Environmental Standards

Environmental Noise

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia National Environmental Standard

Environmental Noise

Article I Preliminary
1)

Definitions

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.

ambient noise A totally encompassing sound in a

given situation at a given time usually composed of
sounds from near and far.

LAmax Maximum A-weighted sound level for a given

time interval or event.

BAT Best available techniques.

level describes the magnitude of the sound in its

physical dimension, whether or not there are humans
there to hear it.

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.

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 faade The faade 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.

exposure sound levels which are transmitted to the

human ear.

operator Refers to any site or facility subject to

environmental
controls
under
the
General
Environmental Regulations.

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.

peak sound pressure Maximum absolute value of

the frequency weighted instantaneous sound
pressure that occurs during a specified time period.

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.

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

noise on human health and well-being. The limits
must also take full appreciation of relevant social and
economic factors, technological options, equity,
enforceability and the cultural climate.

reference time interval (T) The time interval to

which the rating of the sound is referred.
residual noise The ambient noise remaining at a
given position in a given situation when the specific
noise is absent.
Competent Agency is the appointed body that
will regulate and enforce these environmental
standards.

4)

a) This standard relates to the following types of

environmental noise:

Significant noise emitting premises Premises

from which the difference between the emitted noise
and the ambient noise level at that location is
10dB(A) or more.
source height Distance between the source and
the local ground level.

5)

3)

3)

Timescales for implementation

a) The effective date of this standard is 01/05/1433H
corresponds to 24/03/2012G.

Purpose
a) The purpose of the General Environmental
Standard for Noise.is to provide a basis for statutory
control to restrict and reduce the nuisance caused by
environmental noise. The framework does not
address the issue of occupational noise which falls
under the jurisdiction of National Health and Safety
Law.
b) People may respond differently to the same level
of noise. However, above certain levels, noise can
adversely affect the lives of many people. It can lead
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
and sleeping.
c) Noise limits are set by the responsible and
competent authorities (in this case PME) on the

ii)

noise from industrial units in areas set

aside primarily for industrial facilities;

iii)

noise from construction activities;

noise from equipment used outdoors.

b) The standard does not extend to noise from public

transportation, including highways, railways and noise
from commercial and private aircraft, including
helicopters, both in flight and operating on the ground.

specific noise level The equivalent continuous Aweighted sound pressure level at the assessment
position produced by the specific noise source over a
given reference time interval.

a) This document may be cited as the General

Environmental Standard for Noise. This standard
revises the current General Standards for the
Environment (specifically document number 140901) issued by the Presidency of Meteorology and
Environment (PME).

community noise;

v)

specific noise source Refers to the noise

emitting party / structure that is under investigation.

Citation

i)

iv) noise from vehicles (including motorised

vessels and recreational craft); and

sound power The sound energy radiated per unit

time by a sound source.

2)

Scope

Exemptions
a) Exemptions may apply in circumstances where the
enforcement of this standard is impractical and/or
inappropriate. Exemption in specified areas may be
made for, but not restricted to, the activities specified
in table 1. The Competent Agency will determine
where these exemptions apply and which activities
beyond this list are included.
Table 1 Exempt activities
Activity
Call to prayer
Military activities
Airports, commercial
and private aircraft,
including helicopters,
both in flight and
operating on the
ground
Public railways and
railroad freight
terminals
Commercial port
activity
Expressways

Exemption
applies
At all times
At all times
At all times

At all times
During
operational
activities
At all times

b) With respect to events taking place at stadia (e.g.

sports) and festivals, the Competent Agency will take
account of the frequency of the events and how
disturbing they will be.
The enjoyment of 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)

9)

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.

Powers of Authority

c) Appeals with respect to abatement notices must be

lodged with the Designated Agency for appeals as
specified in the General Environmental Regulations.

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.

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)

c) The Competent Agency or appointed individual for

the purpose of this noise standard may:

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.

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.

