Tool
Construction noise calculator
Enter a reading you've taken and how far you were from the machine. The calculator estimates the level at 10 m (to compare with our machine table) and at your home, with and without screening.
How it works. Sound from a single machine drops by about 6 dB each time the distance doubles (the inverse square law). Readings taken next to a reflective wall are about 3 dB higher than in open space, so we take that off. Screening figures follow the BS 5228 rule of thumb: about 5 dB if the plant is just visible over a barrier, about 10 dB if it's hidden. Results are estimates: a calibrated meter and a professional survey give defensible figures.
Compare your 10 m figure with the typical machine levels, or read how to record evidence before contacting your council.