Environmental Standards

Environmental Noise
 Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Environmental Standard
Environmental Noise
Article I – Preliminary
1) Definitions
‘ambient noise’ A totally encompassing sound in a
given situation at a given time usually composed of
sounds from near and far.
‘BAT’ Best available techniques.
‘community noise’ noise emitted from all sources
except noise at the industrial workplace.
‘construction noise’ refers to noise emitted from
building, demolition, refurbishment or directly
associated activities.
‘day’ refers to the time period between 07.00 and
19.00 hours.
‘decibel’ Conventional Unit for measurement of
noise (dB). Decibels are measured on a logarithmic
scale as a result decibel levels do not add and
subtract arithmetically. An increase or decrease of 3
dB in the level of a steady noise is about the smallest
that is noticeable. It represents a doubling or halving
of noise energy. An increase or decrease of 10 dB
represents a ten-fold change in noise energy, and is
perceived as a doubling or halving of loudness.
‘dose’ is the total (accumulated) exposure over a
period of time.
‘evening’, refers to the time period between 19.00
and 23.00 hours.
‘environmental noise’ Outdoor sound created by
human activity.
‘exceptional circumstances’ refers either to natural
events and phenomena, or unique or unusual
operating conditions that make compliance
impracticable.
‘exposure’ sound levels which are transmitted to the
human ear.
‘habitable room’ areas within a dwelling house
where the majority of time is spent, such that they
are sensitive with respect to noise i.e. bedrooms,
living rooms and dining rooms.
‘impulse sound’ Single short burst or series of short
bursts of sound pressure.
‘industrial premises’ refers to any site or facility that
extracts, manufactures, stores or processes any
product or substance.
‘LAeq,T’ Equivalent continuous A-weighted sound
level. It is the constant sound level that, in a given
situation and time period (T), conveys the same
sound energy as the actual time-varying A-weighted
sound.
“LAmax’ Maximum A-weighted sound level for a given
time interval or event.
‘level’ describes the magnitude of the sound in its
physical dimension, whether or not there are humans
there to hear it.
‘night’ refers to the time period between 23.00 and
07.00 hours.
‘noise’ means vibration of a frequency within the
range of 0-20,000 Hertz.
‘noise sensitive façade’ The façade of any noise
sensitive property that is normally occupied during
the relevant time period of “day”, “evening” or “night”
and which includes a window and/or door to a
habitable room.
‘noise sensitive open space’ Any area of open
land designated as public gardens or recreational
space or within the boundary of a premises that is
used for recreational or educational purposes,
including residential garden space.
‘noise sensitive property’ Any occupied premises
outside the noise emitting premises used as a
dwelling (including gardens), place of worship,
educational establishment, hospital or similar
institution, or any other property likely to be
adversely affected by an increase in noise level. Due
consideration should be given to national parks,
areas of outstanding natural beauty or other outdoor
spaces where members of the public might
reasonably expect quiet enjoyment of the area.
‘noise emitting premises’ Premises from which the
noise is emitted.
‘operator’ Refers to any site or facility subject to
environmental controls under the General
Environmental Regulations.
‘peak sound pressure’ Maximum absolute value of
the frequency weighted instantaneous sound
pressure that occurs during a specified time period.
‘PME’ refers to the Presidency of Meteorology and
Environment who are designated as the responsible
agency for the protection of the environment and the
development of environmental protection standards
in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
“receiver height” Distance between the receiver
and the local ground level.
 basis of collective knowledge about the effects of
“reference time interval (T)” The time interval to noise on human health and well-being. The limits
which the rating of the sound is referred. must also take full appreciation of relevant social and
economic factors, technological options, equity,
“residual noise” The ambient noise remaining at a enforceability and the cultural climate.
given position in a given situation when the specific
noise is absent.
4) Scope
“Competent Agency” is the appointed body that
will regulate and enforce these environmental
a) This standard relates to the following types of
standards.
environmental noise:
“Significant noise emitting premises” Premises
i) community noise;
from which the difference between the emitted noise
and the ambient noise level at that location is
ii) noise from industrial units in areas set
10dB(A) or more.
aside primarily for industrial facilities;
“source height” Distance between the source and
iii) noise from construction activities;
the local ground level.
iv) noise from vehicles (including motorised
“sound power” The sound energy radiated per unit
vessels and recreational craft); and
time by a sound source.
v) noise from equipment used outdoors.
“specific noise source” Refers to the noise
emitting party / structure that is under investigation.
b) The standard does not extend to noise from public
transportation, including highways, railways and noise
“specific noise level” The equivalent continuous A-
from commercial and private aircraft, including
weighted sound pressure level at the assessment
helicopters, both in flight and operating on the ground.
position produced by the specific noise source over a
given reference time interval.
5) Exemptions
2) Citation
a) Exemptions may apply in circumstances where the
enforcement of this standard is impractical and/or
a) This document may be cited as the General
inappropriate. Exemption in specified areas may be
Environmental Standard for Noise. This standard
made for, but not restricted to, the activities specified
revises the current General Standards for the
in table 1. The Competent Agency will determine
Environment (specifically document number 1409-
where these exemptions apply and which activities
01) issued by the Presidency of Meteorology and
beyond this list are included.
Environment (PME).
Table 1 – Exempt activities
3) Timescales for implementation
a) The effective date of this standard is 01/05/1433H Activity Exemption
corresponds to 24/03/2012G. applies
Call to prayer At all times
Military activities At all times
3) Purpose Airports, commercial At all times
and private aircraft,
a) The purpose of the General Environmental including helicopters,
Standard for Noise.is to provide a basis for statutory both in flight and
control to restrict and reduce the nuisance caused by operating on the
environmental noise. The framework does not ground
address the issue of occupational noise which falls Public railways and At all times
under the jurisdiction of National Health and Safety railroad freight
Law. terminals
Commercial port During
b) People may respond differently to the same level activity operational
of noise. However, above certain levels, noise can activities
adversely affect the lives of many people. It can lead Expressways At all times
to hearing loss and mental stress and irritation. It can
also interfere with daily activities such as studying,
watching television, talking on the telephone, resting b) With respect to events taking place at stadia (e.g.
and sleeping. sports) and festivals, the Competent Agency will take
account of the frequency of the events and how
c) Noise limits are set by the responsible and disturbing they will be. The enjoyment of the
competent authorities (in this case PME) on the particular participants will be balanced against the
 nuisance caused to other people and, depending on
local circumstance and public opinion, noise emission
levels may be set. These may include a limit on the
hours of use and the control of noise emissions
(including public address systems) during unsocial
hours.
6) Powers of Authority
a) This standard enables the issue of regulations and
technical memoranda which are enforceable by the
Competent Agency who hold delegated authority
under the General Environmental Regulations. The
standard includes provision for the exemption of
certain nationalised or religious activities (see part III,
1.4).
b) There may be some requirement at a future date to
adjust the standards included to recognise specific
local conditions and or improved understanding of the
effects of noise.
c) The Competent Agency or appointed individual for
the purpose of this noise standard may:
i) Enter any premises for the purpose of
carrying out any investigation.
ii) carry out such inspections, measurements
and tests on premises entered, articles or
records found on any such premises, and take
away such samples of ambient air or articles,
as may be considered appropriate for the
purpose of enabling such investigation; or
iii) at any reasonable time require any relevant
party to supply him with copies of, or of extracts
from, any records kept for the purpose of
demonstrating compliance with the
environmental noise standards.
7) Enforcement procedures
a) Failure to comply with the requirements of these
standards may lead to prosecution by the Competent
Agency and those convicted of such failure may be
subject to fines or periods of imprisonment as laid out
in the General Environmental Regulations.
b) It is anticipated that the requirements of this
standard will be enforced nationally with inspections
taking place to verify their implementation at a
regional and local level.
8) Penalty fines
a) Maximum fines that may be imposed for exceeding
the applicable standard, breach of permit and failure
to comply with an abatement notice are set out in the
General Environmental Regulations.
9) Appeals
a) A right of appeal exists for any organisation or
individual who is required to take action as a
consequence of the implementation of the standard.
b) The right of appeal against conviction or sentence
is available through the appropriate judicial system as
set out in the General Environmental Regulations.
c) Appeals with respect to abatement notices must be
lodged with the Designated Agency for appeals as
specified in the General Environmental Regulations.
d) All appeals should be fully supported with a
documented case containing as a minimum, the
information required under the appeals process of
the General Environmental Regulations.
10) Periodic review
a) There may be some requirement at a future date to
adjust the standards included to recognise specific
local conditions and or improved understanding of the
effects of noise.
b) As a minimum, PME shall undertake a periodic
review of this standard every 5 years.
Article II – General provisions
1) Units of measurement
a) Sound waves are very small fluctuations in the
atmospheric pressure. Conventionally, in
environmental acoustics these are measured as the
root mean square pressure over a time interval of
0.5s (slow response), 0.1s (fast response) with units
-2
of pascals (Pa) (i.e. Nm ). In order to express the
vast range of pressures representing human hearing
sensitivity, the practice is to use the decibel (dB). This
is the logarithmic ratio of the measured value to a
standard value, the reference sound pressure usually
expressed as 20Pa. The word “level” is added to
sound pressure denoting that the quantity has a
certain level above a predefined reference value.
Throughout this standard all sound pressure levels
are expressed in decibels.
b) It is general practice to measure the sound level
with a meter that incorporates an internationally
standardised weighting filter that approximates to this
characteristic. The specified frequency weighing used
throughout this standard is the A-weighting; an A-
weighted sound level is expressed in dB(A).
c) For the purpose of this standard, the following
condition applies regarding the rounding of results
and figures in the unit dB. The convention applied to
this standard is that all measured or calculated
numbers are rounded up to the nearest whole number
 if 0.5 dB or above and rounded down if it is below
0.5 dB.
d) The LAmax is a maximum sound level that should
not be exceeded at any time. This restriction is
included to protect against adverse health effects,
annoyance and nuisance from loud single event or
intermittent noises.
2) Instrumentation
a) Noise levels shall be measured using an
integrating averaging sound level meter or equivalent
system confirming to BS EN 60804:1994 or ANSI
Standard S1.4-1983 or ANSI S1.43-1997 (R1997),
"Specifications for Sound Level Meters," Type 2 or
better, or for newer instruments, IEC 61672-1:2002
(BS EN 61672-1:2003), Class 1 or 2.
3) Calibration procedure
a) An acoustic calibrator or pistonphone conforming to
Class 1 or better of BS 7189:1989 or either Class 1 or
2 of IEC 60942 should be applied to the microphone
to test the sensitivity of the measuring equipment
before and after each measurement. Records of
these tests must be retained by the equipment
operator and produced when required.
b) In addition to the field tests in 1.4a more
comprehensive calibration tests are required, at
planned time intervals, with regard to the performance
of the instrumentation. A suitably accredited
calibration laboratory should undertake these tests.