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

Appeals

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 20Pa. 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 Aweighted 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

levels can then be drawn where

necessary by interpolation between the
points.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

g) For all noise measurements the axis of maximum

sensitivity of the microphone must be directed
towards the noise source.

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)

The need to represent the average level

of a specified area taking into account
topographical and local shielding from
buildings, structures and vegetation.

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)

ii)

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.

Measurement procedures

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.

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

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;

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;

there
should
precipitation.

be

no

significant

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.

vii) where appropriate, a description of the

sound propagation model used; and

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.

the wind direction is from the specific

noise source towards the noise receiver;

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.

vi) measurement
positions
including
microphone height above ground and
distance from reflective surfaces if less
than 3.5 m;

iii)

v)

a description of the time aspect of the

measurements. i.e. the reference and
measurement time intervals, including
details of sampling, if used;

viii) the following conditions during the

measurements should be described
qualitatively and quantitatively where
appropriate:

wind direction within an angle of 45 of the

direction connecting the dominant sound
source and the centre of the specified
measurement area;

iv) there should be no strong temperature

inversions near to the ground; and

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)

ii)

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)

(including hostels and hotels) and may range from

sparse population densities to suburban districts
of cities.

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.

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.

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.

Table 2. Permitted free-field external noise limits

for community noise, measured at any noise
sensitive property within the appropriate area
designation

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.

Designation
A
B
C

Day
LAeq,T(dB)
50
55
60

Evening
LAeq,T (dB)
45
50
55

Night
LAeq,T (dB)
40
45
50

Article IV Community Noise

1)

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).

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.

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.

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)

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
faade 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.

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
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

3)

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
inclined in order to cover a large proportion of the
space. At no point should the microphone lie within
1m of a wall, floor or ceiling and the duration of the
rotation shall be for not less than 15 seconds.
c) Should other noise sources be audible within the
room i.e. air conditioning, the aim should be for the
residual noise level to be at least 10 dB(A) lower
than the specific noise level. In cases where the
difference is less than 10 dB(A) the specific noise
level should be derived by logarithmic subtraction of
the residual noise level from the measured total
noise level with the source operating.
d) Where a short term project may breach the
attached standards i.e. during maintenance, repair,
renovation, etc. the competent body must be
approached in order to acquire a temporary permit
which will be subject to conditions at the discretion of
that competent body.
Article V Noise from industrial units in areas set aside
primarily for industrial facilities.

1)

Permitted noise limits

a) An occupier of industrial premises must not cause
or permit excessive noise to be emitted from the
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.

Table 3 Maximum permissible free-field noise

levels
Site
A1 Retail
A2
Warehousing
A3 Light
industrial (in
residential
areas)
A4 Medium
density
industry
A5 High
density
industry

Daytime
LAeq,T (dB)
55
55

Evening
LAeq,T
(dB)
50
50

Night time
LAeq,T (dB)
45
45

55

50

45

65

60

50

75

65

55

e) For a single noise emitting premises the noise

levels in Table 3 shall pertain.
For industrial/
commercial areas with occupation (actual or planned)
by two separate significant noise emitting premises
Permitted
limits
the limits in Table 3 shall be
reducednoise
by 3dB
(A) for e
individual premises. For areas where more than two
industrial/ commercial premises exist or are planned
the limits in Table 3 shall each be reduced by 5 dB(A)
for individual premises.
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 faade 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

permissible facade noise limits

Article VI Noise from construction activities

1)

Area
classification

Basic conditions
a) Construction activities contribute significantly to
noise disturbance particularly through activities such
as percussive piling, the general use of heavy
machinery on site and heavy traffic both on and off
site. Close proximity to residential areas and other
sensitive receptors during some construction projects
results in a significant risk of major disturbance.
Construction activities in certain areas must therefore
be controlled carefully.
b) The general noise emission limits for permissible
construction noise levels at sites where an EIA has
been required are set out in Table 4. These levels
represent the maximum values that are acceptable
during construction activities in the designated areas
A D.
c) Where, through the Environmental Impact
Assessment (EIA) process for a project, it has been
predicted that the limits in Table 4 are likely to be
breached a construction noise permit will be required.

