Plant firms forced to reduce noise

Construction plant manufacturers will be forced to invest heavily in new technology to reduce noise levels emanating from their machinery because of a new directive agreed by the European Commission on noise emission limits for equipment used outdoors.

The law introduces noise caps for previously unregulated machinery, including compaction machines, dumpers, graders, combustion-engine driven counter-balanced lift trucks, hydraulic power packs and construction winches.

Other equipment covered by the directive - such as tower cranes, welding generators, bulldozers and compressors - are already subject to EC noise rules, but the directive will lead to a significant reduction in the maximum permitted levels.

It will tighten restrictions in two waves, with a temporary level being introduced in 18 months and another round of stricter noise reductions being put in place by the year 2005. Maximum levels vary according to the type of equipment and its power rating.

Tim Faithfull, director of member services for the Federation of Manufacturers of Construction Equipment and Cranes, said that costs could rise as a result. However, Faithfull generally welcomed the establishment of European Union-wide rules, as it would be simpler for the plant industry to follow them than a patchwork of national regulations.

Nonetheless, he added: "We would have probably liked to have seen some less strict noise limits in some cases and a longer period for manufacturers to design new machines. The lead-in time is generally far too short."

The legislation also insists that other products, including builders' hoists, concrete-spraying machines, drill rigs and hydraulic hammers, should be marked with their sound levels. These will be assessed through a fixed procedure to check noise emission values as laid down in the regulation. These assessments will create a pool of data that will be examined by the Commission and used as a basis for making new noise limits for items of plant that are currently outside the scope of the directive.

Construction companies using old plant will not have to worry as the directive is not retroactive as regards machinery build before it came into force.

But John Varcoe, of the Construction Plant Hire Association, warned that the directive would apply "pressure" on hirers to supply equipment complying with lower noise limits.