Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Management System Regulatory Framework (EHSMS)

Technical Guideline - Noise

Draft

July 2009

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. 2. 3. Introduction............................................................................................................ 3 Purpose / Objectives.............................................................................................. 4 Purpose / Objectives.............................................................................................. 5 3.1 3.2 4. 4.1 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.2 4.2.1 4.2.2 5. 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 6. 6.1 6.2 6.2.1 6.2.1 6.3 6.4 6.5 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Standards on Noise Measurement .............................................................. 5 Environmental Noise Terminologies and Acoustic Principles....................... 6 Equipment................................................................................................... 7 Sound Level Meter .................................................................................. 7 Sound Calibrator ..................................................................................... 8 Microphone Support ................................................................................ 8 Calibration................................................................................................... 8 Certificates of Conformance .................................................................... 8 Regular Calibration.................................................................................. 9 Unattended Measurement ......................................................................... 10 Attended Measurement ............................................................................. 10 Permanent Noise Monitoring Station ......................................................... 10 Local Meteorological Conditions................................................................ 11 Selection of Measurement Time Intervals.................................................. 12 Microphone Position.................................................................................. 12 Outdoor Measurement........................................................................... 12 Indoor.................................................................................................... 12 Observe Position....................................................................................... 13 Field Checks ............................................................................................. 13 Measurement Parameters ......................................................................... 13

Instrumentation ...................................................................................................... 7

Measurement Considerations .............................................................................. 10

Measurement Procedures.................................................................................... 12

Measurement of Industrial and Commercial Activities .......................................... 15 Measurement of Road Traffic............................................................................... 16 Calculation........................................................................................................... 18 Reporting ............................................................................................................. 19 References .......................................................................................................... 20

Tables: Table 3.01 Appendix: Noise Parameters and Terminology ............................................................................. 21 Noise Measurement Standards and Guidelines....................................... 6

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1.

Introduction
In 2005 the Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi (EAD) was established under Law No. (16) of 2005 pertaining to the Reorganization of the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. EAD is the general agency established as an independent entity concerned with environmental affairs in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. EAD is responsible for the protection of the environment and wildlife and for the implementation of federal and local related legislation pertaining to the environment. The main legislation governing the environment is Federal Law No.24 of 1999 for the Protection and Development of the Environment (hereafter referred to as Federal Law 24). The Competent Authority is responsible for the supervision and implementation of the Abu Dhabi Emirate Environmental Health and Safety Management Systems (EHSMS). This technical guideline forms part of the regulatory framework of the EHSMS and has been prepared in accordance with the AD EHSMS Code of Practice 14 Noise Management, and the AD EHSMS Noise Management Standard. It is designed to provide guidance for collecting water and groundwater samples for the assessment of surface water and groundwater quality. This technical guideline provides an introduction to the international standards applicable to the measurement of environmental noise, and the general requirements for measuring and calculating sound pressure levels.

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2.

Purpose / Objectives
This guideline provides information for the purpose of monitoring noise to provide a consistent approach for assessments conducted by EAD and shall be considered as minimum requirements. The guideline aims to provide general direction on appropriate collection and quality assurance procedures during the undertaking of environmental monitoring to obtain representative samples, which faithfully represent the environment from which they were taken. This guideline assumes that: an appropriate level of site conceptualization has been completed as part of a Preliminary Site Investigation; and a suitable monitoring plan has been established to achieve the objectives of a study.

This short-form guideline is not intended to be comprehensive and further information should be sought from international standards and codes where considered relevant for the purpose of completing noise assessment.

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3.

Purpose / Objectives
Prior to undertaking air sampling, the objectives of the investigation should be established. These should define how and why samples are to be collected. These objectives will guide the development of the investigation strategy and sampling plan. The sampling objectives will be site specific and depend on the purpose of the investigation and will be guided by the Data Quality Objectives (DQOs). These objectives should be established at the outset of the investigation and can be developed using the seven (7)-step process presented below: Step 1. State the Problem - define the problem that requires assessment / investigation. Step 2. Identify the Goal of the Study - identify the study question(s) and state how the environmental data will be used in meeting the objectives of the study. Step 3. Identify the Information Inputs - identify the data and information required to answer the study question(s). Step 4. Define the Boundaries of the Study - define the spatial and temporal limits of the study. Specify the target sample population for the study. Step 5. Develop the Analytical Approach - develop an analytic approach that will guide how you analyse the study results and draw conclusions from the data. Step 6. Specify Performance or Acceptance Criteria - determine what data quality assessment criteria will be used to assess data Precision, Accuracy, Representativeness and Comparability and Completeness (PARCC parameters). Step 7. Develop a Plan for Obtaining the Data - develop a sampling, analysis and quality plan (SAQP) that meets the performance criteria. A site recognisance should be undertaken prior to establishing on site to gain information on the site characteristics and to provide input into the sampling plan.