The minimum period is once every two years for each
sound level meter system and annually for calibrators
and pistonphones.
c) Records of the calibration programme for
instrumentation and relevant calibration certificates
issued by a certified calibration laboratory may be
requested by the Competent Agency.
4) Measurement procedures
a) The measurement of A-weighted continuous
equivalent sound pressure levels (LAeq,T) and
maximum sound levels (LAmax) shall be carried out at
locations representative of the most exposed noise
sensitive property or noise sensitive open space.
b) The location and number of measurement positions
will depend on the required spatial resolution for the
environment under consideration.
c) The measurement positions shall be chosen (and
recorded on a map or suitable plan) bearing in mind
the following:
i) Measurements should be taken at a
number of locations considered
representative of the areas under
consideration. Contours of equal noise
levels can then be drawn where
necessary by interpolation between the
points.
ii) The need to represent the average level
of a specified area taking into account
topographical and local shielding from
buildings, structures and vegetation.
iii) The need to include all locations which
categorize the noise from various specific
noise sources to facilitate the calculation
of noise levels elsewhere in the area
based on the principles of the outdoor
propagation of sound.
d) With the exception of Article VI, the minimum
reference time period for measurements should be 1
hour and should, in any case, be sufficient to be
representative of the source under assessment.
e) For free-field noise levels, measurements must be
undertaken at between 1.2 m and 1.5 m above
ground level and, if practicable, at least 3.5 m from
any walls, buildings or other reflecting surfaces. The
height and location of the microphone should be
stated in all reports.
f) In cases where outdoor noise level measurements
are neither practicable nor relevant, indoor
measurements must be made. The measurements
must be made with windows open, unless the
windows are permanently fixed closed, and at a
distance of at least 1 m from the walls, 1.5 m from the
windows and between 1.2 m and 1.5 m above the
floor. In such cases care should be taken to
differentiate between ambient indoor noise levels
attributable to sources such as air conditioning, and
the noise source under consideration.
g) For all noise measurements the axis of maximum
sensitivity of the microphone must be directed
towards the noise source.
h) Non-steady noise: Where the noise is non-steady
in nature, a longer sample period will be required to
reflect all significant variations in the noise source.
i) The level of the noise under assessment should be
determined by measurement. If this is not
practicable, for example where the source is not yet in
operation, predictions may be undertaken. In such
cases the method of calculation must be reported for
approval and the reason for using calculations must
be stated.
5) Information to be recorded
a) The following information should be recorded for
audit and reporting purposes:
i) the date, time, address location of the
measurements and the operator
undertaking them;
 ii) the type of instrumentation including the
serial numbers of all elements of the
measurement system and the calibrator
used, the measurement procedure and
any calculation used;
iii) the settings of the sound level meter
including the dynamic range, slow or fast
response, etc;
iv) a description of the measurement location
including details of the nature of the
ground between source and
measurement position, i.e. acoustically
hard or soft ground, if appropriate, the
nature and form of any barriers between
source and receiver, and the character of
the ambient noise, including the
identification of any significant noise
sources other than the specific noise
source under investigation;
v) a description of the time aspect of the
measurements. i.e. the reference and
measurement time intervals, including
details of sampling, if used;
vi) measurement positions including
microphone height above ground and
distance from reflective surfaces if less
than 3.5 m;
vii) where appropriate, a description of the
sound propagation model used; and
viii) the following conditions during the
measurements should be described
qualitatively and quantitatively where
appropriate:
 precipitation;
 wind speed and direction;
 presence of conditions likely to lead to
temperature inversion (i.e. clam nights
with little cloud cover);
 relative humidity; and
 variability and character of emission
noise sources.
b) The Competent Agency for environmental
protection will undertake regular inspections of
facilities to enforce the standards set out by this
document.
6) Measurement conditions
a) Where possible maximum effort should be
exercised in monitoring noise levels during
meteorological conditions that are approximately
consistent with the following:
i) wind speed between 1 and 5 meters per
second measured at a height of 3 to 11
meters above the ground;
ii) wind direction within an angle of 45º of the
direction connecting the dominant sound
source and the centre of the specified
measurement area;
iii) the wind direction is from the specific
noise source towards the noise receiver;
iv) there should be no strong temperature
inversions near to the ground; and
v) there should be no significant
precipitation.
b) Where measurement in such conditions is
unavoidable, details of the adverse conditions should
be recorded for information and additional
measurements may need to be undertaken as
appropriate.
c) Where monitoring in difficult conditions is
unavoidable, the Competent Agency must consider
the impacts of these conditions upon the ability of the
operator to comply with this standard. ,Compliance
does however remain at the discretion of the
Competent Agency.
d) For all measurements the microphone must be
fitted with a wind shield as recommended to be
appropriate by the manufacturer/supplier. Noise from
wind acting directly on the microphone or on nearby
structures or vegetation should not be permitted to
interfere with the measurements.
7) Permitting
a) In circumstances where a facility, site or premises
can provide substantive evidence that the prescribed
noise limits are not practicable, a permit may be
issued that allows the parameters within this standard
to be temporarily exceeded.
b) The permit application form in Appendix C must be
completed in full and submitted to the Competent
Agency within 60 days of the date of implementation.
c) The Competent Agency may seek to externally
verify any evidence provided within the application
form.
d) The Competent Agency will assess each
application and issue a response on a case by case
basis.
e) Where rejected, the facility must meet the
requirements of this standard or risk penalties as
detailed in Article I.
f) Where, accepted, a permit will be issued that may
impose operating conditions, revised emission limits
and a time-bound improvement schedule.
8) Noise abatement notices
a) Where the competent body is of the opinion that
the level of noise recorded from a facility is excessive,
it may issue a noise abatement notice. Such a notice
will detail required abatement actions and may
include the carrying out of works, which must be
undertaken to reduce the noise levels.
b) Abatement notices will be based on both physical
and subjective assessments of the noise levels. The
responsible authority may issue an abatement notice
in circumstances where the level of noise does not
exceed this standard.
c) The requirements of an abatement notice may be
variable in terms of timescales and specification. As a
minimum, these requirements will be specified within
the notice and must be fully complied with by the
operator.
Article IV – Community Noise
1) Definition
a) Community noise is defined as noise emitted from
all sources except noise at the industrial workplace. It
includes sources such as commercial premises
(including restaurants, cafes and evening venues),
ventilation systems, neighbours, sports events,
transportation and light manufacturing processes in
residential areas.
b) For the purpose of this standard transportation
sources are not included. Furthermore, for areas
which are predominantly industrial in nature, for
construction sites, (where an EIA has been required
for the development) for motor vehicles and for
equipment used outdoors, specific criteria are
specified in Articles V and VI.
2) Permitted noise limits
a) The standards displayed in Table 2 are to be
applied with regard to the level of free-field external
noise, from noise emitting premises that is permitted
3)
in each of the area designations, A – C. Each
designation has a different permissible level to
accommodate the variable levels of sensitivity and
development / density pressure.
A = Sensitive – These areas are designated quiet
areas as they hold value in terms of them being
places of worship, important tourist attractions,
recreational park land and those areas
surrounding hospitals, schools and noise sensitive
natural habitats.
B = Mixed – Areas designated in this category will
typically be dominated by residential properties
(including hostels and hotels) and may range from
sparse population densities to suburban districts
of cities.
C = Non-sensitive – This designation applies to
mixed areas, often within cities where there is a
mix of residential and commercial activities. This
designation will also apply to retail and financial
districts.
Table 2. Permitted free-field external noise limits
for community noise, measured at any noise
sensitive property within the appropriate area
designation
Designation Day Evening Night
LAeq,T(dB) LAeq,T (dB) LAeq,T (dB)
A 50 45 40
B 55 50 45
C 60 55 50
b) For a single noise emitting premises the noise
levels in Table 2 shall pertain. In instances where
there are two separate noise emitting premises the
limits in Table 2 shall be reduced by 3dB (A) for each
individual premises. For areas where there are more
than two noise emitting premises the limits applied to
each individual premises in Table 2 shall be reduced
by 5 dB(A).
c) Further to the permitted noise limits specified within
Table 2 and in order to achieve a reasonable
standard within habitable rooms at night, individual
noise events during the night-time period (measured
with the fast time-weighting) should not exceed 60dB
LAmax at the nearest noise sensitive property.
d) The noise level of an alleged excessive specific
noise source must be measured at the closest
boundary of the nearest noise sensitive property or
noise sensitive open space. Where the most exposed
façade is representative of the relevant boundary the
measurements must be taken at a distance of 1m.
Where a noise is alleged to be excessive the
measurement should be made at a representative
time of day. All relevant details of the measurement
should be recorded and retained.
Noise sensitive properties adjoining the premises
at which the source is situated
a) Where a noise sensitive property physically adjoins
the premises at which the noise source is situated or
has a blank wall facing the source, noise from any
industrial or commercial source or from mechanical
plant shall be at least 10dB(A) below the appropriate
limit in Table 2.
b) The sound level measurement shall be
representative of the sound distribution within the
habitable room of the noise sensitive property. The
microphone shall be rotated in a sweeping motion
 from a single axis. The rotation radius should be at
least 0.7m and the plane of the traverse shall be Table 3 Maximum permissible free-field noise
inclined in order to cover a large proportion of the levels
space. At no point should the microphone lie within
1m of a wall, floor or ceiling and the duration of the Site Daytime Evening Night time
rotation shall be for not less than 15 seconds. LAeq,T (dB) LAeq,T LAeq,T (dB)
(dB)
c) Should other noise sources be audible within the A1 – Retail 55 50 45
room i.e. air conditioning, the aim should be for the
A2 – 55 50 45
residual noise level to be at least 10 dB(A) lower
Warehousing
than the specific noise level. In cases where the
difference is less than 10 dB(A) the specific noise A3 – Light 55 50 45
level should be derived by logarithmic subtraction of industrial (in
the residual noise level from the measured total residential
noise level with the source operating. areas)
A4 – Medium 65 60 50
d) Where a short term project may breach the density
attached standards i.e. during maintenance, repair, industry
renovation, etc. the competent body must be A5 – High 75 65 55
approached in order to acquire a temporary permit density
which will be subject to conditions at the discretion of industry
that competent body.
Article V – Noise from industrial units in areas set aside e) For a single noise emitting premises the noise
primarily for industrial facilities. levels in Table 3 shall pertain. For industrial/
commercial areas with occupation (actual or planned)
by two separate significant noise emitting premises
1) Permitted noise limits Permitted
the limits in Table 3 shall be reducednoise limits
by 3dB (A) for e
individual premises. For areas where more than two
a) An occupier of industrial premises must not cause industrial/ commercial premises exist or are planned
or permit excessive noise to be emitted from the the limits in Table 3 shall each be reduced by 5 dB(A)
premises. for individual premises.

