The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001

The 2001 Regulations set out the requirements that must be met before products can be placed on the GB market. The purpose of the legislation is to ensure that only equipment that does not exceed permissible sound power levels are placed on the GB market or put into service by requiring “responsible persons” to ensure the equipment meets the relevant requirements. The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for Use Outdoors Regulations 2001 implemented Directive 2000/14/EC.

The 2001 Regulations apply to equipment listed in Schedules 1 and 2 of the 2001 Regulations. A full list of equipment to which the 2001 Regulations apply can be found in the official guide issued by OPPS (see Annex A).

The 2001 Regulations do not apply to the following equipment:

1. a) non-powered attachments separately placed on the market or put into service except for hand-held concrete breakers and picks and those for hydraulic hammers;
2. b) all equipment primarily intended for the transport of goods or persons by road or rail or by air or on waterways; or
3. c) equipment specially designed and constructed for military and police purposes and for emergency services.

The requirements concerning noise emission in the environment of equipment to which the 2001 Regulations apply are that the guaranteed sound power level does not exceed the applicable permissible sound power level as laid out in the table below, and the guaranteed sound power level is to be marked on the equipment. The responsible person must ensure that the machinery is in conformity and has been UKCA marked and has the indication of guaranteed sound power level. The equipment must be accompanied by a declaration of conformity.

Under the 2001 Regulations, the onus to comply lies with the responsible person, being the manufacturer or their authorised representative. Where the manufacturer is not established in the UK, the obligations of the 2001 Regulations shall apply to any person placing the equipment on the GB market or putting it into service in GB.

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