NOISE CONTROL GUIDELINES TG 302/92

JULY 1992
Introduction
These guidelines are primarily intended to be used by municipal officers to assist in the resolution of
complaints or to avert a possible noise nuisance. Some guidelines have been prepared so that they could be
incorporated into a permit condition of a development or embodied as a local law. The guidelines are designed,
however, to be the basis of assessment and not the last word.

Many of the guidelines do not require an actual measurement of the noise. In these cases, the inherent nature
of the activity outside of the hours suggested is sufficient to consider the activity unreasonable.

It is envisaged that further guidelines will also be developed for situations where there are currently no specific
legislative controls. To this end the EPA would appreciate feedback on issues where additional noise control
guidelines are considered useful or where refinements to existing guidelines are considered necessary.

CONTENTS

TITLE SECTION TITLE SECTION

Noise Assessment Technique 1 Truck Mounted Refrigeration Units 8
measuring equipment, measuring
procedure, method for background Deliveries to Shops, Supermarkets and
measurement, definitions Service Stations 9

Aircraft 2 Noise from Shops 10

Helicopters 3 Road Repair and Track Maintenance 11

Fixed Domestic Plant 4 Construction and Demolition Site Noise 12

air conditioners, swimming pool
equipment, spas, ducted heating, Gardening on Non-Residential Property 13
internal vacuum systems, home
occupation noise Dog Kennels 14

Domestic Refuse Collection 5 Mini-Motor Cycle Circuits 15

Industrial Waste Collection 6 Scareguns 16

Mobile Vendors 7 Public Address Systems 17

Other Noise Guidelines and Useful

References 18

Acknowledgement
Some of the guidelines were adopted from the 1984 Draft Noise Control Guidelines developed by the New
South Wales Environment Protection Authority (formerly the State Pollution Control Commission).
1. Noise Assessment Technique If a tone is present in the noise being measured, the
adjustment shall be +2 dB for a tone just detectable
When measurement of noise emissions is deemed
by the observer and +5 dB for a tonal component
necessary in the application of these Guidelines then
prominently audible.
they should be performed in accordance with
Australian Standard 1055-1989, titled Acoustics -
If impulsiveness is a significant characteristic of the
Description and Measurement of Environmental
noise being measured, the adjustment shall be +2 dB
Noise.
for an impulsiveness just detectable by the observer
and +5 dB if it is readily detectable.
A simple procedure that can be used for measuring
environmental noise is described below.
The sound level meter must be checked for accuracy
using a pistonphone or portable calibrator before and
MEASUREMENT EQUIPMENT
after the measurements are made. The
The equipment used should conform with the
measurements will be considered invalid if the meter
specifications for sound level meters of Type 1 or
registers a discrepancy greater than + 1 dB between
Type 2 as contained in Australian Standard 1259, or
consecutive checks.
to the draft standard for integrating averaging sound
level meter.
The sound level meter and pistonphone or portable
calibrator must be calibrated annually or at least
MEASUREMENT PROCEDURE
every two years by a laboratory equipped for the
The measurement should be taken out-of-doors. The
purpose.
microphone of the sound level meter must be located
between a height 1.2 metres and 1.5 metres above
METHOD OF BACKGROUND MEASUREMENT
the ground and at least 3.5 metres from any walls,
The sound level meter shall be located at the
buildings or other reflecting surfaces.
measurement point used to determine the average
The microphone will be located at a point where the
maximum A-weighted sound pressure level
maximum A-weighted sound pressure level of the
(LA max). The meter must be set on A-weighting
noise will be obtained.
and fast response. The background A-weighted
sound pressure level (LA bg) shall be determined by
The sound level meter must be set on A-weighting
taking the average of the lowest levels measured
and time-weighting "F" (fast response). The average
during the relevant time interval when the annoying
maximum A-weighted sound pressure level
noise has ceased. The level must be determined over
(LA max) will be determined by taking the average
a sufficiently long time to be representative of the
of the maximum levels measured during the time
background and will be measured for not less than
interval considered. The level should be determined
5 minutes.
over a sufficiently long time to be representative of
the noise and will be measured for not less than 5
DEFINITIONS
minutes. The level must not include extraneous
The following are definitions of terms used in these
noise that could effect the level of the noise being
Guidelines:
assessed.
Day period: means the time interval
Adjustments may have to be made to the Maximum
between 7:00am to 6:00pm.
Average A-weighted Sound Pressure Level in some
Evening period: means the time interval
cases. The Adjusted Maximum Average A-weighted
between 6:00pm to 10:00 pm.
Sound Pressure Level (LA max adj) is the average
Habitable room: means any room other than a
maximum A-weighted sound pressure level adjusted
kitchen, storage area,
for tonal (eg humming) and impulsive
bathroom, laundry, toilet,
(eg hammering) characteristics of the noise. The
pantry, garage or garden shed.
presence of tonal or impulsive characteristics create
Night period: means the time interval
additional annoyance.
between 10:00pm and 7:00am.

