BS 5228 is the British Standard that governs noise and vibration control from construction and demolition plant and activities. It applies to hydraulic excavators, pneumatic breakers, piling rigs, cold planers and similar heavy equipment working near residential areas, schools and hospitals. Although not legislation, BS 5228 is routinely used by local authorities to set and enforce noise limits, making it a critical reference for contractors, site managers and equipment operators seeking planning approval and managing neighbour complaints. The standard is divided into two parts: BS 5228-1 addresses noise control; BS 5228-2 covers vibration.

BS 5228-1 provides detailed guidance on how to assess and mitigate noise generated by construction, demolition and similar activities. It includes prediction models that allow planners to estimate noise levels from different types of equipment and processes before work starts. These models draw on sound-power data for specific plant — such as hydraulic breakers, mobile cranes and compressors — and calculate expected decibel levels at given distances. Once work begins, the standard outlines measurement protocols to verify that actual noise stays within predicted limits. If levels exceed agreed thresholds, contractors must take further action: switching to quieter machinery, erecting noise barriers such as walls or fences, or restricting the hours of noisy operations.

The ABC method in BS 5228-1 is a widely used technique for assessing noise impact. It compares predicted or measured construction noise against baseline ambient levels recorded before work started. The method assigns action thresholds — labelled A, B and C — depending on whether the site lies in a rural, suburban or urban environment. If construction noise exceeds the relevant threshold, further mitigation becomes necessary.

BS 5228-2 focuses on vibration generated by construction and demolition activities. Driven piling, hydraulic breaking, and heavy compaction can all produce ground-borne vibration. BS 5228-2 sets thresholds designed to prevent building damage and protect people from discomfort or health effects caused by excessive vibration. The standard recommends control measures including vibration isolation techniques, switching from impact pile-driving to less intrusive methods such as auger boring, and deploying continuous vibration monitoring.

BS 5228 emphasises the importance of mapping noise-sensitive receptors — homes, schools, hospitals, care homes and places of worship — and focusing mitigation on these locations. Contractors are expected to conduct baseline surveys, establish specific noise limits for each receptor, and adjust working practices if complaints arise or monitoring reveals breaches. The standard also stresses the value of communication and public relations. Informing residents about the project schedule and the timing of particularly noisy operations can significantly reduce friction.

BS 5228-1 lists a range of noise-reduction techniques. Choosing quieter models of excavators, wheeled loaders and generators is the first step. Physical barriers — timber hoardings, acoustic curtains or earth bunds — can be deployed between the source and receptor. Restricting the most disruptive activities to daytime hours and maintaining regular communication with stakeholders supports compliance and minimises disturbance.