b) Noise emitted from industrial premises is
considered excessive if the specific noise level at the
nearest noise sensitive property or noise sensitive
open space, exceeds the maximum permissible noise
level for that time of day and the area in which the
premises are situated.
c) Industrial premises are split into four categories
that must be determined by the operator but at the
discretion of the Competent Agency:
A1 – Retail refers to areas that are entirely dominated
by retail, dining and recreational properties.
A2 – Warehousing refers to areas where units
predominantly store products or goods for distribution
and there are no or very limited process activities.
A3 – Light industrial refers to those areas which
may be mixed with or adjacent to residential
properties where minor manufacturing processes take
place.
A4 – Medium density industrial areas are those
when a range of manufacturing processes including
combustion take place on small to medium size sites
and there is an absence of residential properties.
A5 – High density industrial refers to designated
industrial cities and industrial complexes where large
scale manufacturing, refining and petrochemical
processes exist. Cement manufacture is specifically
included.
d) Permitted noise limits are contained in Table 3.
f) Further to the permitted noise limits specified within
Table 3 and in order to achieve a reasonable
standard within habitable rooms at night, individual
noise events during the night-time period (measured
with the fast time-weighting) should not exceed 70dB
LAmax at the façade of the nearest noise sensitive
property.
g) In situations where general environmental noise is
high (e.g. as a result of noise from extraneous
sources, such as occasional passing cars), and when
the noise being investigated is steady in nature, the
specific noise may be assessed by measurement of
the LA90,T background noise. For the specific noise to
be suitable for assessment using the LA90,T, it must be
a constant and steady noise with no variation over the
time period being assessed (i.e. day, evening or
night). In such a case the measured LA90,T specific
noise may be considered to be equivalent to the LAeq,T
and the assessment made on the basis that it is so.
That a measured LA90,T has been used rather than a
measured LAeq,T must be noted in the measurement
and assessment records (Art. II, (5)).
h) Where the industrial noise operates continuously,
such that it is not possible to measure the ambient
noise level in the absence of the source, ambient
noise measurements should be undertaken at a
representative location which is not influenced the
industrial noise source under consideration. In such
cases the reason for assuming that the location is
representative should be noted.
i) For sensitive properties adjoining the premises at
which the source is located (Art IV, (3)).
 Table 4 General Construction maximum
Article VI – Noise from construction activities permissible facade noise limits

