PART VIII
NOISE

66.    In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires-

Interpretation

"noise" means any undesirable sound, that is intrinsically objectionable or that can cause adverse effects on human beings, animals or the environment;

"noise level" means the level of noise, measured in decibels or other suitable units; and

"noise emission standards" means the noise level emission standards established by the Council under section sixty-eight.

67.    The Council shall-

(a)        set up standard procedures for noise measurement;

(b)        establish noise level and noise emission standards for construction sites, plants, machinery, motor vehicles, aircraft including sonic booms, and for industrial and commercial activities;

(c)        apply appropriate measures to ensure the abatement and control of noise from the sources referred to in paragraph (b);

(d)        measure the level of noise emanating from the sources referred to in paragraph (b), details of which measurement shall be given to the owner or occupier of the premises from which the measurement was taken; and

(f)         advise on noise pollution abatement measures.

Responsibilities of Council

68.    Subject to section sixty-nine, no person shall emit noise in excess of the noise emission standards established under section sixty-seven.

Noise emission in excess of established standards prohibited

69.  (1)  Notwithstanding section sixty-eight, the Inspectorate may grant a permit in writing allowing excessive emission of noise under such terms and conditions as it may determine.

Exemption

(2)  Where an exemption has been granted under subsection (1), workers exposed to excessive levels of noise shall be adequately protected in accordance with the directives of the Inspectorate.

70.    The noise emission standards and guidelines as well as zones prescribed for the purposes of this Part shall be published in the Gazette at least ninety days before the date upon which they shall come into effect.

Publication of noise pollution control standards and guidelines