2
2. Aircraft
The impact of aircraft noise is generally of major concern only in the vicinity of airports. In these situations
levels of noise exposure can be mapped using either the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) system, or
maximum noise levels from aircraft where an ANEF is not available. Complaints about noise from aircraft in
flight should be directed to the Commonwealth Civil Aviation Authority.

Recommended land use suitability near airports is summarised in the following table :

Land Use Noise Exposure Range

Less than 20-25 25-30 Above
20 ANEF ANEF ANEF 30 ANEF

Schools, Hospitals, Suitable Not Not Not

Churches, Theatres Suitable Suitable Suitable
Residential Suitable See Not Not
Note 1 Suitable Suitable
Hotel, Motel, Offices, Suitable Suitable See Not
Public Buildings Note 2 Suitable
Commercial, Industrial Suitable Suitable Suitable See
Note 2
Outdoor Recreational Suitable Suitable Suitable Suitable
(Non Spectator)

Note 1: Within 20 to 25 ANEF, some people may find that the land is not compatible with residential use.
Land use authorities may consider that the incorporation of noise control features in the construction
of residences is appropriate.

Note 2: An analysis of building noise reduction requirements by an acoustic consultant should be made and
any necessary noise control features included in the design of the building.

Note 3: The actual location of the 20 ANEF contour is difficult to define accurately, mainly because of
variations in aircraft flight paths.

Building site acceptability based on maximum noise levels:

Building Type Maximum Noise Level Expected At Building Site, dB(A)

Aircraft operation/day < 20 Aircraft operation/day > 20
Accept Conditional Unaccept Accept Conditional Unaccept
Houses, units, flats <80 80 to 90 >90 <75 75 to 85 >85
Hotels, motels, hostels <85 85 to 95 >95 <80 80 to 90 >90
Schools, universities <80 80 to 90 >90 <75 75 to 85 >85
Hospitals, nursing homes <80 80 to 90 >90 <75 75 to 85 >85
Public buildings <85 85 to 95 >95 <80 80 to 90 >90
Commercial buildings <90 90 to 100 >100 <80 80 to 90 >90
Light industrial buildings <95 95 to 105 >105 <90 90 to 100 >100
Heavy industrial buildings No limit No limit

Note: The number of aircraft operations is the estimated average number of flight, per day over the site.
However, each night-time flight between 1900 hours and 0700 hours is to count as four operations.

Refer to Tables 3.4 - 3.19, AS 2021 - 1985 for expected levels from typical aircraft operations.

REFERENCE
AS 2021-1985 Acoustics - Airport Noise Intrusion - Building Siting and Construction.