Area Daytime Evening Night-time

1) Basic conditions classification LAeq,12h LAeq,12h LAeq,12h
(dB) (dB) (dB)
a) Construction activities contribute significantly to 5m 5m 5m
noise disturbance particularly through activities such
A, B, C 75 65 45
as percussive piling, the general use of heavy
machinery on site and heavy traffic both on and off D 80 80 80
site. Close proximity to residential areas and other
sensitive receptors during some construction projects
results in a significant risk of major disturbance. 3) Dispensations
Construction activities in certain areas must therefore
be controlled carefully. a) In circumstances where the occupier of a premises,
or anyone undertaking work there, either directly or
b) The general noise emission limits for permissible indirectly on behalf of the occupier, becomes aware of
construction noise levels at sites where an EIA has the need for a temporary dispensation from any of the
been required are set out in Table 4. These levels noise limits required by this standard they may apply
represent the maximum values that are acceptable to the Competent Agency for consent. Such an
during construction activities in the designated areas application must be made in writing at least 14 days
A – D. prior to the date from which the dispensation is
required. Sufficient information must be provided at
c) Where, through the Environmental Impact the time of the application detailing:
Assessment (EIA) process for a project, it has been
predicted that the limits in Table 4 are likely to be i) a description of the works for which it is
breached a construction noise permit will be required. required;

d) Where in the opinion of the Competent Agency, a
project is deemed to provide significant social benefit
and where the application of these construction noise
standards will cause excessive cost or disruption to
the realisation of that social benefit, the Competent
Authority may issue a conditional exemption permit
which displays due consideration to these factors for
permanent or temporary construction activities.
2) Permissible noise levels
a) Receptors are classified as follows:
A = Quiet areas – These areas are designated quiet
areas as they hold value in terms of them being
places of worship, important tourist attractions,
recreational park land and those areas surrounding
hospitals, schools and noise sensitive natural
habitats.
B = Sensitive – Areas designated in this category will
typically be dominated by residential properties
(including hostels and hotels) and may range from
sparse population densities to suburban districts of
cities.
C = Mixed – This designation applies to mixed areas,
often within cities where there is a mix of residential
and commercial activities. This designation will also
apply to retail and financial districts.
D = Non-sensitive – The final classification of district
is a predominantly industrial area where there are few
residential properties and commercial premises. This
classification also applies to industrial cities and land
that is generally unpopulated.
ii) the necessity for the dispensation;
iii) it’s timing and duration;
iv) the methods to be employed for
minimising noise during the period of the
dispensation; and
v) the contact details for the occupiers
controller of the work (relevant at all
times for the periods during which the
work is to take place).
b) Where any of the specified information is missing
or inadequate, the Competent Agency may seek such
further information as it may reasonably require to
determine the application and will not be obliged to
permit the dispensation by the date sought in the
application.
c) In case of a breach of the noise limits in this
standard arising from an unforeseen emergency that
risked injury or physical damage to persons or plant,
the circumstances of the incident must be reported to
the Competent Agency retrospectively. Such
notification must be in writing and submitted to the
Competent Agency within 24 hours of the occurrence
of the incident. The following details must be
provided with the notification:
i) the emergency that resulted in a breach of
the noise limits;
ii) the date, timing and duration of its
occurrence;
iii) the steps taken to prevent a recurrence;
and
 iv) the contact details for the occupiers 3.5 tonnes, engine power
controller of the work. ≥320kW

a) If the vehicle is equipped with a compression

ignition and direct injection internal combustion
Article VII – Noise from vehicles engine, the limits shall be increased by 1dB(A).

1) General provisions b) For vehicles design for off-road use with a

a) Mobile noise sources, particularly motorcycles and
vehicles, are significant contributors to ambient noise
levels and environmental noise problems. The
appropriate silencing of motorcycles and vehicles
represents the key method by which this problem can
be addressed.
maximum authorised mass greater than 2 tonnes, the
limits shall be increased by 1dB(A) if the vehicle is
equipped with an engine having a power of less than
150kW, or by 2 dB(A) if the vehicle is equipped with
an engine having a power of 150kW or above.

b) This schedule applies to all vehicles with a date of Table 6 Maximum permissible noise levels for
manufacture on or after DD/MM/YY. motorcycles

c) The maximum permissible noise levels for Engine Cylinder Capacity (cc) Limit Value
motorcycles and vehicles are set out below in tables 5 dB(A)
and 6 respectively. These limits represent the 3
cc ≤ 80cm 75
maximum levels of noise that are acceptable from the 3 3
defined classification of motorcycles and vehicles. 80cm < cc ≤ 175cm 77
3
cc ≥ 175 cm 80
d) There are two assessment methods both of which
should be applied to each individual motorcycle or 3) General measurement provisions
vehicle: the moving noise level and the stationary
noise level. See methods in Schedules 4 and 5 a) Measurements shall be made on unloaded vehicles
respectively. in a sufficiently silent and open area (ambient noise
and wind noise at least 10 dB(A) below the noise
2) Maximum permissible levels being measured).

b) For all tests the relevant motorcycle/vehicle must

Table 5 Maximum permissible instantaneous noise be unladen and, except in the case of non-separable
levels for vehicles vehicles, without trailer or semi trailer. For vehicles, if
the vehicle is fitted with more than two-wheel drive, it
Vehicle Vehicle Sub-type Limit shall be tested in the drive which is intended for
type Value normal road use and for motorcycles having more
dB(A) than one driven wheel, only the drive provided for
≤9 seats 74
a,b normal road operation may be used.
≤ 9 seats, max. authorised
a,b c) For all tests the test area shall be dry, practically
mass >3.5 tonnes, engine 78
Vehicles level and surfaced with concrete, asphalt or a similar
power <150kW
used for material.
the >9 seats, max. authorised
a,b
carriage of mass >3.5 tonnes, 150kW 80 d) For all tests the measurements shall be considered
passengers ≤ engine power <320 kW valid if the difference between two consecutive
> 9 seats, max. authorised measurements on the same side of the
a,b
mass >3.5 tonnes , engine 83 motorcycle/vehicle does not exceed 2 dB(A). The
power ≥320kW maximum figure recorded shall constitute the result of
Vehicles max. authorised mass < 2 the measurement.
76
used for tonnes
the 4) Measurement Procedure – Moving vehicle/motorcycle
carriage of 2 tonnes < max. authorised
77
goods mass ≤3.5 tonnes
max. authorised mass >3.5 a) The measurement area shall take the form of an
tonnes, engine power < 77 open space of 50 meter radius for vehicles and a 25m
75kW radius for motorcycles. The central part of the open
Vehicles max. authorised mass > space should have a radius of at least 20 meters.
used for 3.5 tonnes, 75kW ≤ engine 78
the power <150kW b) No person other than the observer taking the
transport of readings from the apparatus and the driver/rider may
goods max. authorised mass >
3.5 tonnes, 150kW ≤ 80 remain near the vehicle or the microphone, as the
engine power < 320kW presence of spectators near either the vehicle or the
microphone may considerably affect the measurement
max. authorised mass > 83
results.

