The Office of Safety Standards (OPPS) has published the outcome of noise testing on fireworks sold to the public. The Health and Safety Executive tested 72 different items, across 9 firework types from 14 manufacturers/importers.

OPPS commissioned the testing to determine the average decibel level for common types of fireworks on sale, like rockets, shot tubes and roman candles. Fireworks tested are in two categories:

As a result of new accreditations and reaccreditations last year more centres in the UK will be delivering the IOA certificate courses in 2023. A full list of accredited centres is on the relevant course page on the IOA website (training tab) and any of these centres should be contacted directly for information on course dates, delivery methods and course fees.

The House of Lords Science and Technology Committee have launched an inquiry into the impacts of noise pollution and artificial light on human health.  The committee will explore evidence for claims that unwanted, inappropriate, or excessive ambient noise (eg noise from transport or industry) may have negative impacts on human health. They will also explore the adequacy of existing policy and regulation and options for reform to address any harmful effects identified. Specific questions they are asking on noise pollution include: 

The IOA welcomes the draft Welsh planning guidance that brings together noise, soundscape and air quality as a forward thinking and progressive piece of policy. Following two consultation meetings of members, the consensus is that the guidance is making a positive first step to introducing a soundscape approach to planning. This approach responds to the call from the United Nations Environment Programme, in their 2022 Frontier report, for policy makers to implement measures that will address the long-term physical and mental health effects of noise pollution.

Updated guidance for implementing the Licensing Act 2003 is now available. The revised guidance now makes explicit reference to the Agent of Change. The Agent of Change is a principle in neighbourhood planning which aims to protect existing noise generating operations (eg pubs and music venues) from proposals for new noise-sensitive developments, like new flats and houses.  This marks a move towards making planning and licensing a more joined up process.

A report published last month by Forest Research and Defra assesses the economic value of the UK’s non woodland trees. It recognises the value trees on our streets and in hedgerows have for supporting a healthy environment and human health. The report states that alongside climate change, flood mitigation, air quality and wildlife benefits, these trees can also contribute to reducing the impacts of noise. 

The Sound, Noise and Health Group is a relatively new group, launched in 2022. It comprises members of the Institute of Acoustics with a particular special interest in understanding and assessing the effects of sound, noise, and vibration exposure on human physical and mental health and wellbeing. Its remit includes sound in external and internal environments, and the influence of non-acoustic factors. The main aim of the group is to provide a forum for members to exchange information and discuss developments within this rapidly developing area of acoustics.

Entries are invited for the £50,000 MacRobert Award for UK engineering innovation up until Tuesday 31st January.