3
3. Helicopters
NOISE LEVEL CRITERIA
The criteria comprise three separate components,
each of which should be satisfied at the nearest
affected buildings:
(i) the measured LAeq,T(measured over the entire
daily operating time of the helipad) shall not
exceed 55 dB(A) for a residence.
(ii) the measured maximum noise level LA max
shall not exceed 82 dB(A) at the nearest
residential premises (See Note below).
(iii) operation outside the hours of 7:00am to
10:00pm shall not be permitted except for
emergency flights.
Note:
These levels will generally be met by a separation
between the landing site and the residential premises
of 150 m for helicopters less than 2 Tonnes all-up-
weight, and 250 m for helicopters less than
15 Tonnes all-up-weight.
4. Fixed Domestic Plant and Home
Occupation Noise
(ie: Domestic Air Conditioners, Swimming Pool
Equipment, Spas, Ducted Heating, Internal Vacuum
Systems and Home Occupation Noise)
DAY AND EVENING OPERATION
Where noise from any fixed domestic plant occurs
beyond the residential boundary, the broadband
intrusive noise resulting from its use ( LA max adj
measured for not less than 5 minutes) shall not
exceed the background level (LA bg) by more than
5 dB(A) when measured at the property boundary.
Assessment must be made at a time when the
equipment is intended to be operating and
background noise levels are lowest.
NIGHT OPERATION
The noise from a fixed domestic plant must not be
audible within a habitable room of any other
residence (regardless of whether any door or window
giving access to the room is open) during prohibited
hours prescribed by the Environment Protection
(Residential Noise) Regulations 1987. The
following hours apply to air conditioners, swimming
pool an spa pumps and ducted heating systems:
10:00pm to 7:00am Monday to Friday;
10:00pm to 9:00am Weekends &
Public Holidays.
Note:
Noise assessment procedures are made in accordance
with "Noise Assessment Techniques" stated earlier
in this guideline.
4
5. Domestic Refuse Collection
The main annoyance produced by domestic refuse
collections occurs in the early morning (ie before
7:00am). Therefore, if possible, routes should be
selected to provide the least impact on residential
areas during that time.
Collection of refuse should be restricted to the
following criteria:
* Collections occurring once a week should be
restricted to the hours:
6 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday
* Collections occurring more than once a week
should be restricted to the hours:
7 am to 6 pm Monday to Saturday
* Compaction should only be carried out while
on the move.
* Bottles should not be broken up at the point of
collection.
* Routes which service entirely residential areas
should be altered regularly to reduce early
morning disturbance.
6. Industrial Waste Collection
Annoyance created by industrial waste collection
tends to intensify in the early morning period.
To this end, early morning collections should be
restricted to non-residential areas to minimize early
morning disturbances. Where a residential area is
impacted by noise from the collection of refuse then
collections should be restricted to the times
contained within the schedule.
* Refuse bins should be located at sites that provide
minimal annoyance to residential premises.
* Compaction should be carried out while the vehicle
is moving.
* Bottles should not be broken up at collection site.
* Routes which service predominantly residential
areas should be altered regularly to reduce early
morning disturbances.
SCHEDULE
One collection per week
6:30am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday
9:00am to 8:00pm Sunday & Public Holidays
Two or more collections per week
7:00am to 8:00pm Monday to Saturday
9:00am to 8:00pm Sunday & Public Holidays
7. Mobile Vendors
The owner or person in charge of a vehicle should
not use or operate in any public place a noise device
for the purpose of informing members of the public
that articles are on sale from that vehicle:
(i) while the vehicle is stationary; or
(ii) before 9:00am or after 9:00pm on any day; or
(iii) for longer than 30 seconds in any period of
3 minutes; or
(iv) more than once in any period of 1 hour in the
same road between the same two roads which
are nearest in each direction and which
intersect with that road.
8. Truck-Mounted Refrigeration
Units
Whether parked on residential premises or
non-residential premises, the noise from the
operation of a truck mounted refrigeration unit must
not be audible within a habitable room of any other
residence (regardless of whether any door or window
giving access to the room is open) during the hours
contained in the schedule.
SCHEDULE
"Non-Residential Premises" ie. parked on the street
10:00pm to 7:00am Monday to Saturday
10:00pm to 9:00am Sundays & Public Holidays
"Residential Premises"
8:00pm to 7:00am Monday to Friday
8:00pm to 9:00am Weekends & Public Holidays
Note:
Section 48(A) of the Environment Protection Act
1970 deals with the emission of unreasonable noise
from residential premises. This provision of the Act
is not limited to the schedule and may be enforced at
any time.
9. Deliveries to Shops, Supermarkets
and Service Stations
Where a residential area will be impacted by noise
from deliveries, then deliveries should be inaudible
in a habitable room of any residential premises
(regardless of whether any door or window giving
access to the room is open) outside the hours
contained in the schedule.
SCHEDULE
7:00am to 10:00pm Monday to Saturday
9:00am to 10:00pm Sundays and Public Holidays
Note:
All ancillary motors or trucks should be turned off
whilst making the delivery.
5
10. Noise from Shops
Where amplified speech or music from shops
(spruiking) is to be controlled, the following
conditions may be specified.
Each loudspeaker or loudspeaker system to be placed
in such a position that while it is in use, it remains:
(i) located entirely inside the shop;
(ii) situated not less than 3 metres from any public
entrance to the shop;
(iii) directed in such a manner that the device does
not point towards any wall which contains an
external window or entrance to the shop unless
the wall is more than 15 metres from the device
itself; and
(iv) operating at a level that does not exceed
65 dB(LA max ), 2 metres from the facade.
11. Road Repair and Track
Maintenance
The following guidelines have been designed to limit
the amount of noise impinging solely on residential
premises. To this end, affected premises such as
offices may be considered exempt from the schedule.
* All pneumatic tools operated in a residential area
should be fitted with an effective silencer on their
exhaust port.
* Noise Labels are required to be affixed to new
mobile air compressors and pavement breakers.
The unit with the lowest noise reading which
meets the requirements of the job should be used
where work is conducted in a residential area or
other noise sensitive location.
* All mechanical plant must be silenced by best
practical means using current technology. Noise
suppression devices should be maintained to the
manufacturer's specifications. Internal
combustion engines used in a residential area are
to be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair.
* Unless involved in emergency repair or for safety
reasons, all work should be conducted during the
hours specified in the schedule.
* If routine work is planned outside the hours
specified by the schedule all affected premises in
the residential area must be notified of the
intended work, its duration and times of
occurrence.
* Work that creates the most noise should be
scheduled to minimise the impact on residential
premises.
SCHEDULE
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday
9:00am to 6:00pm Sunday and Public Holidays
12. Construction and Demolition Site Noise
The following guideline is intended for industrial and commercial premises. It is not intended to be applied to
the construction or demolition of a structure used for the purposes of a private residential dwelling.

