SPRING 2019 WAREHOUSE NOISE KEEP IT DOWN! Running a business close to peoples homes means being aware of your potential noise nuisance and how to control it Distribution depots and warehouses are often located in conurbations, near residential areas. This means they can cause disturbance to residents through impact noise, vehicle movements and deliveries. Under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, local authorities have a duty to investigate complaints of noise and could serve an abatement notice on a business if a statutory nuisance is established. You should always comply with planning conditions which could include constraints on hours of work and deliveries Aside from ensuring that your drivers do not slam doors, shout, leave their vehicles engines running while unloading, or play radios loudly, there are other measures you can take to avoid causing a nuisance to your neighbours. You should always comply with planning conditions which could include constraints on hours of work and deliveries and: nMaintain any acoustic fencing in good condition nUnload inside/directly into the warehouse and keep doors shut when possible nRelocate delivery points away from residential properties nFit automatic shutters to delivery doors nPut rubber wheels on forklift trucks and trolleys nUse white-noise bleepers on delivery lorries nSwitch off refrigeration units during delivery Suppliers should not arrive ahead of their delivery time; give them details of local lorry parks away from residential areas where they can wait. Stereos /music should also be switched off before vehicles are driven into the depot and employees should take their breaks in areas away from peoples homes. Credit: Margaret Gardiner, principal Environmental Health officer Image: iStock / bortonia Small businesses must implement procedures to control noise and these should be monitored along with other important functions that improve business efficiency. It is in everybodys interests for firms to have regard for their surroundings and operate as quietly as possible. For further information, please contact your local Trading Standards Service