The EMAQ+ Essentials of Noise (EON) module provides training and technical guidance for the understanding, evaluation, assessment, and regulation of noise. It is specifically tailored to Local Authority professionals who have responsibilities, under Environmental Protection Act for the investigation of statutory nuisance, and other related legislation such as Town & Country Planning, Licensing etc. to investigate, review and enforce (where necessary) for the adverse impacts of environmental noise.
The range of materials offered under EON provides operational level staff that are new to the area of noise regulation sufficient information to understand the basic requirements and build their knowledge rapidly to ensure that the proper skills are understood. The course also provides more experienced officers with additional material for those who wish to update and extend their knowledge of the subject.
The module aims to provide candidates with:
- An understanding of the basic acoustic principles
- An understanding of the regulatory regimes for licensing, planning and statutory nuisance and how they relate to noise;
- An appreciation of the issues of noise dose, and response for environmental noise
- A basic knowledge of the use of noise models and modelling software within the framework of standards and legislation for noise
- An appreciation of the role of measurement data and modelled data within the framework of standards and legislation for noise.
- An understanding of reports and reporting of noise to meet compliance objectives
- An ability to review and comment upon the findings of noise reports with a view to providing statutory responses
After successfully completing the course, candidates should be able to:
- Perform basic noise calculations involving noise indices appropriate for consideration of environmental and occupational noise
- Evaluate reports on measurements or modelling of noise and noise from a variety of case studies, according to the requirements of the relevant British Standards or guidance documents;
- Present an appropriate critique of reports ensuring that the data is placed in context ensuring best practice, non-conformance and assessment of outcomes are verified.
- Highlight aspects of uncertainty in reports identifying how this may affect the regulatory outcomes.
- Comment competently on compliance for reports submitted for the various regulatory frameworks
By attending seminars LA professionals can build their confidence in their ability to implement the noise aspects of the various regulatory regimes, participate effectively in the planning process, and contribute significantly to the Licensing and Permitting processes. The training, in a formal classroom environment, provides an overview of the legal, scientific, and technical aspects of the management of environmental noise; provide opportunities to work with expert trainers on realistic practical exercises, ask questions, and network with colleagues undertaking similar work in other local authorities. The EMAQ+ web based technical guidance, based on seminar material, is a readily accessible permanent resource that explains and illustrates the more important aspects of noise management.
At entry level – Essentials of Noise Course provides a vehicle for personal development and allows a Local Authority to demonstrate how they have invested in strengthening their infrastructure for delivering; certificated individuals and their sponsoring authority are listed on the public pages of the EMAQ website.
Advanced training seminars are geared to more experienced officers who have attended the Essentials of Noise Course or have an equivalent knowledge and experience.