A, B, C
D

3)

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.

Night-time
LAeq,12h
(dB)
5m
45
80

a) In circumstances where the occupier of a premises,

or anyone undertaking work there, either directly or
indirectly on behalf of the occupier, becomes aware of
the need for a temporary dispensation from any of the
noise limits required by this standard they may apply
to the Competent Agency for consent. Such an
application must be made in writing at least 14 days
prior to the date from which the dispensation is
required. Sufficient information must be provided at
the time of the application detailing:
i)

a description of the works for which it is

required;

ii)

the necessity for the dispensation;

iii)

its timing and duration;

iv) the methods to be employed for

minimising noise during the period of the
dispensation; and
v)

Permissible noise levels

a) Receptors are classified as follows:

Evening
LAeq,12h
(dB)
5m
65
80

Dispensations

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)

Daytime
LAeq,12h
(dB)
5m
75
80

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

controller of the work.

3.5 tonnes, engine power

320kW
a) If the vehicle is equipped with a compression
ignition and direct injection internal combustion
engine, the limits shall be increased by 1dB(A).

Article VII Noise from vehicles

1)

General provisions

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

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.

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.
b) This schedule applies to all vehicles with a date of
manufacture on or after DD/MM/YY.

Table 6 Maximum permissible noise levels for

motorcycles

c) The maximum permissible noise levels for

motorcycles and vehicles are set out below in tables 5
and 6 respectively. These limits represent the
maximum levels of noise that are acceptable from the
defined classification of motorcycles and vehicles.
d) There are two assessment methods both of which
should be applied to each individual motorcycle or
vehicle: the moving noise level and the stationary
noise level. See methods in Schedules 4 and 5
respectively.
2)

Maximum permissible levels

Table 5 Maximum permissible instantaneous noise

levels for vehicles
Vehicle
type

Vehicles
used for
the
carriage of
passengers

Vehicles
used for
the
carriage of
goods

Vehicle Sub-type

9 seats
9 seats, max. authorised
mass >3.5 tonnes, engine
power <150kW
>9 seats, max. authorised
mass >3.5 tonnes, 150kW
engine power <320 kW
> 9 seats, max. authorised
mass >3.5 tonnes , engine
power 320kW
max. authorised mass < 2
tonnes
2 tonnes < max. authorised
mass 3.5 tonnes

max. authorised mass >3.5

tonnes, engine power <
75kW
Vehicles
max. authorised mass >
used for
3.5 tonnes, 75kW engine
the
power <150kW
transport of
max.
authorised mass >
goods
3.5 tonnes, 150kW
engine power < 320kW
max. authorised mass >

Limit
Value
dB(A)
a,b
74
a,b

78

a,b

80

a,b

83

76

Engine Cylinder Capacity (cc)

3

cc 80cm
3
3
80cm < cc 175cm
3
cc 175 cm
3)

Limit Value
dB(A)
75
77
80

General measurement provisions

a) Measurements shall be made on unloaded vehicles
in a sufficiently silent and open area (ambient noise
and wind noise at least 10 dB(A) below the noise
being measured).
b) For all tests the relevant motorcycle/vehicle must
be unladen and, except in the case of non-separable
vehicles, without trailer or semi trailer. For vehicles, if
the vehicle is fitted with more than two-wheel drive, it
shall be tested in the drive which is intended for
normal road use and for motorcycles having more
than one driven wheel, only the drive provided for
normal road operation may be used.
c) For all tests the test area shall be dry, practically
level and surfaced with concrete, asphalt or a similar
material.
d) For all tests the measurements shall be considered
valid if the difference between two consecutive
measurements on the same side of the
motorcycle/vehicle does not exceed 2 dB(A). The
maximum figure recorded shall constitute the result of
the measurement.