c) The results of any measurements that appear to
have been influenced by extraneous noise unrelated
to the vehicle under test shall be rejected.
d) At least two measurements shall be made on each
side of the motorcycle/vehicle in motion and
preliminary measurements may be made for
adjustment purposes but the results shall be
disregarded.
e) The microphone shall be situated 1.2 meters above
ground level at a distance of 7.5 meters from the path
of the motorcycle/vehicle's centre line, CC, measured
along the perpendicular PP" to that line. The axis of
maximum sensitivity of the microphone shall be
located horizontally and perpendicular to the path of
the motorcycle/vehicle.
f) Two lines AA" and BB", parallel to line PP" and
situated respectively 10 meters forward and 10 meters
rearward of that line, shall be marked out on the test
track. Vehicles shall approach line AA" at a steady
speed, as specified below. The throttle shall then be
fully-opened as rapidly as practicable and held in the
fully-opened position while the motorcycle travels
along the line CC” until the rear of the vehicle crosses
line BB"; the throttle shall then be closed again as
rapidly as possible.
g) The measurement results should refer the
maximum sound level, expressed in dB(A),
measured as the motorcycle/vehicle travels along the
line CC” and between the lines AA” and BB”.
h) Where there is no gearbox the motorcycle/vehicle
shall approach line AA" at a steady speed
corresponding to the lowest of the three following
speeds:
i) an engine speed equal to three-quarters
of the engine speed at which the engine
develops its maximum power;
ii) an engine speed equal to three-quarters
of the maximum engine speed permitted
by the governor; or
iii) 50 kilometers per hour.
i) Where the motorcycle/vehicle has gears, the
second gear in the gearbox must be engaged if the
vehicle is fitted with a two-speed, three-speed or
four-speed gearbox;
ii) The third gear in the gearbox must be
engaged if the box has more than four
gears;
iii) If the transmission has a double gear
ratio (transfer gearbox or two-speed rear
axle assembly), the gearbox must be
engaged in the ratio allowing the highest
vehicle speed.
Article VIII – Noise from equipment used outdoors
1) General provisions
j) The motorcycle/vehicle shall approach line AA" at a
steady speed corresponding to the lowest of the
following three speeds:
i) an engine speed equal to three-quarters
of the engine speed at which the engine
develops its maximum power;
ii) an engine speed equal to three-quarters
of the maximum engine speed permitted
by the governor;
iii) 50 kilometers per hour.
5) Measurement Procedure - Stationary Motorcycle/
vehicle
a) For stationary motorcycles/vehicles the test site
shall take the form of an open space where a
rectangle with no sides closer than 3m from the
extremities of the motorcycle/vehicle can be
described.
b) The microphone must be located at a height
equivalent to that of the outlet pipe of the exhaust and
pointed towards the orifice of the gas flow at a
distance of 0.5m. The axis of maximum sensitivity
should be at an angle of 45°. Where the
vehicle/motorcycle has more than one exhaust the
microphone position should be related to either the
outlet nearest to the extreme edge of the vehicle of
the highest outlet.
c) At least two measurements shall be made.
d) The engine of a motorcycle/vehicle without a speed
governor shall be run at three-quarters of the rpm
speed at which, according to the vehicle
manufacturer, it develops its maximum power. The
rpm speed of the engine shall be measured by means
of an independent instrument, e.g. a roller bed and a
tachometer. If the engine is fitted with a governor
preventing the engine from exceeding the speed at
which it develops its maximum power, it shall be run at
the maximum speed permitted by the governor.
e) Before taking any measurements, the engine of the
motorcycle/vehicle shall be brought to its normal
running temperature.
6) Information to be recorded
a) In addition to the measurement procedures set out
in Article II, the following information should be
recorded for audit and reporting purposes:
i) A detailed description of the test track
surface and layout;
ii) the vehicle under test including relevant
vehicle identification numbers; and
iii) the tyres fitted, including tread depth.
a) With the exception of vehicles intended to be used
on road, rail, air and waterways and equipment for
military purposes, all equipment for use in outdoor
public and private areas is subject to these
standards. The provisions are designed to protect
human health from the effects of over-exposure to
noise and apply to all such equipment first purchased
on or after 01.01.2008.
b) The maximum permissible levels for noise from
specific types of equipment are set out in Table 7.
The equipment listed in Schedule 1, section b, is
subject to noise marking only.
d) The Competent Agency may exempt any
equipment for use outdoors from the provisions of
this Standard or any part thereof if the Competent
Agency considers that it would be in the public
interest to do so.
2) Permissible limits

c) If in the opinion of the Competent Agency the a) The maximum allowable noise limits for specific
emission of noise from any equipment used outdoors equipment are set out in table 7.
conforms to standards as or more stringent than
those prescribed above, the equipment may be
deemed to conform to the standard.

Table 7 Permissible maximum sound power limits for equipment for use outdoors

Net installed power, P (kW), Permissible Guideline sound

Electric power, Pel(1) (kW), Mass of sound power power level (dB/1
Type of equipment
appliance, m (kg), Cutting width, L level (dB/1 pW) pW)
(cm)
P≤8 108 105
Compaction machines
(vibrating rollers, vibratory
plates, vibratory rammers) 8<P≤70 109 106

P>70 89 +11 lg P 86+11 lg P

Tracked dozers, loaders P≤55 106 103

and excavator-loaders
P>55 87 +11 lg P 84 +11 lg P

Excavators and winches, P≤15 96 93

hoists and motor hoes
P>15 83 +11 lg P 80 +11 lg P

Tower cranes 98 + lg P 95 + lg P
Pel≤2 97 + lg Pel 95 + lg Pel
Welding and power
2<Pel≤10 98 + lg Pel 96 + lg Pel
generators
Pel>10 97 + lg Pel 95 + lg Pel
Compressors P≤15 99 97
P>15 97 +2 lg P 95 +2 lg P

Hand-held concrete m≤15 107 105

breakers and picks 15<m≤30 94 +11 lg m 92 +11 lg m
m>30 96 +11 lg m 94 +11 lg m
Wheeled dozers, loaders,
excavator-loaders,
dumpers, graders, loader P≤55 104 101
type landfill compactors,
combustion-engine driven
counterbalanced lift trucks,
mobile cranes, compaction
machines (non-vibrating
rollers), paver-finishers, P>55 85 +11 lg P 82 +11 lg P
hydraulic power packs

Lawn mowers / lawn L≤50 96 94

trimmers 50<L≤70 100 98
70<L≤120 100 98
 L>120 105 103

b) The following equipment must be marked to show the maximum noise level they will emit:

 Aerial access platforms with combustion engine

 Brush cutters
 Builders’ hoists for the transport of goods (with electric motor)
 Building site band saw machines
 Building site circular saw benches
 Chain saws, portable
 Combined high pressure flushers and suction vessels
 Compaction machines (explosion rammers only)
 Concrete or mortar mixers
 Construction winches (with electric motors)
 Conveying and spraying machines for concrete and mortar
 Conveyor belts
 Cooling equipment on vehicles
 Drill rigs
 Equipment for loading and unloading tanks or silos on trucks
 Glass recycling containers
 Grass trimmers/grass edge trimmers
 Hedge trimmers
 High pressure flushers
 High pressure water jet machines
 Hydraulic hammers
 Joint cutters
 Lift trucks, combustion-engine driven, counterbalanced (only ‘other counterbalanced lift trucks’ with a rated capacity
of not more than 10 tonnes
 Mobile waste containers
 Paver finishers (equipped with high compaction screed)
 Piling equipment
 Pipelayers
 Piste caterpillars
 Power generators (<400kW)
 Power sweepers
 Refuse collection vehicles
 Road milling machines
 Scarifiers
 Shredders/chippers
 Suction vehicles
 Trenchers
 Truck mixers
 Water pump units (not for use underwater

3) Measurement EN ISO 3746:1995, subject to the supplements

a) The determination of the sound power level of
equipment for use outdoors, as listed in Table 7 and
Section b or as otherwise may be specified by the
Competent Authority, shall be by derivation from the
methods for airborne sound pressure level
measurement described in EN ISO 3744:1995 and
described in Part A of Annex III to the European
Parliament Directive 2000/14/EC.
b) The competent authority for environmental
protection will undertake regular inspections of
facilities on a risk based schedule to enforce the
standards set out by this document.
 ADMINISTRATION FEE (SR)

Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME) CHECK NO. RECEIVED

APPENDIX A – PERMIT APPLICATION (Page 1) CHECK AMOUNT (SR) DATE

RECEIVED

SECTION A: GENERAL INFORMATION

FACILITY DETAILS
A-1. FACILITY NAME AND SITE REFERENCE A-5 STAMP (OFFICE USE ONLY)

A-2 DATE SUBMITTED A-3 FACILITY TELEPHONE NUMBER A-4 FACILITY FAX

( ) - ( ) -
A-6 FACILITY ADDRESS LINE 1

A-7 ADDRESS LINE 2

A-8 ADDRESS LINE 3

A-9 CITY A-10 REGION A-11 REFERENCE (OFFICE USE ONLY)

A-12 FACILITY CONTACT PERSON

MR. MS.
A-13 FACILITY CONTACT TELEPHONE NO. A-14 FACILITY CONTACT E-MAIL

( ) -
A-15 PLEASE PROVIDE THE NAME AND CONTACT DETAILS OF THE LEGAL PERSON(S) OR ENTITY THAT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE OPERATION OF THE SITE.