* All pneumatic tools operated near a residential area must be fitted with an effective silencer on their air
exhaust port.

* Noise Labels are required to be affixed to new mobile air compressors and pavement breakers. The unit
with the lowest noise rating which meets the requirements of the job should be used where work is
conducted in a residential area or other noise sensitive location.

* All mechanical plant must be silenced by best practical means using current technology. Noise
suppression devices should be maintained to the manufacturer's specifications. Internal combustion
engines are to be fitted with a suitable muffler in good repair.

* Where possible, no truck associated with the work should be left standing with its engine operating in a
street adjacent to a residential area.

* Site buildings, access roads and plant should be positioned such that the minimum disturbance occurs to
the locality.

* All vehicular movements to and from the site must only be made during the scheduled normal working
hours unless approval has been granted by the relevant authority.

* Noise from the site must comply with the requirements of the schedule.

* Where it is not possible for continuous type work such as a concrete pour to be completed within the hours
specified by the schedule, and the noise of this activity will impact a residential area, then affected
premises should be notified of the intended work, its duration and times of occurrence.

SCHEDULE
Normal working hours
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Friday
7:00am to 1:00pm Saturdays

Noise level at any residential premises not to exceed background noise by:
(i) 10 dB(A) or more for up to 18 months after project commencement.
(ii) 5 dB(A) or more after 18 months.
during the hours of:
6:00pm to 10:00pm Monday to Friday
1:00pm to 10:00pm Saturdays
7:00am to 10:00pm Sundays & public holidays

Noise inaudible within a habitable room of any residential premises.

10:00pm to 7:00am Monday to Sunday

6
13. Gardening on Non-residential
Property
This guideline is intended to limit the amount of
noise created by lopping or removal of trees, cutting
of grass, etc.
All internal combustion engines must be fitted with a
suitable muffler in good repair.
Work carried out in proximity to a residential area
should be restricted to the hours:
7:00am to 6:00pm Monday to Saturday; or
9:00am to 6:00pm Sundays & Public Holidays
unless involved in emergency work.
9. Kennels should be constructed of such a
material so as to provide an appropriate
reduction in the emission of noise. Materials
such as masonry and cement sheeting would
provide a suitable structural basis.
10. The kennels should be positioned so as to
utilize the ability of the topography to reduce
noise.
Note:
Noise originating from dog kennels, may be assessed
using State Environment Protection Policy (Control
of Noise from Commerce, Industry and Trade)
No. N-1.

