New York’s construction contractors and utilities are getting used to the city’s new noise regulations. That includes planning for the January 1, 2008 deadline to comply with the “quieter†back-up warning requirements.
From this date all utility and construction plant and trucks must have an acceptable alarm in place before they arrive on site. The alarms must be chosen from an OSHA-compliant short list laid out in the rules issued by the city’s Department of Environmental Protection (DOP).
However, from the approved list of alarms, there is only one that covers work at any site in New York. That is the bbs-tek® broadband sound from Brigade Electronics Inc which differs from the other approved reversing alarms in that it uses hi-tech broadband sound as opposed to the standard tonal beepers. Although tonal alarms are allowed in parts of the City, the new DOP regulations do not permit their use near “sensitive†areas such as schools, hospitals, parks, places of worship, homes for the aging etc.
The bbs-tek® broadband sound alarm emits a sweeping “shhh-shhh†sound and, best of all, can only be heard in the immediate vicinity from where it is emitted. The sound spans a multi-frequency range from around 800 Hz to over 6,000 Hz. It is this clever use of the latest sound technology that persuaded New York authorities to specify only bbs-tek® broadband sound for sensitive sites.
Henry Morgan, Director & General Manager, of Brigade Electronics Inc, says:
“There are already over 8,000 bbs-tek® broadband sound alarms fitted across the USA in cities, ports and construction sites; working to improve safety and reduce noise complaints. bbs-tek® broadband sound technology has won numerous safety and environment awards including an award from the Society of Automotive Engineers; a Good Community award in Hawaii; and accolades from communities across America including Seattle, Phoenix & Houston. Our bbs-tek® broadband sound technology offers a win-win solution to contractors in the City. Not only do they get a quieter solution which will keep both citizens and inspectors happy, but bbs-tek® broadband sound offers a safer solution with sound which is easier to locate.â€
bbs-tek® technology is the only back-up alarm permitted for use throughout the city since the code specifically requires it for use near sensitive areas. According to Henry Morgan, tonal “beep … beep†alarms, by their very nature, cause noise nuisance, hence the reason for NY specifying broadband sound in its Local Law #113 while the City of Seattle and other authorities across the world are also mandating broadband alarms.
“We’re seeing growing numbers of companies that want to offer the safest and most environmentally responsible solution when they’re involved in a project. That covers everything from the use of recycled materials and lower energy consumption through to employee welfare and the welfare of citizens surrounding a job site.
“Because of this, in many projects in New York, simply fitting a lower volume tonal alarm won’t be enough. Even at a lower volume these alarms can still cause a noise nuisance and that can prompt complaints to the City. Once a valid complaint is received the authorities have no option but to conduct a full and thorough inspection of all noise-related activities on site, perhaps leading to identification of inadvertent breeches of regulations.â€
It’s clear the bbs-tek® broadband sound reversing alarm offers contractors a universal solution to complying with the DOP regulations in a hi-tech, socially responsible package. The appeal is obvious and has already prompted big names such as local CAT dealer H.O. Penn to “strongly recommend†bbs-tek® broadband sound reversing alarms to their customers.
The regulations governing noise reduction on construction sites came into effect formerly on July 1 this year, following a law passed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg at the back end of 2005. Since July 1, construction contractors need to file a formal noise mitigation plan. From January 1 next year that plan must also include back up alarms for equipment.
