The TA Lärm (German technical instruction on noise prevention) entered into effect in 1968, was updated in 1998 and protects the general public and the neighbourhood of plants from harmful environmental effects caused by noise. Exceptions only apply to “rare events”, which means plants that cannot comply with the noise limits in spite of a high state of the art. These may be operated for up to ten days and nights per calendar year. However, they must never be used on two successive weekends.
KÖTTER Consulting Engineers will be there for anyone who thinks that this is too complicated or who wants to produce around the clock at optimised noise protection. We ensure optimised noise protection in the planning stage or at any time thereafter. With our long experience and targeted measurements, we can identify nearly any origin of noise and develop practice-oriented solutions for reducing it. We will support you in reliably producing anything except noise.
- Immission forecasts as proof purs. to TA Lärm for operating permits for new or expanded facilities in the planning stage or for expansions
- Creation of noise maps
- Advice on the design of noise reduction measures
- Internal and external noise measurements
- Generation of expert reports
- Noise contingency planning
- Acceptance measurements in accordance with § 29b BImschG
Construction noise: Quick solutions for permanent well-being.
Construction noise is generally temporary. It will be over the latest when a project is complete. The noise may already have had permanent consequences by then, however. Even short-term high sound levels may cause permanent damage to workers and residents. Additionally, exceeding of the permitted emission level may lead to costly interruptions of construction. To avoid this, ideally plan on the support of KÖTTER Consulting Engineers before you start your construction.
Our engineers can forecast noise development specifically with the help of measurements and calculations. Suitable noise-reducing measures can be based on analysis of these measurements. In emergencies, limited operating times for construction machinery may serve as short-term remedies as well. One way or the other, builders, authorities and investors can rely on our best support for high-noise construction projects. This is not only a general statement, but applies to every individual case.
- Determination of the sound pressure level of construction machinery
- Sound immission forecasts in the approval procedure pursuant to AVV construction noise
- Development of noise reduction concepts regarding construction site set-up, reduction measures at the construction machinery, low-noise construction machines or construction procedures and limitation of the operating time of construction machines
- Construction-supporting noise measurements
Noise at the workplace: Making sure that your machinery does not lead to stress or illness.
You cannot get used to noise. Even if employees do not consciously perceive it as harmful, the noise can considerably impair their health. Starting at a sound level of 55 decibels – which corresponds to the volume of a normal conversation outside of the working environment – sounds can be perceived as noise and will reduce well-being over time. 65 to about 75 decibels already cause physical stress, high blood pressure and facilitate cardiovascular disease.
Our engineers have many tools to counter the many risks for employees. These include site- and person-related measurements. If the limits are exceeded, effective noise reduction measures are designed. Since we look at each task as a whole, we go far beyond the purely technical solution, however. We will advise you on selection of suitable machines even before planning, or make suggestions for low-noise operation. This is a working method at KÖTTER Consulting Engineers that many customers have gladly gotten used to already.
- Measurements, forecasts and advice for open-plan offices, multi-functional sports centres, day-care facilities, intensive care and surgical wards of hospitals …
- Planning of noise control measures in industrial halls, work rooms or factory halls
- Determination of the noise exposure levels based on noise maps, location- or person-specific noise dose measurements (noise dose meter)
- Assessment of the noise situation at the workplace in accordance with the applicable standards and directives
- Development of noise reduction concepts, such as primary or secondary noise reduction measures at the relevant sound sources or room-acoustic measures
Noise from sports and leisure activities: To keep noise from being a spoilsport.
Sometimes, concerts or other events fail to be approved because their noise levels will be too high – e.g. for the local residents. That kind of abrupt ending can be avoided from the beginning, however. Our engineers will calculate the expected noise situation in the event’s planning stage and assess all relevant and physically measurable values.
This includes the sound pressure level, tonality and impulsiveness of sound. The latter, for example, may be a very irritating effect of tennis matches. Based on specific data, any optimisation measures required to comply with the permitted reference values will be recommended.
- Sound immission forecasts as proof pursuant to 18. BImSchV (German Federal Emission Protection Code) for permits for new construction and development of sport facilities
- Determination and assessment of noise immissions from leisure facilities
- Consulting and development of constructional and organisational noise reduction measures, e.g. operating time specifications, noise protection walls, optimisation of speaker systems
- Generation of noise maps for sport and leisure facilities with and without noise reduction measures for illustration of the noise situation
- Sound immission measurements and generation of expert reports for existing facilities
- Individual and permanent measurements for venues and leisure events
- Consulting on the basis of current relevant guidelines and regulations.
