Construction Noise & Vibration Monitoring (BS 5228)
Real-time boundary noise and vibration monitoring per BS 5228-1 and BS 5228-2, Trigger Action Plans, monthly compliance reports and discharge of planning conditions. Class 1 instrumentation, weatherproof loggers, GSM telemetry.
The noise twin of your construction dust scheme
Every UK construction and demolition project of any size attracts noise- and vibration-related planning conditions, typically requiring real-time boundary monitoring throughout the demolition, earthworks and main construction phases. The reference framework is BS 5228-1:2009+A1:2014 (noise) and BS 5228-2:2009+A1:2014 (vibration), and conditions are usually worded around a Trigger Action Plan with numerical action levels and a defined response protocol.
Most of the same sites need real-time PM&sub10; dust monitoring for the same reason. Running the two schemes from one consultancy saves the project team the cost of duplicated equipment, telemetry, calibration visits and reporting cycles. We routinely combine noise and dust into a single boundary scheme with a single monthly compliance report covering both.
Schemes are designed by qualified acoustic consultants within the ADO team, signed off by Malcolm Pounder CEnv MIAQM, and tailored to the planning condition wording and the local authority's standard discharge expectations.
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Real-Time Boundary Noise Monitors
Class 1 sound level meter equivalent loggers (Type 1) in weatherproof enclosures, logging LAeq, LA10, LA90, LAFmax on 1-minute and 15-minute averages. Mains or solar/battery powered, GSM telemetry with live data and exceedance alerts to the project team.
Vibration Monitoring (PPV)
Triaxial geophones logging peak particle velocity (PPV) at sensitive receptors, with vibration dose value (VDV) calculation where exposure to perception thresholds is at issue. BS 5228-2 and BS 7385 threshold framework.
Trigger Action Plans
TAP covering both noise (typically 75 dB LAeq, 1h or BS 5228 ABC method) and vibration (5 mm/s PPV transient, 1 mm/s PPV continuous) with tiered investigation / action / stop-works levels matched to ${lpa} expectations.
Combined Noise & Dust Scheme
Single boundary post supporting both the BS 5228 noise logger and the PM&sub10; / PM&sub2;.&sub5; particulate monitor. Single met sensor, single GSM router, single monthly compliance report. Substantially cheaper than running two separate schemes.
Same-Day Exceedance Investigation
When a TAP trigger is reached, we investigate the same day — correlating noise / vibration data with the on-site activity log and wind / weather conditions — and document cause, mitigation and verification.
Monthly Compliance Reports
Concise monthly report with time-series plots against the TAP triggers, summary of any exceedances and the agreed mitigation response, and forward look at the next month's programme.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When is BS 5228 monitoring required?
Almost every UK construction or demolition project classified as Medium or High Risk under the IAQM dust framework or any project close to residential receptors will attract a BS 5228 noise condition. Larger schemes also need vibration monitoring (BS 5228-2) particularly for piling, sheet piling, demolition and concrete-breaking activity.
What action levels are typical?
The most common condition wording uses the BS 5228 ABC method — 65 / 70 / 75 dB LAeq, 1h at Category A / B / C ambient bands — with a defined contractor response when triggered. Vibration triggers are usually 1 mm/s PPV continuous / 5 mm/s PPV transient at residential receptors for human comfort, with higher levels (10–50 mm/s PPV) for structural assessment per BS 7385.
Can you combine the noise scheme with dust monitoring?
Yes — and it is significantly cheaper than running two separate schemes. A single boundary post can carry the BS 5228 logger, the PM&sub10; / PM&sub2;.&sub5; monitor, a met sensor and the shared GSM telemetry. One monthly compliance report covers both. Most of our construction-phase clients run them together.
How long does a typical scheme run?
Demolition-phase monitoring (the highest-noise activity) typically runs 6 to 12 weeks. Main construction phase runs the duration of the works — usually 12 to 24 months for residential and commercial projects, longer for infrastructure.
How much does construction noise monitoring cost?
A typical 12-month single-location BS 5228 noise scheme starts from around £6,000 to £9,000 plus VAT. Combined with a PM&sub10; dust monitor and met sensor on the same post: typically £8,000 to £12,000 / year. Demolition-phase intensive monitoring (6–12 weeks, two locations) from around £3,500 to £5,500.