SECTION A-2: TYPE OF PERMIT REQUIRED

A-16 PLEASE SELECT FROM THE FOLLOWING:

NEW APPLICATION PERMIT RENEWAL PERMIT MODIFICATION ADMINISTRATIVE AMENDMENT

SECTION A-3: FACILITY DESCRIPTION

A-17 GENERAL OPERATING ACTIVITIES [INCLUDING INDICATION OF SITE SIZE AND LAYOUT]

SECTION B: COMPLIANCE

SECTION B-1: VARIATION FROM CONTROLLED ACTIVITIES

B-1 DOES YOUR FACILITY COMPLY WITH ALL CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULTION STANDARDS?

YES [SKIP TO C-18] NO [PLEASE ANSWER QUESTION B-2]

B-2 FOR WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING DOES YOUR FACILITY REQUIRE A PERMIT VARIATION FOR?

Air (complete section C)

Water (complete section D)
Noise (complete section E)
 Presidency of Meteorology and Environment (PME)

APPENDIX A – PERMIT APPLICATION (Page 2)

SECTION C: APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT OF VARIATION FOR EMISSIONS TO AIR

RELEVANT ACTIVITIES [MOST INFORMATION REQUIRES ATTACHMENT]

C-1 FOR EACH NON-COMPLIANT EMISSION, PLEASE PROVIDE THE COORDINATES FOR LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE.

C-2 PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS INCLUDING AIR QUALITY AND THE PRESENCE OF, AND THE SENSITIVITY OF THOSE
RECEPTORS

C-3 DESCRIBE AND PROVIDE DATA REGARDING THE FLOW RATE OF THE EMISSION, ITS PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANY POLLUTI0N ABATEMENT
TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED

C-4 PROVIDE A DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT IMPACTS OF THE EMISSION(S) UPON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS IDENTIFIED IN C-2.

C-5 PAYING DUE REGARD TO C-2, 3 AND 4, DOCUMENT A JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AWARD OF A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMPETENT
AGENCY.

SECTION D: APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT OF VARIATION FOR DISCHARGES TO WATER

RELEVANT ACTIVITIES [MOST INFORMATION REQUIRES ATTACHMENT]

C-6 FOR EACH NON-COMPLIANT DISCHARGE, PLEASE PROVIDE THE COORDINATES FOR LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE.

C-7 PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS INCLUDING WATER QUALITY AND THE PRESENCE OF, AND THE SENSITIVITY OF THOSE
RECEPTORS

C-8 DESCRIBE AND PROVIDE DATA REGARDING THE FLOW RATE OF THE DISCHARGE, ITS PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL COMPOSITION AND ANY POLLUTI0N ABATEMENT
TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED

C-9 PROVIDE A DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT IMPACTS OF THE DISCHARGE(S) UPON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS IDENTIFIED IN C-7.

C-10 PAYING DUE REGARD TO C-7, 8 AND 9, DOCUMENT A JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AWARD OF A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMPETENT
AGENCY.

SECTION E: APPLICATION FOR A PERMIT OF VARIATION FOR THE EMISSION OF NOISE

RELEVANT ACTIVITIES [MOST INFORMATION REQUIRES ATTACHMENT]

C-11 FOR EACH NON-COMPLIANT EMISSION, PLEASE PROVIDE THE COORDINATES FOR LONGITUDE AND LATITUDE.

C-12 PROVIDE AN ASSESSMENT OF THE LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS INCLUDING THE PRESENCE OF, AND THE SENSITIVITY OF THOSE RECEPTORS

C-13 DESCRIBE AND PROVIDE DATA REGARDING MEASURED OR PREDICTED NOISE LEVELS AND ANY ABATEMENT TECHNOLOGIES APPLIED

C-14 PROVIDE A DETAILED ASSESSMENT OF CURRENT IMPACTS OF NOISE UPON THE ENVIRONMENT AND THE SENSITIVE RECEPTORS IDENTIFIED IN C-12.

C-15 PAYING DUE REGARD TO C-12, 13 AND 14, DOCUMENT A JUSTIFICATION FOR THE AWARD OF A TEMPORARY PERMIT FOR CONSIDERATION BY THE COMPETENT
AGENCY.

SECTION F: COMPLIANCE PLAN

C-16 PLEASE PROVIDE AND ATTACH DETAILS OF A SCHEDULE OF TIME BOUND ACTIVITIES THAT WILL BRING THE FACILITY INTO C-17 EXPECTED DATE OF
COMPLIANCE WITH THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS. COMPLIANCE

I CERTIFY UNDER PENALTY OF LAW THAT I UNDERSTAND THE REQUIREMENTS FOR OBTAINING A TEMPORARY PERMIT; THAT THIS DOCUMENT AND ALL ATTACHMENTS
WERE PREPARED UNDER MY DIRECTION OR SUPERVISION AND THAT TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, ALL INFORMATION INCLUDED IS TRUE, ACCURATE AND
COMPLETE.
C-18 SIGNATURE OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL OF COMPANY C-19 DATE

C-20 TYPE OR PRINT NAME OF RESPONSIBLE OFFICIAL C-21 TITLE OF RESPONSIBLE

OFFICIAL
TITLE: NAME:
Appendix B – Equipment for use outdoors

Definitions of equipment for use outdoors

[sourced from the EU Directive regarding the Use of outdoor equipment]

1. Aerial access platforms with combustion engines

Equipment consisting of a minimum of a work platform, an extending structure and a chassis. The work
platform is a fenced platform or a cage which can be moved under load to the required working position.
The extending structure is connected to the chassis and supports the work platform; it allows movement of
the work platform to its required position.

2. Brush cutter
A combustion-engine driven portable hand-held unit fitted with a rotating blade made of metal or plastic
intended to cut weeds, brush, small trees and similar vegetation. The cutting device operates in a plane
approximately parallel to the ground.

3. Builders’ hoist for the transport of goods

A power-operated, temporarily installed builders’ hoist intended for use by persons who are permitted to
enter engineering and construction sites, serving

(i) defined landing levels, having a platform

 designed for the transportation of goods only
 which permits the access of persons during loading and unloading
 which permits the access and travel by authorised persons during erection, dismantling and
maintenance
 guided travelling vertical or along a path within 15° max. of the vertical
 supported or sustained by: wire, rope, chain, screwed spindle and nut, rack and pinion, hydraulic jack
 (direct or indirect), or an expanding linkage mechanism
 where masts may or may not require support from separate structures, or

(ii) either one upper landing or a work area extending to the end of the guide (e.g. a roof), having a load-
carrying device:
 designed for the transportation of goods only
 designed that there is no need to step on it for loading or unloading purposes or for maintenance,
erection and dismantling
 from which persons are prohibited at any time
 guided
 which is designed to travel at an angle of at least 30° to the vertical but may be used at any angle
 sustained by steel wire rope and a positive drive system
 controlled by constant pressure type controls
 which does not benefit from the use of any counterweight
 having a maximum rated load of 300 kg
 having a maximum speed of 1m/s; and
 where the guides require support from separate structures.