3.1

Standards on Noise Measurement Environmental noise assessment shall be performed in accordance with current international standards. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has issued standards on environmental noise measurement and calculations which enable procedures to be defined and results to be compared: Assessment of Environmental Noise:

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ISO 1996-1:2003 - Acoustics - Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise - Part 1: Basic quantities and assessment procedures; and ISO 1996-2:2007 - Acoustics - Description, measurement and assessment of environmental noise -- Part 2: Determination of environmental noise levels.

Calculation ISO 9613 - Acoustics Attenuation of sound during propagation outdoors. For the noise management standards under Abu Dhabi Environment, Health and Safety Management Framework, the applicable noise measurement standards are shown in Table 3.01. Noise Measurement Standards and Guidelines Measurement Standard
--

Table 3.01

Noise
Community Noise

Measurement Guideline
World Health Organization (1999), Guidelines for Community Noise -----

Construction Equipment (Sound Power Level) Vehicles (Motor Vehicles, Motor Cycles) Railway Equipment Occupational Noise (Noise Exposure Assessment)

European Union, Official Journal L376, 30/12/1981, p. 0049 - 0055 European Union, Official Journal L42, 23.2.1970, p. 16 - 20 Official Journal of the European Union (8.2.2006), L37 NIOSH Publication No. 98-126, Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure American National Standard Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure, ANSI S12.121996 (ANSI 1991a)

3.2

Environmental Noise Terminologies and Acoustic Principles The environmental noise parameters, terminologies and acoustic principles are well defined in the standards shown in Section 2 and the literature stipulated in Section 9. This Section highlights the characteristics of noise as follows. Sound can be defined as any pressure variation that the human ear can detect; 20 Pa corresponds to the average persons threshold of hearing, 100 Pa will cause pain (i.e. threshold of pain). In view of human ears response logarithmically rather than linearly to stimuli, acoustic parameters are expressed as a logarithmic ratio of the measured valued to a reference value. This

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logarithmic ratio is called a decibel (i.e. dB). This manageable scale from 0 dB at the threshold of hearing (20 Pa) to 130 dB at the threshold of pain (about 100 Pa). An increase of 6 dB representing a doubling of sound pressure. The number of pressure variations per second is the frequency of sound which is measured in hertz (Hz). The normal hearing ranges from about 20 Hz to 20000 Hz (20kHz). Human ears are less sensitive at very low and very high frequencies. To account for this, weighting filters are applied to sound measuring. The most common frequency weighting is A-weighting, the noise measurement results are denoted as dB(A) which conforms approximately to the response of the human ear. Frequency analysis shall be applied to tones measurements. Appropriate measurement methods and parameters shall be adopted for different types of noise including continuous noise (e.g. a running pump), intermittent noise (e.g. an airplane passes by of which the noise level increases and decreases rapidly) and impulsive noise (e.g. a piling driver). The major factors affecting noise level and noise propagation: type of noise source (point source and line source); distance from the noise source; obstacles (e.g. buildings, noise barriers); ground absorption; reflection; atmosphere absorption; wind speed; ambient temperature and temperature gradient; and precipitation and humidity.

4.
4.1 4.1.1

Instrumentation
Equipment Sound Level Meter
(a)

Hand-held integrated sound level meters are widely used for environmental noise measurement as they are equipped with built in loggers enabling recording of statistical values and enabling a wide range of parameters to be measured and displayed simultaneously. There are two types of sound level meter, namely, Type 1 and Type 2. Both types have the same design goals and differ mainly in the tolerance

(b)

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limits. Tolerance limits for Type 2 specifications are greater than those for Type 1 specification.
(c)

Type 1 sound level meter complying with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) standard shall be used for environmental noise assessment: IEC 61672 : 2003 "Electroacoustics - sound level meters.

