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Noise
Sound is a part of everyday life, it provides enjoyment, it allows spoken communication, it can alter or warn us or it can annoy us. Sounds that are unpleasant or unwanted may be classed as noise.
How then do you know when a sound is “noise”?
Noise is defined as “pollution” when the noise emissions exceed the acceptable noise level. The City of Melville Health Services section monitors noise and complaince with noise related issues.
How is noise measured?
Noise is measured by using a Sound Level Meter (SLM), an electronic instrument that is set to match the way humans judge the loudness of sound. The results are measured in decibels (dB). Noise levels in are normally denoted by dB(A), where (A) is the frequency-weighting characteristic. The dB(A) scale starts at the hearing threshold of humans.
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100 dB(A) |
Rock Concert (in audience) |
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80 dB(A) |
Kerbside of a busy highway |
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60 dB(A) |
Cars Passing (15m away) |
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40 dB(A) |
Distant suberban traffic |
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20 dB(A) |
Still night in the country |
Assigned Levels
The Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 specify assigned levels that need to be complied with at all times of the day. In summary, the day time assigned levels are more lenient and allow for more noise than the night time levels.
Airconditioners, pool pumps and other machinery need to comply with the assigned levels at all times. Click here for further information.
Listed below are instances when noise is exempt from complying with the assigned levels:
Specified Equipment (eg. Lawn mower, Chain saw)
Barking dogs - Noise by barking dogs is regulated by the Dog Act 1976. Click here for further information.
Having trouble with a noisy neighbour?
Prior to reporting a noise complaint Health Services recommends, speaking to your neighbour about the noise. However, if this is not possible and/or the desired effect has not been achieved, please contact Health Services to create a Customer Service Request.
To speak to an Environmental Health Officer (EHO) please contact (08) 9364 0275. For after hours attendance and reporting please contact Community Security Service (CSS) on 1300 653 643.
Alternatively, please click here here to create an online request and an EHO will get back to you shortly. Information such as the location of the noise source and your contact details are vital. All information provided will be kept strictly confidential.