Regulations: noise emissions from outdoor equipment

Overview

Certain types of outdoor machinery are regulated to control the noise they produce in order to reduce its environmental impact, particularly in urban areas.

Equipment in scope must have:

• a standard label indicating its guaranteed sound power level
• technical documentation showing this has been measured correctly
• a Declaration of Conformity

The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (as amended) are the underpinning legislation. The Regulations apply UK wide, though some of the provisions apply differently in Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) and Northern Ireland.

What is covered

The regulations cover 57 types of outdoor machinery typically used on construction sites or in large parks and gardens, such as chainsaws, cranes, dumpers, excavators, lawnmowers, leaf blowers and power generators.

The 57 types are split into two lists:

• equipment subject to noise limits and noise marking
• equipment subject to noise marking only

The regulations do not apply to machinery for the transport of goods or people by road, rail, air or waterways, nor for use by the military, police or emergency services.

Extent of obligation

The manufacturer or its authorised representative is usually responsible for compliance, though in some cases it can be any person placing the equipment on the market or putting it into service in GB or NI.

How to comply

The noise emissions of outdoor machinery must be tested in accordance with the standards and procedures specified in the regulations, including the creation of technical documentation. Equipment must display the relevant Guaranteed Sound Power label and other appropriate marking. For equipment subject to noise limits and noise marking, the quality control system of the manufacturer, or the tests performed, need approval from a third-party conformity assessment body. Equipment subject to noise marking only can be self-certified by the manufacturer, without the involvement of a conformity assessment body.

The role of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS)

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) enforces the Regulations in GB and NI on behalf of the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.

Where to find out more

If placing equipment on the market or putting equipment into service in Great Britain:

• Outdoor Noise guidance (GB)
• Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (as amended) (as applicable in GB)

If placing equipment on the market or putting equipment into service in Northern Ireland:

• Outdoor Noise guidance (NI)
• Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001 (as amended) (as applicable in NI)
• EU Directive 2000/14/EC Noise Emissions by Outdoor Equipment (as applicable in NI)

Contact us

If you have a specific enquiry about compliance or wish to contact us regarding suspected non-compliance please email OPSS.enquiries@businessandtrade.gov.uk.

Alternatively you can contact our helpdesk on 0121 345 1201.

Or in writing to: