The City’s Environmental Health Department is squaring up for an increase in the number of noise complaints.
City Health is responsible for investigating and acting on noise nuisances and disturbances. Summer generally sees an increase in the number of complaints as noise travels from open doors and windows, but festive season revelry also adds to the volume.
The City’s Law Enforcement Department enforces the By-law relating to Streets, Public Places and Prevention of Noise Nuisances. City Health, on the other hand, implements the Western Cape Government’s Noise Control Regulations which deal with noise nuisances, but also more complicated noise impacts such as measurable noise, noise from machinery, noise from events and sound proofing, among others.
‘Noise is a source of frustration for many people. Some complaints are justified, but we do have instances where the complaint is part of a bigger dispute between neighbours. We are equipped to investigate and deal with noise complaints, but ultimately good communication between neighbours can go a long way to defuse a situation. If you’re having a party, inform your neighbours beforehand and turn the volume down at a decent hour.
‘Also, as it is the holiday season, we should all be more considerate and this would include understanding that our neighbours may not be impressed with the use of heavy machinery or lawnmowers early in the morning. Noise is inevitable, but it has to come with due regard for those around you,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli.
The most common noise complaints dealt with by City Health are caused by, among others, machinery like extractor fans, air-conditioners, power tools and noise emanating from home industries. These account for nearly 30 percent of all complaints. In the 2014/15 financial year, environmental health practitioners dealt with 585 complaints. This excludes complaints received by Law Enforcement or the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Once a complaint is received, an official is deployed to investigate. Noise is either classified as having a lesser noise impact and referred to as a nuisance or as having a greater noise impact, which is referred to as a disturbance.
Sophisticated and calibrated equipment is used to determine whether allowable noise limits are being exceeded. To lodge a nuisance complaint, complainants are required to submit an affidavit and be willing to testify in court should the circumstances warrant it.
‘We have to guard against frivolous complaints, so we expect complainants to put their money where their mouth is. There is no disputing that continued exposure to noise can be harmful to a person’s hearing but also their physical and emotional health and well-being. It is indeed a very serious issue, but we also want to protect the rights of everyone by making sure that there is a foundation for any complaints and that they aren’t simply the result of petty squabbles,’ says Councillor Mamkeli.
Members of the public can log noise complaints via the City’s Technical Operations Centre on 0860 103 089.
Some useful tips for limiting noise:
City Health is responsible for investigating and acting on noise nuisances and disturbances. Summer generally sees an increase in the number of complaints as noise travels from open doors and windows, but festive season revelry also adds to the volume.
The City’s Law Enforcement Department enforces the By-law relating to Streets, Public Places and Prevention of Noise Nuisances. City Health, on the other hand, implements the Western Cape Government’s Noise Control Regulations which deal with noise nuisances, but also more complicated noise impacts such as measurable noise, noise from machinery, noise from events and sound proofing, among others.
‘Noise is a source of frustration for many people. Some complaints are justified, but we do have instances where the complaint is part of a bigger dispute between neighbours. We are equipped to investigate and deal with noise complaints, but ultimately good communication between neighbours can go a long way to defuse a situation. If you’re having a party, inform your neighbours beforehand and turn the volume down at a decent hour.
‘Also, as it is the holiday season, we should all be more considerate and this would include understanding that our neighbours may not be impressed with the use of heavy machinery or lawnmowers early in the morning. Noise is inevitable, but it has to come with due regard for those around you,’ says the City’s Mayoral Committee Member for Health, Councillor Siyabulela Mamkeli.
The most common noise complaints dealt with by City Health are caused by, among others, machinery like extractor fans, air-conditioners, power tools and noise emanating from home industries. These account for nearly 30 percent of all complaints. In the 2014/15 financial year, environmental health practitioners dealt with 585 complaints. This excludes complaints received by Law Enforcement or the South African Police Service (SAPS).
Once a complaint is received, an official is deployed to investigate. Noise is either classified as having a lesser noise impact and referred to as a nuisance or as having a greater noise impact, which is referred to as a disturbance.
Sophisticated and calibrated equipment is used to determine whether allowable noise limits are being exceeded. To lodge a nuisance complaint, complainants are required to submit an affidavit and be willing to testify in court should the circumstances warrant it.
‘We have to guard against frivolous complaints, so we expect complainants to put their money where their mouth is. There is no disputing that continued exposure to noise can be harmful to a person’s hearing but also their physical and emotional health and well-being. It is indeed a very serious issue, but we also want to protect the rights of everyone by making sure that there is a foundation for any complaints and that they aren’t simply the result of petty squabbles,’ says Councillor Mamkeli.
Members of the public can log noise complaints via the City’s Technical Operations Centre on 0860 103 089.
Some useful tips for limiting noise:
- Keep the level of music systems, radios and television sets at a level where they cannot be heard from the street, or by the neighbour next door and always keep the bass level turned as low as possible
- Avoid hosting loud parties at home - rather hire a hall or restaurant or otherwise, rather apply for a noise exemption permit from City Health. This process will allow for consultation with neighbours
- Don’t hoot when meeting or leaving family or friends and don’t slam car doors or rev engines at night
- Don’t leave dogs alone for long periods; rather have a friend or neighbour check on them
- Don’t let your dogs bark. If they do, attend to the cause immediately, and keep them inside at night, if necessary
- Don’t carry out Do-It-Yourself jobs at unreasonable hours, and if possible avoid doing so on Sundays
- Ensure that there is another ‘key holder’ for car and home alarms
- Make sure that your swimming pool pump and other home equipment are operating silently or acoustically confine the noise. Set the timer so that it does not switch on in the early morning hours
- Automatic security gates at complexes can be very irritating when noisy – please ensure that the runner mechanisms are not unduly noisy
- Service air-conditioning units when needed as with age, the panel covers can become rusty and loose and rattle. Be aware that while you are enjoying you air-conditioned space, others have to listen to the noise
Nenhum comentário:
Postar um comentário