4. Building site band saw machine

A hand-fed powered machine weighing less than 200 kg fitted with a single saw blade in the form of a
continuous band mounted on and running between two or more pulleys.

5. Building site circular saw bench

A hand-fed machine weighing less than 200 kg fitted with a single circular sawblade (other than a scoring
saw) with a diameter of 350 mm or more, up to a maximum diameter of 500 mm, which is fixed during the
normal cutting operation, and a horizontal table, all or part of which is fixed during operation. The sawblade
is mounted on a horizontal non-tilting spindle, the position of which remains stationary during machining.
The machine may have any of the following features:
 the facility for the sawblade to be raised and lowered through the table
 machine frame below the table may be open or enclosed
 the saw may be fitted with an additional, manually operated travelling table (not adjacent to the
sawblade).

6. Chain saw, portable

A power-driven tool designed to cut wood with a saw chain and consisting of an integrated compact unit of
handles, power source and cutting attachment, designed to be supported with two hands.

7. Combined high pressure flusher and suction vehicle

A vehicle which may work either as a high pressure flusher or as a suction vehicle. See high pressure
flusher and suction vehicle.

8. Compaction machine
A machine which compacts materials, e.g. rock fills, soil or asphalt surfacing, through a rolling, tamping or
vibrating action of the working tool. It may be self-propelled, towed, walk-behind or an attachment to a
carrying machine. Compaction machines are subdivided as follows:

 rollers for ride-on operators: self-propelled compaction machines with one or more metallic cylindrical
bodies (drums) or rubber tyres; the operator’s station is an integral part of the machine
 walk-behind rollers: self-propelled compaction machines with one or more metallic cylindrical bodies
(drums) or rubber tyres in which the operation facilities for travelling, steering, braking and vibrating are
disposed in such a way that the machines have to be operated by an attending operator or by remote
control
 towed roller: compaction machines with one or more metallic cylindrical bodies (drums) or rubber tyres
which do not possess an independent drive system and where the operator’s station is to be found on
a tractor unit
 vibratory plates and vibratory rammers: compactions machines with mainly flat base plates which are
made to vibrate. They are operated by an attending operator or as an attachment to a carrier machine
 explosion rammers: compaction machines with mainly a flat pad as the compacting tool which is made
to move in a predominantly vertical direction by explosion pressure. The machine is operated by an
attending operator.

9. Compressor
Any machine for use with interchangeable equipment which compresses air, gases or vapours to a
pressure higher than the inlet pressure. A compressor comprises the bare compressor itself, the prime
mover and any component or device supplied, which is necessary for safe operation of the compressor.

Excluded are the following categories of device:

 fans, i.e. devices producing air circulation at a positive pressure of not more than 110 000 pascals
 vacuum pumps, i.e. devices or appliances for extracting air from an enclosed space at a pressure not
exceeding atmospheric pressure
 gas turbine engines.

10. Concrete-breakers and picks, hand held

Powered (by any method) concrete-breakers and picks used to perform work on civil engineering and
building sites.

11. Concrete or mortar mixer

A machine to prepare concrete or mortar, irrespective of the loading, mixing and emptying process. It may
be operated intermittently or constantly. Concrete mixers on trucks are called truck mixers (see definition
55).

12. Construction winch

A power-operated, temporarily installed lifting appliance which is equipped with means for raising and
lowering a suspended load.

13. Conveying and spraying machine for concrete and mortar

Items of plant pumping and spraying concrete or mortar, with or without agitator, whereby the material to
be transported is conveyed to the placing position through pipelines, distribution devices or distribution
booms.
Conveyance is carried out:
 for concrete mechanically, by piston or rotor pumps
 for mortar mechanically by piston, worm, hose and rotor pumps or pneumatically by compressors with
or without air chamber.
These machines may be mounted on trucks, trailers or special vehicles.

14. Conveyor belt

A temporarily installed machine suitable for transporting material by means of a power driven belt.

15. Cooling equipment on vehicles

A cargo space refrigeration unit on vehicle categories N2, N3, O3 and O4 as defined by EU Directive
70/156/EEC. The refrigeration unit may be powered by means of an integral part of the refrigeration unit, a
separate part attached to the vehicle body, a driving engine of the vehicle, or by an independent or standby
power source.

16. Dozer
A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine used to exert a push or pull force through mounted
equipment.

17. Drill rig

A machine which is used for drilling holes on construction sites by:
 percussive drilling
 rotary drilling
 rotary percussive drilling.

Drill rigs are stationary during drilling. They may move from one place of work to another, under their own
power. Self-propelled drill rigs include those mounted on lorries, wheeled chassis, tractors, crawlers, skid
bases (pulled by winch).

18. Dumper
A self-propelled machine wheeled or crawler machine having an open body, which either transports and
dumps or spreads material. Dumpers may be equipped with integral self-loading equipment.

19. Equipment for loading and unloading of silos or tanks on trucks

Powered devices attached to silo or tanker trucks for loading or unloading of liquids or bulk material by
means of pumps or similar equipment.

20. Excavator, hydraulic or rope-operated

A self-propelled crawler or wheeled machine having an upper structure capable of a minimum of 360°
rotation, which excavates, swings and dumps material by the action of a bucket fitted to the boom and arm
or telescopic boom, without moving the chassis or undercarriage during any one cycle of the machine.

21. Excavator-loader
A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine having a main structural support designed to carry both a
front-mounted bucket loading mechanism and a rear-mounted backhoe. When used in the backhoe mode,
the machine normally digs below ground level with bucket motion towards the machine. The backhoe lifts,
swings and discharges material while the machine is stationary. When used in the loader mode, the
machine loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and discharges
material.

22. Glass recycling container

A container, built of whatever material, that is used for the collection of bottles. It is equipped with at least
one opening for filling in bottles and another one for emptying the container.

23. Grader
A self-propelled wheeled machine having an adjustable blade, positioned between front and rear axles,
which cuts, moves and spreads material usually to grade requirements.

24. Grass trimmer/grass edge trimmer

A combustion-engine driven portable hand-held unit fitted with flexible line(s), string(s), or similar non-
metallic flexible cutting elements, such as pivoting cutters, intended to cut weeds, grass or similar soft
vegetation. The cutting device operates in a plane approximately parallel (grass trimmer) or perpendicular
(grass edge trimmer) to the ground.

25. Hedge trimmer

Hand-held, integrally driven powered equipment which is designed for use by one operator for trimming
hedges and bushes utilising one or more linear reciprocating cutter blades.

26. High pressure flusher

A vehicle equipped with a device to clean sewers or similar installations by means of a high pressure water
jet. The device may be either mounted on a proprietary vehicular truck chassis or incorporated into its own
chassis embodiment. The equipment may be fixed or demountable as in the case of an exchangeable
bodywork system.

27. High pressure water jet machine

A machine with nozzles or other speed-increasing openings which allow water, also with additives, to
emerge as a free jet. In general, high pressure jet machines consist of a drive, a pressure generator, hose
lines, spraying devices, safety mechanisms, controls and measurement devices. High pressure water jet
machines may be mobile or stationary:

 mobile high pressure water jet machines are mobile, readily transportable machines which are
designed to be used at various sites, and for this purpose are generally fitted with their own undergear
or are vehicle mounted.
 All necessary supply lines are flexible and readily disconnectable
 stationary high pressure water jet machines are designed to be used at one site for a length of time but
capable of being moved to another site with suitable equipment. Generally skid or frame-mounted with
supply line capable of being disconnected.

28. Hydraulic hammer

Equipment which uses the hydraulic power source of the carrier machine to accelerate a piston (sometimes
gas assisted), which then hits a tool. The stress wave generated by kinetic action flows through the tool
into the material, which causes the material to break. Hydraulic hammers need a supply of pressurised oil
to function. The complete carrier/hammer unit is controlled by an operator, usually seated in the cabin of
the carrier.

