Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations

The scope of the Outdoor Noise Directive comprises a wide range of construction plant and equipment, equipment for gardens, for lifting, pumps, drills, saws, etc.

Overview

The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (SI 2001 No1701) as amended by SI 2001 No 3958 and SI 2005 No 3525 implements into UK law the provisions of Council Directive 2000/14/ EC.

It lays down the conditions governing the monitoring and control of noise of equipment for use outdoors so as to reduce noise nuisance and to remove technical barriers to trade arising out of Members States different noise requirements.

The Noise Emission Regulations cover 57 types of equipment of which 22 have to meet noise limits. The scope of the Regulations is wide and includes construction, horticultural and agricultural equipment. Noise test methods are in keeping with the harmonised standards wherever possible, with a choice of conformity assessment procedures.

Am I affected?

The manufacturer has an obligation to ensure the product is designed, manufactured and conformity assessed to the sound power level. With the declaration of conformity having been issued of equipment placed on the Community market. The manufacturer is required to measure the sound power level and ensure labels are affixed in a visible, legible and indelible form to each item showing the guaranteed sound power level.

A copy of the EC declaration of conformity must be sent by the responsible person to the European Commission, as well as to the Member State where the equipment is first placed on the market. In the United Kingdom the Vehicle Certification Agency manages the database on behalf of the Department for Business.

A list of Notified Bodies approved by the UK for the purpose of the Regulation who can offer advice can be found on the NANDO database.

Enforcement of the Regulations is carried out by the Vehicle Certification Agency.

Consumer Information

The CE marking symbolises the conformity of the product imposed on the manufacturer and shall be accompanied by the indication of the guaranteed sound power level. When affixed to a product does indicate the product conforms to all applicable provisions and appropriate conformity assessment procedures. Any other marking may be affixed to the equipment provided that the visibility and legibility of the CE marking and the indication of the guaranteed sound power level is not thereby reduced.

Latest developments

The European Commission is expected to make a formal proposal to amend the Council Directive 2000/14/EEC during 2011/12 taking into account the requirements of the New Legislative Framework. No exact timetable is available at present but Member States will be informed accordingly.