Evaluation of Directive 2000/14/EC on outdoor machinery noise

Abstract

The European Directive 2000/14/EC sets a requirement for noise labeling for the sound power level of 57 types of outdoor equipment, and sound power limits for 22 of these. In the NOMEVAL project the Directive and its amendment 2005/88/EC were evaluated, resulting in recommendations for an update of the equipment list, the noise limits and the test codes. A European database of noise emission data was assessed, and environmental bodies and industry were consulted. The recommendations were also based on environmental, technical and economic impact assessments. A new environmental indicator was applied to rank the impact of the different equipment types. It was found that many types currently without noise limits have a higher impact than those with noise limits. Some new types of equipment have been identified including snowmobiles, mobile waste breakers and screens, motorised brooms, handheld cut‐off saws, and power pruners. The technical impact assessment was based on current technology and trends and the feasibility of new or stricter limits. The economic impact assessment was based on estimated societal benefits versus the estimated additional cost to the consumer or purchaser. Finally, a number of instruments for further reduction of outdoor equipment noise were proposed.