29. Hydraulic power pack

Any machine for use with interchangeable equipment which compresses liquids to a pressure higher than
the inlet pressure. It means an assembly of a prime mover, pump, with or without reservoir and accessories
(e.g. controls, pressure relief valve).

30. Joint cutter

A mobile machine intended for the production of joints in concrete, asphalt and similar road surfaces. The
cutting tool is a rotating high speed disc. The forward motion of the joint cutter can be:
 manual
 manual with mechanical assistance
 power-driven.

31. Landfill compactor, loader-type with bucket

A self-propelled wheeled compaction machine having a front-mounted loader linkage with a bucket having
steel wheels (drums) primarily designed to compact, move, grade, and load soil, landfill or sanitary (refuse)
materials.

32. Lawnmower
A walk-behind or ride-on grass cutting machine or a machine with grass-cutting attachment(s) where the
cutting device operates in a plane approximately parallel to the ground and which uses the ground to
determine the height of cut by means of wheels, air cushion or skids, etc., and which utilises an engine or
an electric motor for a power source. The cutting devices are either

 rigid cutting elements, or

 non-metallic filament line(s) or freely pivoting non-metallic cutter(s) with a kinetic energy of more than
10 J each; the kinetic energy is determined using EN 786:1997, Annex B.

Also a walk-behind or ride-on grass cutting machine or a machine with grass-cutting attachment(s) where
the cutting device is rotating about a horizontal axis to provide a shearing action with a stationary cutter bar
or knife (cylinder mower).

33. Lawn trimmer/lawn edge trimmer

An electrically powered walk-behind or hand-held grass cutting machine with cutting element(s) of non-
metallic filament line(s) or freely pivoting non-metallic cutters with a kinetic energy of not more than 10 J
each, intended to cut grass or similar soft vegetation. The cutting element(s) operate(s) in a plane
approximately parallel (lawn trimmer) or perpendicular (lawn edge trimmer) to the ground. The kinetic
energy is determined using BS EN 786:1997, Annex B.

34. Lift truck, combustion-engine driven, counterbalanced

A wheeled, internal combustion-engine driven lift truck with counterweight and lifting equipment (mast,
telescopic arm or articulated arm). These are: rough terrain trucks (wheeled counterbalanced trucks
intended primarily for operation on unimproved natural terrain and on disturbed terrain of, e.g., construction
sites)other counterbalanced lift trucks, excluded are those counterbalanced lift trucks that are specifically
constructed for container handling.

35. Loader
A self-propelled wheeled or crawler machine having an integral front-mounted bucket-supporting structure
and linkage, which loads or excavates through forward motion of the machine, and lifts, transports and
discharges material.

36. Mobile crane

A self-powered jib crane capable of travelling, loaded or unloaded, without the need for fixed runways and
relying on gravity for stability. It operates on tyres, crawlers or with other mobile arrangements. In fixed
positions it may be supported by outriggers or other accessories increasing its stability. The superstructure
of a mobile crane may be of the type of full-circle slewing, of limited slewing or non-slewing. It is normally
equipped with one or more hoists and/or hydraulic cylinders for lifting and lowering the jib and the load.
Mobile cranes are equipped either with telescopic jibs, with articulated jibs, with lattice jibs, or a
combination of these, of such a design that may readily be lowered. The loads suspended from the jib may
be handled by hook block assemblies or other load-lifting attachments for special services.

37. Mobile waste container

An appropriate designed container fitted with wheels intended to store waste temporarily, and which is
equipped with a cover.

38. Motorhoe
A self-propelled machine designed to be pedestrian-controlled
 with or without support wheel(s), in such a way that its working elements act as hoeing tools to
ensure propulsion (motor hoe), and
 propelled by one or various wheel(s) directly actuated from the engine and equipped with hoeing
tools (motor hoe with drive wheel(s)).

39. Paver-finisher
A mobile road construction machine used for the purpose of applying layers of construction material, such
as bituminous mix, concrete and gravel on surfaces. Paver-finishers may be equipped with a high-
compaction screed.

40. Piling equipment

Pile installation and extraction equipment, e.g. impact hammers, extractors, vibrators or static pile
pushing/pulling devices of an assembly of machines and components used for installation or extraction of
piles, which also includes:

 piling rig consisting of carrier machine (crawler, wheel or rail mounted, floating leader attachment,
leader or guiding system)
 accessories, e.g. pile caps, helmets, plates, followers, clamping devices, pile handling devices, pile
guides, acoustic shrouds and shock/vibration absorbing devices, power packs/generators and personal
lifting devices or platforms.

41. Pipelayer
A self-propelled crawler or wheeled machine specifically designed to handle and lay pipes and carry
pipeline equipment. The machine, the design of which is based on a tractor, has especially designed
components such as undercarriage, main frame, counterweight, boom and load-hoist mechanism, and
vertically pivoting side boom.

42. Piste caterpillar

A self-propelled crawler machine used to exert a push or pull force on snow and ice through mounted
equipment.

43. Power generator

Any device comprising an internal combustion engine driving a rotary electrical generator producing a
continuous supply of electrical power.

44. Power sweeper

A sweeping collection machine having equipment to sweep debris into the path of a suction inlet that would
then pneumatically by way of a high velocity airstream or with a mechanical pick-up system convey the
debris to a collection hopper. The sweeping and collecting devices may either be mounted to a proprietary
vehicular truck chassis or incorporated into its own chassis embodiment. The equipment can be fixed or
demountable as in the case of an exchangeable bodywork system.

45. Refuse collection vehicle

A vehicle designed for the collection and transportation of domestic and bulky waste based on loading via
containers or by hand. The vehicle may be equipped with a compaction mechanism. A refuse collection
vehicle comprises a chassis with cab onto which the bodywork is mounted. It may be equipped with a
container lifting device.

46. Road-milling machine

A mobile machine used for removing material from paved surfaces using a power-driven cylindrical body,
on which surface the milling tools are fitted; the cutter drums rotate during the cutting operation.

47. Scarifier
A walk-behind or ride-on powered machine which uses the ground to determine the depth of cut and which
is equipped with an assembly appropriate to slit or scratch the surface of the lawn in gardens, parks and
other similar areas.

48. Shredder/chipper
A powered machine designed for use in a stationary position having one or more cutting devices for the
purpose of reducing bulk organic materials to smaller pieces. Generally it consists of a feed intake opening
through which material (which may be held by an appliance or not) is inserted, a device which cuts up the
material by whatever method (cutting, chopping, crushing or other methods) and a discharge chute through
which the cut material is discharged. A collecting device may be attached.

49. Suction vehicle

A vehicle equipped with a device to collect water, mud, sludge, refuse or similar material from sewers or
similar installations by means of a vacuum. The device may be either mounted on a proprietary vehicular
truck chassis or incorporated into its own chassis embodiment. The equipment may be fixed or
demountable as in the case of an exchangeable bodywork system.

50. Tower crane

A slewing jib crane with the jib located at the top of a tower which stays approximately vertical in the
working position. This power-driven appliance is equipped with means for raising and lowering suspended
loads and for the movement of such loads by changing the load-lifting radius, slewing, travelling of the
complete appliance.
Certain appliances perform several but not necessarily all of these movements. The appliance can be
installed in a fixed position or equipped with means for displacing or climbing.

51. Trencher
A self-propelled, ride-on or pedestrian-controlled, crawler or wheeled machine, having a front- or rear-
mounted excavator linkage and attachment, primarily designed to produce trenches in a continuous
operation, through a motion of the machine.

52. Truck mixer

A vehicle which is equipped with a drum to transport ready-mixed concrete from the concrete mixing plant
to the job site; the drum may rotate when the vehicle is driving or stand still. The drum is emptied on the job
site by rotating the drum. The drum is driven either by the driving engine of the vehicle or by a
supplementary engine.

53. Waterpump unit

A machine consisting of a water pump itself and the driving system. Water pump means a machine for the
raising of water from a lower to a higher energy level.

54. Welding generator

Any rotary device which produces a welding current.