4.1.2

Sound Calibrator A sound calibrator shall be used for direct calibration of sound level meter before and after noise measurment. The sound calibrator shall comply with the standards shown below. EN/IEC 60942 (2003) Class LS and Class 1; and ANSI S1.40 1984

4.1.3

Microphone Support
(a)

Sound level meter and the microphone shall be supported on suitable stands (e.g. a tripod), where appropriate. For the modern sound level measurment instrument, the microphone is attached directly to the body of the sound level meter. When measurements are carried out at a low sound level environment, the microphone can be directly mounted on the tripod and a cable used to connect the microphone to the body of the sound level meter. In doing so, the influence of the operator on the sound level measurement results could be minimised. The sound level meter and attached microphone can be hand-held for short term measurments.

(b)

(c)

4.2 4.2.1

Calibration Certificates of Conformance In general, reputable sound measurement equipment suppliers issue a Certificate of Conformance (COC) with each instrument. The COC states that the instrument complies with published specifications and applicable standards. This COC should not be considered as a Certificate of Calibration.

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4.2.2

Regular Calibration Sound level meters and calibrators used for noise measurement shall be calibrated at regular time intervals (usually at annually) at an accredited calibration laboratory under the internationally recognised accreditation scheme. Certified calibration of a sound level meter or a sound level calibrator is a full examination of the instruments conformance to relevant standards. The calibration certificate provides all test results, calibration uncertainty, location and condition of calibration, and a traceability statement. All measurements shall have the proper traceability according to national or international standard.

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5.

Measurement Considerations
The noise measurement considerations for each occasion are vary. In general, the factors shown below shall be considered: unattended or attended measurement; requiring a permanent monitoring station or not; and local meteorological conditions.

5.1

Unattended Measurement
(a)

Modern sound level meters can be left on site to record environmental noise levels, real time data and reports can be sent to the operators office via a variety of data transmittal means. This is the most convenient and economical way to measure noise level, and enables long-term monitoring. For unattended measurement, the equipment setup shall consider: possibility of remote access to data and setup; a wide measurement range; data logging frequency; sound recording for noise source identification; storage capacity of data; back-up power supply; weatherproof microphone and equipment; and free from human and other interference.

(b)

5.2

Attended Measurement In some circumstances, it is important that the operator be present on-site: power source for operating the sound level meter is intermittent or unreliable; change the setting of the sound level meter; identify noise sources; prevent interference with equipment or measurement; and unexpected events or interruptions may occur.

5.3

Permanent Noise Monitoring Station

Permanent or long-term noise monitoring (e.g. 24 hours a day, 365 days a year or a long period) is applicable to the study of noise trend, noise mapping, checking the compliance of legal noise limits, and enhancing public awareness (allowing instant reading, long-term and short-term

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average noise levels be shown on a public display system such as a website).

The basic requirements of a permanent noise monitoring station shall include: type 1 sound level meter / instrument; a weatherproof microphone made of corrosive resistant materials and with built-in protection against humidity; a mechanism allowing automatic performance of acoustic verification and system checks; real time readings, frequency analysis and immediate calculation of indices (subject to the noise monitoring objectives); data analysis and storage devices and information transmission system; and connected to a control centre for viewing and analysing data from several positions (where applicable).

5.4

Local Meteorological Conditions

The weather conditions shall be representative of noise exposure situation under consideration as sound pressure levels vary with the weather conditions. In general, the measurement shall be carried out at the following conditions: downwind; and in dry conditions (no rain) with a wind speed of less than 5 m/s.

(b)

(c)

A microphone windshield shall be used for all outdoor measurements. Windshields shall be of a type applicable to the microphone in use.

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6.
6.1

Measurement Procedures
Selection of Measurement Time Intervals
(a)

The selected measurement intervals shall cover all significant variation in noise emissions and propagation. For noise measurement from single events (e.g. aeroplane fly-over), measurement time intervals shall be chosen so the sound exposure level (LE) can be determined. If the noise displays periodicity, the measurement time interval shall cover an integer number of at least three periods.

