Noise makers to face the law
Feb 09, 2005
WHEN the regulations governing speed limits on roads, overloading and alcohol levels for drivers were issued, they were easy to understand and enforce because people were familiar with the units of measurement like kph(kilometres per hour), tonnes, kilogrammes, millilitres or milligrams.
WHEN the regulations governing speed limits on roads, overloading and alcohol levels for drivers were issued, they were easy to understand and enforce because people were familiar with the units of measurement like kph(kilometres per hour), tonnes, kilogrammes, millilitres or milligrams.
However, trouble comes with the new National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) noise standards and control regulations because the unit measurements are not familiar.
Noise levels are measured in dB (A), which are units in decibels on the A scale for quiet sounds. A decibel is a dimensionless unit used in comparison with the magnitude of sound pressures or powers. It is the unit used in measuring volume or sound intensity. It is difficult to explain on paper how much noise would generate say, 40 dB (A) since the intensity of the sound depends on other factors such as distance, direction, or whether the sound in an open or closed place. The best way to know your sound level is to use a sound level meter.
The noise ranging from radios, disco instruments, video halls, factories, places of worship, or vehicles have been given noise level limits depending on time, circumstances and locations.
The maximum noise level from a facility in a general environment (hospital, home for the aged, school) shall not exceed 45 dB A during the day and 35 dB A at night. In residential areas, the maximum limit is 50 dB A during the day and 35 at night.
There is also noise limit for mixed residential, commercial and entertainment areas, for residential and industry and for industrial areas.
If the noise is continuous or intermittent and is from a factory, the regulation permits a specified number of hours in a day and in a week for which that kind of noise can be generated. For example, a factory worker (or neighbours to a factory) should not be exposed to over 85 dB A for more that eight hours a day, or for more that 40 hours a week.
The regulations put the duty to control the noise on the person generating it. It compels owners of machinery and industries to instal sound level meters to ensure that they do not exceed permissible levels.
The regulations allow one to apply for a licence from the NEMA executive director to generate noise beyond the permissible levels.
Authorities have powers to confiscate the noise-generating machinery and the culprit is liable to a fine of sh180,000 to sh18m or 18 months in jail on conviction. In case you suspect your place to be generating excess noise, ask the police to measure the noise levels. NEMA can advise you on where to buy the meters.
Those aggrieved by noise are advised to contact the police who will measure the noise and bring the culprits to book.
However, trouble comes with the new National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) noise standards and control regulations because the unit measurements are not familiar.
Noise levels are measured in dB (A), which are units in decibels on the A scale for quiet sounds. A decibel is a dimensionless unit used in comparison with the magnitude of sound pressures or powers. It is the unit used in measuring volume or sound intensity. It is difficult to explain on paper how much noise would generate say, 40 dB (A) since the intensity of the sound depends on other factors such as distance, direction, or whether the sound in an open or closed place. The best way to know your sound level is to use a sound level meter.
The noise ranging from radios, disco instruments, video halls, factories, places of worship, or vehicles have been given noise level limits depending on time, circumstances and locations.
The maximum noise level from a facility in a general environment (hospital, home for the aged, school) shall not exceed 45 dB A during the day and 35 dB A at night. In residential areas, the maximum limit is 50 dB A during the day and 35 at night.
There is also noise limit for mixed residential, commercial and entertainment areas, for residential and industry and for industrial areas.
If the noise is continuous or intermittent and is from a factory, the regulation permits a specified number of hours in a day and in a week for which that kind of noise can be generated. For example, a factory worker (or neighbours to a factory) should not be exposed to over 85 dB A for more that eight hours a day, or for more that 40 hours a week.
The regulations put the duty to control the noise on the person generating it. It compels owners of machinery and industries to instal sound level meters to ensure that they do not exceed permissible levels.
The regulations allow one to apply for a licence from the NEMA executive director to generate noise beyond the permissible levels.
Authorities have powers to confiscate the noise-generating machinery and the culprit is liable to a fine of sh180,000 to sh18m or 18 months in jail on conviction. In case you suspect your place to be generating excess noise, ask the police to measure the noise levels. NEMA can advise you on where to buy the meters.
Those aggrieved by noise are advised to contact the police who will measure the noise and bring the culprits to book.