14. Dog Kennels

The problems caused by the perpetual barking of
dogs has been known to exist at distances as far as
500 metres from the actual source. The following
criteria for dog kennels have therefore been
assembled to limit both the physical stimuli to the
dogs as well as the outbreak of noise from the
kennels.

1. The kennels should be located at least

500 metres away from residential areas.

2. Some fully enclosed or acoustically baffled

kennels should be available to house
particularly noisy animals at a ratio of 1:15.

3. Electronic masking noise devices should be

provided to reduce audible stimuli to the dogs.

4. Kennels should be constructed to visually

screen stimuli such as other dogs, animals,
traffic or passers-by.

5. Access to kennels should be restricted solely to

staff.

6. Feeding of the dogs should be restricted to

within the day time hours of 7:00am to 6:00pm.

7. Exercise of the dogs may only be performed

within the hours of 9:00am and 5:00pm.

8. A responsible person must be available on site

24 hours per day.

7
15. Mini-motorcycle Circuits No more than two mini-motorcycles are to be
operated on the warm up area at any one time.
INTRODUCTION
These guidelines are intended to limit the amount of
The engines of mini-motorcycles located in the pits
noise created by mini-motorcycles at a circuit
area should not be operated for excessive periods of
controlled by a non-profit organisation within the
time.
Melbourne Metropolitan area.
Public Address Systems: EPA Noise Control
DEFINITIONS
Guidelines, section 17, cover the installation and use
Circuit: means the entire area controlled by the club
of these systems.
and includes, but is not restricted to, the track area,
pits area, warm up area and car park area.
A sign or signs must be erected and maintained by
the club indicating that the circuit is only to be used
Mini-Motorcycle: means any two wheeled vehicle,
by club members. The erection of a sign may need
powered by an internal combustion engine, which is
to comply with the requirements of the relevant
not able to be registered for road use.
Planning Scheme.
Public Holiday: means public holiday as published
Regular club activities should be restricted to
in the Victoria Government Gazette from time to
Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays and the
time.
hours during which the engine of a mini-motorcycle
can be operated on the circuit must fall within the
Standard Exhaust System: means either the
interval 9:00am to 6:00pm on any Saturday and
complete exhaust system fitted to the mini-
10:00am and 6:00pm on any Sunday or Public
motorcycle at the time of manufacture or a complete
Holiday. On each day that mini-motorcycles are
system specified and distributed by the manufacturer
ridden on a circuit there must be a continuous period
of the mini-motorcycle as a suitable replacement.
of at least 45 minutes between 12:00noon and
2:00pm when the engine of any mini-motorcycle is
NOISE GUIDELINES
not to be operated.
Only mini-motorcycles having an engine capacity of
100 cc or less should be permitted on the track area,
In any period of four consecutive weeks there should
pits area or warm up area and the engine of any
be at least one entire weekend during which no mini-
mini-motorcycle may only be operated when the
motorcycles are to be operated on the circuit.
cycle is in one of these areas or being ridden between
these areas.
For each new circuit, the distance between any zone
in which the use of mini-motorcycles is prohibited
All mini-motorcycles ridden on the track area, pits
under the relevant Planning Scheme and the nearest
area, or warm up area must have fitted a standard
part of the track area, pits area or warm up area
exhaust system or equivalent system capable of
should not be less than 350 metres. In addition,
reducing the noise emissions to a level of 104 dB(A)
consideration must be given to the following:
or less when tested in accordance with the Motor
Cycle provisions of the Environment Protection
(i) Other lawful uses in the same zone or
(Truck, Omnibus and Motor Cycle Noise)
reservation which are likely to be sensitive to
Regulations 1978 made under the Environment
noise, or whether any permits have been issued
Protection Act 1970.
for such uses.
(ii) Any proposed rezoning or reservation of the
No more than 15 mini-motorcycles are to be ridden
area.
on the track area at any one time either during
practice sessions or races of any kind.

The engines of mini-motorcycles located at the

starting line prior to the start of any race are not to
be operated for longer than two minutes.

8
16. Scareguns correctly, does offer some protection against this
problem. However the noise which frightens the
BACKGROUND
birds can also cause significant annoyance to
Scareguns are devices for producing a loud explosive
neighbours living in the area. As a consequence,
sound for the purpose of scaring away birds from
when scareguns are used, there needs to be a balance
crops and orchards. Scare guns, also known as gas
set between the producer's needs and rights of
guns or scatter guns, produce an explosive noise by
residents. This EPA guideline, attempts to set this
the ignition of a charge of gas and air. Some scare
balance. and should be seen as a reasonable
guns rotate after firing so that the next blast is
compromise for both parties.
emitted in a different direction and this is intended
to increase the surprise effect on birds.
GUIDELINES FOR THE CONTROL OF NOISE
FROM SCAREGUNS
Scareguns, when used as the sole bird deterrent, are
* A scaregun must not be used if the distance
likely to become significantly less effective after a
between the scaregun and any complainant's house is
few days. This is due to the birds becoming
less than 300 m (See Note 2).
accustomed to the noise. For scareguns to remain
effective it is necessary to vary and enforce the
* The scaregun must not emit more than
frightening effect. Methods which do this include
70 blasts/day.
the relocating of the scare gun every day or so and
the use of "birdfright" explosive cartridges.
* The scaregun must not be used earlier than 7:00am
or later than sunset. Earlier starting times will be
The rate of firing the scaregun must be carefully
allowed if this is agreed to by the complainants.
considered. If the firing rate is set too high the birds
will very quickly become accustomed to the noise.
* The total time of operation of a scaregun must not
However if set too low the birds will return from
exceed 12 hours in any one day. However the time
cover after being frightened away and will have time
of operation may be divided into two separate
to feed.
periods provided the interval between blasts is not
less than 6 minutes.
For the guns to be most effective they should be used
when the birds are most actively feeding. This will
* The scaregun must be located as far away as
normally be in the early morning and late afternoon;
possible from any complainants houses.
but this could be dependent on the species. Most
scare guns can be fitted with a timer which enables
* Wherever possible, the shielding effects of natural
them to be automatically turned on and off.
features, buildings, etc. shall be used to reduce the
level of the blasts at complainants' houses.
Scareguns are not the only method of bird control
available. Where scareguns cannot be used, other
* Wherever possible, the use of the scaregun shall be
bird controls should be considered by the producer.
minimized.
These include:
* Kites, shaped like birds of prey
Notes:
* Chemical sprays which are unpalatable to some 1. These guidelines are based on an average
species of small birds maximum level of 100 dB LIN Peak of the
loudest 20% of blasts measured at the
* Plastic strips which hum in the wind complainants home when the weather favours
noise propagation. The dB LIN Peak is
* Nets and plastic mesh measured with the sound level meter set to
linear and peak.
* Noise generators such as "Av-alarm",
"Pestaway Agricultural Noise Generator" or a 2. Where the level of the blast from a scaregun
"white noise" generator. (The first two produce can be adjusted then the distance between the
a high level of noise which may cause scaregun and any complainant's house may be
annoyance to residents if living nearby. The less than 300 m. In this case the adjusting
last mentioned device produces a cicada like mechanism must be permanently fixed such
sound and has been found to be particularly that the average maximum level of the blasts at
effective with silvereyes). the house does not exceed 100 dB LIN Peak.
3. Weather conditions affect the propagation
DISCUSSION
of noise. Received levels are loudest when the
Birds which attack fruit and crops can cause
wind blows from the source to the receiver.
significant losses to a producer. A scaregun, if used
Temperature inversions, which often occur in
the early mornings after a clear night, also
increase noise propagation.

