Standards Development

This standard sets out an approach to the measurement of environmental sound, as a guide to the acquisition of data, particularly in the UK, that embraces good principles and best practice. It acts as a reference point for dealing with factors that affect measurements and measurement results, such as meteorological effects, topography, and instrumentation.

The standard considers how to deal with different types of sound sources and the problems/challenges they present in terms of measurement and repeatability of data such as impulsive and transient sounds, quasi-steady-state sound, steady state sound, and the measurement of tones. The standard enables the user to obtain valid, reliable, representative data for subsequent analysis, assessment and reporting for use with relevant standards, guidance and methods as appropriate.

This standard provides informative technical guidance regarding the measurement of environmental sound pressure levels, but does not provide any guidance regarding context, processing, analysis or assessment of the measurements, which are beyond the scope of this standard.

This standard provides informative technical guidance regarding context to aid the gathering of appropriate data to support acoustic measurements but does not provide any other guidance regarding context, processing, analysis or assessment which are beyond the scope of this standard.

This standard provides informative technical guidance regarding the setting of limits and checking compliance with limits but does not provide any other guidance regarding limits which is a policy rather than technical matter.

This standard is intended specifically for the measurement of sound pressure levels, it is not intended to provide guidance regarding the:

• Measurement of sound underwater
• Measurement of sound intensity
• Measurement of sound power levels;
• Measurement of sound pressure levels in laboratory conditions; or
• Processing or analysis of sound level measurement data

How to minimize measurement uncertainty is described in a practical way and such that the data’s limitations/applicability are explained and understood.