(b)

(c)

6.2 6.2.1

Microphone Position Outdoor Measurement

Most outdoor measurements are essentially free-field. A free field position refers to a position where there are no reflecting surfaces other than the ground close enough to influence the sound pressure level. The distance from the microphone to any sound-reflecting surface apart from the ground shall be at least twice the distance from the microphone to the dominating part of the sound source. In general, The measurement site shall be located at a point 1m from the exterior of the noise sensitive receiver building faade and be at a position 1.2 m above the ground. If there is a problem with access to the normal measurement position, an alternative position can be chose, and a correction to the measurement shall be made (e.g. a correction of +3dB(A)) shall be made to the free field measurement). If measuring in a free-field environment, point a free-field microphone (IEC) directly towards the source. If using a random incidence microphone (ANSI), orient the microphone 70o to 80o from the spimd source. The microphone shall be 1.2 m above ground level. For general noise mapping, use a microphone height of 4.0+0.5m in multi-story story residential areas. In one-storey residential areas and recreational areas, use a microphone height of 1.2 m.

(b)

(c)

(d)

6.2.1

Indoor
(a)

Rooms smaller than 300 m3:

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at least three discrete positions evenly distributed in the areas of the room where affected persons preferably spend time shall be identified for measurement. if dominant low-frequency noise is suspected, one of the three positions shall be in a corner and no rotating microphone is allowed. The corner position shall be 0.5m from all boundary surfaces in a corner with the heaviest walls and without any wall openings near than 0.5m. the other microphones shall be positioned at least 0.5m from walls, ceiling or floor, and at least 1 m from significant sound-transmission elements such as windows or air-intake openings. The distance between neighbouring microphone positions shall be at least 0.7 m.

(b)

Rooms larger than 300 m3: more microphone positions can be appropriate. For low frequency noise, one third of the extra positions shall be corner positions.

6.3

Observe Position
(a)

People on site may affect the noise measurement results significant. The noise measurement observer shall be away from the microphone. People, other than those critical to the measurement, shall be excluded from the measurement site, where possible. Ideally, an extension cable shall be used to connect the microphone and the sound level meter to minimise the effect of presence of people.

(b)

6.4

Field Checks
(a)

Immediately before and after each series of measurements, a calibrated sound calibrator (generating a known sound pressure level at a known frequency, usually 1 kHz and 94 dB) shall be applied to the microphone to check the performance of the measurement system. Measurements may be accepted as valid only if the calibration levels from before and after the noise measurement agree to within 1 dB. Should measurement carried out for a long period of time (e.g. over a day or more), the measurement system shall be checked either acoustically or electrically at regular intervals (e.g. once or twice a day).

(b)

6.5

Measurement Parameters Depends on the purpose of measurement and the operation of the source, sound level can be expressed as in a variety of terms, including but are not limited to:

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(a)

Equivalent continuous sound pressure level, LeqT: It is a measure of the averaged energy in a varying sound level and is known as the essential averaged parameter. For short-term averaging, Leq shall be measured for at least 10 minutes (ISO 1996-2:2007).

(b)

Sound exposure level, LE: LE is suitable for event measurements (e.g. rail noise, aircraft noise) / intermittent noise. Measure each event during a time period shall be long enough to include all important noise contributions. For a pass-by, measure until the sound pressure level has dropped at least 10 dB below the maximum level.

(c)

N percent exceedance level, LN: An analysis of statistical distributions of sound levels is a useful tool for noise assessment. Apart from showing the variability of noise level, this parameter is prominent in many standards as the basis for assessing background noise.

(d)

Impulsive noise: Impulsive noise is noise from impacts or explosions (e.g. from a pile driver, gunshot), it is brief and abrupt. As per ISO 1996-2:2007, there is no generally accepted method to detect impulsive sound using objective measurements. For describing impulsive noise, the noise source and repetition rate shall be recorded.

(e)

Tonal sound: The presence of a prominent, discrete-frequency spectral component (tone) Tones can be identified objectively using frequency analysis, detailed in ISO 1996-2:2007.

(f)

Low frequency noise: Low frequency noise (e.g. large diesel engines in ships and power plants) has significant acoustic energy. ISO 1996-2:2007 details the measurement methods valid down to the 16 Hz octave band (the microphone shall be at least 16 m from the nearest significant reflecting surface other than the ground in order to be a free-field measurement).

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7.

Measurement of Industrial and Commercial Activities

Site Selection: Noise measurement shall be carried out at noise sensitive receivers premises. If it is not possible, measurement locations shall be on publicly accessible land at positions that are representative of the areas of the receptor premises under consideration.