9
17. Public Address Systems 5. A sound level limiting circuit should be
incorporated in the amplifier to control the
Public address systems are commonly used in
signal amplitude to a fixed level regardless of
conjunction with outdoor entertainment and sporting
the loudness of the operator's voice.
activities and can cause annoyance if used
inappropriately. For the purpose of this guide public
6. Once the control knobs have been set to the
address systems may be divided into two categories:
correct positions, they should be removed and
(i) low power units needed for control of persons
the potentiometer spindles covered with a fixed
engaged in the activities or events, and (ii) high
metal channel attached to the front panel of the
power units used for making public commentaries
amplifier.
and announcements.
7. The spare microphone inputs should be covered
OBJECTIVES
with metal plates securely fitted to the rear or
In all cases, the environmental objective should be
front panel of the amplifier, as the case may be.
noise intrusion of not more than 5 dB(A) above
background at any affected residences or other noise-
High Power Systems for Commentaries and
sensitive locations. Corrections for tonal or
Announcements
impulsive noise usually are not necessary, and
These are usually much larger systems used, for
further tolerance of up to 5 dB(A) may be allowed
example, to give a running commentary during a
for unique or very infrequent activities with re-
sporting event or race meeting, to keep spectators
cognised social merit. Amplifier level settings must
entertained or for carnival-type advertising.
be minimized, while ensuring conveyance of
information to audience or participants is adequate.
1. Most of the criteria for lower power systems are
applicable.
Restrictions on the times of use of public address
systems should be considered. Noise from
2. Rather than use high-powered speakers placed
PA Systems must not be audible inside a residential
in a few locations, it is preferable to place more
dwelling during normal sleeping hours.
low-powered speakers to cover the entire
perimeter of the grounds, each pointing
Low Power Systems for Event Control
downward and inward towards the ground
These are usually small systems such as used for
where the event is taking place.
controlling competitors in events such as BMX bike
races and go-kart races. Where such systems may
Note:
cause noise annoyance, the following criteria should
1. Consideration should be given to substitution of
be applied:
sound systems by visual displays such as
electronic score-boards and video screens for
1. The public address system must only be used to
large operations.
control the event, not for giving commentaries,
advertising or playing music.
2. PA Systems used for paging staff and patrons
in business and catering operations may also be
2. Speakers may only be installed in the essential
replaced where they adversely affect residences.
control areas, such as marshalling sites.
In business, two-way radios or pocket beepers
may be used. In hotels, meal ticket numbers
3. Speakers should be small, low power horn units
may be presented on digital display boards
no more than 20 cm across the horn opening
instead of being announced.
and operated by an amplifier of no more than
30 watts.

4. Horn units are to incline downwards at an

angle of approximately 45o, point in the
appropriate direction and be mounted on poles
approximately 3 m high, in such a way that the
speaker is held firmly and cannot be rotated.

10
18. Other Noise Guidelines and useful references

A number of these publications are available from

EPAs Information Centre, ground floor, 40 City
Road Southbank VIC 3006. Tel (03) 9695 2722.

1. Interim Guidelines for Control of Noise

from industry in country Victoria. EPA
Publication No.N3/89.

2. Interim Gunshot Noise Guidelines EPA

Publication No.N6/91.

3. State Environment Protection Policy

(Control of Noise from Commerce, Industry
and Trade) No.N-1. Victorian Government
Gazette No.S31 Thursday 15 June 1989.

4. Explanatory notes: State Environment

Protection Policy (Control of Noise from
Commerce, Industry and Trade) No.N-1,
EPA Publication No.N4/91.

5. State Environment Protection Policy

(Control of Music Noise from Public
Premises) No.N-2. Victorian Government
Gazette No.S43 Thursday 3 August 1989.

6. Explanatory Notes: State Environment

Protection Policy (Control of Music Noise
from Public Premises) No.N-2.

7. A Guide to the Measurement and Analysis

of Noise EPA Publication NO.280.

8. Annoyed by Noise? EPA Publication No.

406a.

9. Environment Protection (Residential Noise)

Regulations 1997.

Note: Regulations can be obtained from

Information Victoria, 356 Collins Street,
Melbourne, Victoria, 3000, tel. 1300 366
356.

Useful EPA contact numbers for further information:

Noise complaints from industry and

commerce can be made to EPA's Pollution
Watch Line. Tel (03) 9695 2777 (24
hours)

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