body vibrations). Many countries have adopted [...]
Occupational noise Noise is a major source of disturbance at the work place and can cause fatigue, stress and problems related to the nervous, cardiovascular and digestive systems. Noise can also have an effect on quality of work and can even cause accidents. Prolonged exposure to noise can cause irreversible occupational hearing loss, which is a [...]
Wind farm control The noise generated by wind turbines is considered during impact studies prior to a wind farm being installed or modified. The turbines' noise impact depends on the distance between the wind farm and the areas where local populations live and work, and on the topographical features of the site. Meteorological conditions and [...]
Neighbourhood noise Neighbourhood noise can occur in both public and private locations, or in areas where activities with unusually high noise levels may take place. Maximum limits are set by national and international regulations to protect people's living conditions and the environment. Continued infractions following a written warning can lead to prosecution. Thus, local authorities [...]
Industrial noise In order to remain on good terms with its neighbours, industrial plants must manage their noise emissions to the surrounding area. They are also obliged to do so by regulations and sustainable development policies. Industrial sites are subject to specific regulations for which the principal indicators are noise levels at the site boundary [...]
Traffic noise Urban noise pollution is primarily caused by land-based transportation. The European directive 2002/49/CE, relating to the assessment and management of environmental noise, targets the implementation of strategic noise mapping to identify affected populations. In France, these measures are supplemented by national regulations stipulating that noise must be taken into account during an [...]
Leisure and recreation noise Certain leisure activities can generate considerable levels of noise disturbance, particularly for nearby residents. From a pétanque pitch to a motor racing circuit, a vast range of open-air sports are played in dedicated spaces within residential areas. Activity centre owners must have a feasibility study carried out by an acoustics specialist [...]
Vehicle noise The development of transportation infrastructures and the increased number of vehicles on the roads have led to the need for regulations to limit emissions of pollutants. In many countries, noise emissions from motor vehicles are the primary cause of disturbance faced by neighbouring residents. Such pollution can cause health concerns, including issues such [...]
Wind farm monitoring Wind farms must be developed in such a way that they become a part of the environmental lanscape. To this end, public authorities use standards and regulations to impose limits on the noise levels generated by such installations. In order to optimise the operation of wind farms whilst ensuring compliance with regulations, [...]
Industrial plant monitoring Industrial sites are subject to regulations that limit sound and vibration levels at their perimeter and with regard to third parties. The taking of measurements at intervals remains one of the most frequently used methods of evaluating the noise and vibration levels of such sites. However, in order to manage their impact [...]