(b)

Microphone Position: The microphone shall be: set at 1.2 m above the ground; at least 1 m from any reflecting surface other than the ground; and orientated to the incident sound from the noise source

(c)

Parameter and Measurement Intervals: the measurement parameters shall include but are not limited to: Leq, Lmax; and other statistical measures (e.g. L10, L50, L90); the measurement duration shall be representative of the situation under consideration, noise level shall be logged at 15 minute intervals.

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8.

Measurement of Road Traffic

Site Selection: Site selection noise measurement of a roadway depends upon the purpose of noise measurement. In general, noise measurement will be carried out: at a critical noise sensitive receiver premises in order to evaluate the noise level of a road; or at a location of a potential noise sensitive receiver / development. the received noise level is affected by: road geometry (e.g. intersections, ramps, grades); topography (e.g. nature of ground surface between the road and the measurement site); and buildings and other reflective surfaces which may result in scattering of shielding of sound.

(b)

Microphone Location: The microphone shall be: set 1 meter from the faade of a building on a noise sensitive receiver premises; and set 1.2 to 1.5 meters above the ground or 1.2 to 1.5 meters above the floor level of podium, if any.

The axis of maximum sensitivity of the microphone shall be normal to the traffic stream and directed towards the road.
(c)

Measurement Conditions: Measurement shall be carried out under the conditions shown below: the road section for measurement shall be dry; and the peaks of wind noise at the microphone shall be at least 10 dB(A) below the measured L10 noise statistics.

Traffic conditions (e.g. traffic volume, speed) of weekdays, weekends or public holidays may be vary. Noise measurement shall be carried out at the traffic conditions that are appropriate to the measurement objectives.

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(d)

Parameters and Measurement Duration: a series of Leq, L10 and Lmax measurements, each representing 1 hour of traffic shall be recorded over 24 hours. the Lmax (sound pressure level) shall be determined based on the sound pressure level measured during at least 30 pass-bys of vehicles of the category considered. traffic conditions shall be recorded during the measurement time interval: traffic count: the number of vehicle pass-bys (distinct between heavy and light types1); the average traffic speed; and pavement type of relevant sections of the road being measured.

(e)

Measuring Equipment: The set up of sound level meter shall be as follows: a-weighting frequency; fast time response; and acquiring data on Leq(1-hr) , L10(1-hr) and L10(1-hr) over 24 hours.

As per ISO 1996-2:2007, a heavy vehicle is one exceeding the mass 3,500Kg.

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9.

Calculation
(a)

Measurement uncertainty The uncertainty of sound pressure levels depends on the sound source, measurement time interval, weather conditions, the distance from the sound source, the measurement method and instrumentation. Guidelines on the estimation of uncertainty are given in Table 1 of ISO 1996-2:2007.

(b)

Rounding of noise levels All noise measurements shall be rounded to the nearest whole dB(A), with values of 0.5 or more being rounded upwards.

(c)

Noise level prediction noise level at a receiver point and noise propagation from one measurement point to another can be calculated instead of being measured. calculation is applicable to the situations shown below: noise mapping; comparison of alternative development and noise reduction scenarios; prediction of future noise levels; limited access to the measurement position. as per ISO 1996-2:2007, there are no internationally recognized complete calculation methods. However, a list of national calculation methods for traffic and industrial noise is shown in the said Standard. when calculating instead of measuring sound pressure level, it is necessary to have data on source noise emission, preferably as a source sound power level and the position of a point source creating the same sound pressure levels in the environment as the real source. In general, this data are given in the established calculation models. In addition, sound propagation (modeling) shall be related to well defined meteorological and ground conditions. the calculation shall be calibrated. It involves some form of valid measurements at selected positions where the measured levels can be compared to the calculated ones.

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10. Reporting
The noise measurement report shall provide information on the items shown below: the purpose of measurement; the standard adopted for measurement; date, time and location for measurement; time of intervals and duration of each measurement (start and stop time), time and duration of interruption of measurement (if any); number of measurement made; meteorological conditions (including wind speed, wind direction, cloud cover, temperature, barometric pressure, humidity, rain); equipment (the model and serial numbers of sound level meter and acoustic calibrator); equipment calibration certificate shall attached with the noise measurement report; equipment set up (e.g. coordinates of the sound level meter / microphone and its height above ground; distance between the microphone and faade, time of intervals and duration for the measurements, fast / slow response mode, frequency band, measurement range); description of monitoring location and sound sources under investigation (e.g. any identified noise source); other necessary information as per the objective of noise monitoring (e.g. traffic count); measurement results and their correction and adjustment (where appropriate); method(s) used to extrapolate the measured values to other conditions (where appropriate); and calibration data acquired before and after the measurement.