4) Measurement Procedure Moving vehicle/motorcycle

77
77

78
80
83

a) The measurement area shall take the form of an

open space of 50 meter radius for vehicles and a 25m
radius for motorcycles. The central part of the open
space should have a radius of at least 20 meters.
b) No person other than the observer taking the
readings from the apparatus and the driver/rider may
remain near the vehicle or the microphone, as the
presence of spectators near either the vehicle or the
microphone may considerably affect the measurement
results.

j) The motorcycle/vehicle shall approach line AA" at a

steady speed corresponding to the lowest of the
following three speeds:

c) The results of any measurements that appear to

have been influenced by extraneous noise unrelated
to the vehicle under test shall be rejected.

i)
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.

ii)
iii)

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.

5)
Measurement Procedure - Stationary Motorcycle/
vehicle
a) For stationary motorcycles/vehicles the
shall take the form of an open space
rectangle with no sides closer than 3m
extremities of the motorcycle/vehicle
described.

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.

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.

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:

ii)
iii)
i)

an engine speed equal to three-quarters

of the engine speed at which the engine
develops its maximum power;
an engine speed equal to three-quarters
of the maximum engine speed permitted
by the governor; or
50 kilometers per hour.

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)
iii)

The third gear in the gearbox must be

engaged if the box has more than four
gears;
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

test site
where a
from the
can be

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.

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.

i)

an engine speed equal to three-quarters

of the engine speed at which the engine
develops its maximum power;
an engine speed equal to three-quarters
of the maximum engine speed permitted
by the governor;
50 kilometers per hour.

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)
ii)
iii)

A detailed description of the test track

surface and layout;
the vehicle under test including relevant
vehicle identification numbers; and
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.
c) If in the opinion of the Competent Agency the
emission of noise from any equipment used outdoors
conforms to standards as or more stringent than
those prescribed above, the equipment may be
deemed to conform to the standard.

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
a) The maximum allowable noise limits for specific
equipment are set out in table 7.

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

Type of equipment

Compaction machines
(vibrating rollers, vibratory
plates, vibratory rammers)

Tracked dozers, loaders

and excavator-loaders
Excavators and winches,
hoists and motor hoes

Net installed power, P (kW),

Electric power, Pel(1) (kW), Mass of
appliance, m (kg), Cutting width, L
(cm)

Permissible
sound power
level (dB/1 pW)

Guideline sound
power level (dB/1
pW)

P8

108

105

8<P70

109

106

P>70

89 +11 lg P

86+11 lg P

P55

106

103

P>55

87 +11 lg P

84 +11 lg P

P15

96

93

P>15

83 +11 lg P

80 +11 lg P

98 + lg P

95 + lg P

Tower cranes
Pel2

97 + lg Pel

95 + lg Pel

2<Pel10

98 + lg Pel

96 + lg Pel

Pel>10

97 + lg Pel

95 + lg Pel

Compressors

P15

99

97

P>15

97 +2 lg P

95 +2 lg P

Hand-held concrete
breakers and picks

m15

107

105

15<m30

94 +11 lg m

92 +11 lg m

m>30

96 +11 lg m

94 +11 lg m

P55

104

101

P>55

85 +11 lg P

82 +11 lg P

L50

96

94

Welding and power

generators

Wheeled dozers, loaders,

excavator-loaders,
dumpers, graders, loader
type landfill compactors,
combustion-engine driven
counterbalanced lift trucks,
mobile cranes, compaction
machines (non-vibrating
rollers), paver-finishers,
hydraulic power packs

Lawn mowers / lawn

trimmers

50<L70

100

98

70<L120

100

98

L>120

105

103

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

3)

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

Measurement
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

EN ISO 3746:1995, subject to the supplements

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-2 DATE SUBMITTED

A-5 STAMP (OFFICE USE ONLY)

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
COMPLIANCE WITH THE GENERAL ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS.

C-17 EXPECTED DATE OF

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 loadcarrying 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 operators 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 operators 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 nonmetallic 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 nonmetallic 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 highcompaction 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 rearmounted 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.