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11. References
American National Standard Measurement of Occupational Noise Exposure, ANSI S12.12-1996 (ANSI 1991a). Bruel & Kjaer (1984), Measuring Sound. Bruel & Kjaer (2001), Environmental Noise. European Union, Official Journal L376, 30/12/1981, p. 0049 0055. European Union, Official Journal L42, 23.2.1970, p. 16 20. ISO 1996-2, Acoustics Description, Measurement and Assessment of Environmental Noise Part 2: Determination of Environmental Noise Level. NIOSH Publication No. 98-126, Criteria for a Recommended Standard: Occupational Noise Exposure. Official Journal of the European Union (8.2.2006), L37. World Health Organisation (1999), Guidelines for Community Noise.

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Appendix A

Noise Parameters and Terminology

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A wide range of parameters are used to assess environment noise, the definitions of this parameters are well addressed in the international recognized standards. The parameters used commonly in noise measurement are shown below.
(a)

Sound Pressure and Sound Pressure Level Sound pressure is the instantaneous difference between the actual pressure produced by a sound wave and the average or barometric pressure at a given point in space, it is measured in pascals (Pa), 1 Pa = 1 newton per square metre (N/m2). Sound Pressure Level (SPL, expressing in dB) = 20 log10 (p/p0) dB: The sound pressure level of a sound in decibels, is equal to 20 times the logarithm to base 10 of the ratio of the RMS sound pressure to the reference sound pressure 20 mPa (2 10-5 Pa).

(b)

A Weighted Sound Level A weighted sound level is a measure of sound pressure level designed to reflect the acuity of the human ear. Human ear is less efficient at low and high frequencies than at medium or speech-range frequencies. For describing a sound containing a wide range of frequencies in a manner representative of the ears response, it is necessary to reduce the effects of the low and high frequencies with respect to the medium frequencies. The resultant sound level is called A-weighted (the unit is dB(A)) which is commonly called noise level.

(c)

A Weighted-Equivalent Continuous Noise Level A weighted-equivalent continuous noise level (LAeq,T), a widely used noise parameter, calculates a constant level of noise with the same energy content as the varying acoustic noise signal being measured: A denotes that A-weighting has been included; eq indicates that an equivalent level has been calculated; and T denotes the duration of measurement.

(d)

Sound Exposure Level Sound exposure level (SEL, expressing in LAE) is closely related to LAeq for assessment of events (e.g. aircraft). The LAE value contains the same amount of acoustic energy over a normalised one second period as the actual noise event under consideration.

(e)

Sound Power and Sound Power Level Sound power (expressing in watt) if the total sound energy radiated by a sound source per unit time, it is essentially independent of the surroundings. Given the

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sound power is known, the sound pressure at a point can be calculated according to acoustic principles. Sound Power Level (LW or PWL), in dB, at which a source produces sound energy per unit of time, usually given in octave bands. A power expressed in dB above the standard reference level of 1 picowatt. Sound Power Level = 10 log10 (W/W 0), where W is the emitted power and W0 is the reference power (10-12 W).
(f)

Fast, Slow and Impulse Time Weightings For the provision of visual indication of fluctuating noise levels, standardised response times (Fast - F, Slow - S and Impulse - I) are originally built into noise measuring instruments.

(g)

LAFMax, LASMax or LAIMax Maximum A-weighted noise level measured with Fast (F), Slow (S) or Impulse (I) time weighting. They are the highest level of environmental noise occurring during the measurement time.

(h)

LAFN, T Percentile Levels The level of A-weighted noise exceeded for N% of the measurement time.

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 Environment Agency Abu Dhabi 2009 This document is and shall remain the property of the Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was intended. Unauthorised use or reproduction of this document is prohibited. Document Status Rev No. Reviewer Author Name Signature Name Signature Date Approved for Issue

A. G. Jukes

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