Noise labeling and the acoustical consultant—the importance of standardization

Abstract

The acoustical consultant’s interest in product noise mirrors that of the general public. He/she may be called upon to provide engineering guidance on product noise to a wide variety of interested parties. These may range from corporate manufacturers to individual users. The issues may range from an improved marketing image for a product to a claimed personal injury. The types of products can include consumer or industrial noise emitters, as well as architectural items such as moveable partitions or residential housing units. Standardized labeling within a general class of products is a useful tool to define the appropriate framework in which to assess the particular noise issues of a given project. Presently, this concept appears more developed in areas other than noise emission. For example, sound transmission class (STC) is an established and generally accepted ‘‘label’’ which precisely defines the acoustical performance of a wall partition. Similar labels for other classes of products would increase the awareness of all concerned of the noise issues involved. Clear communication, effective action, and satisfactory resolution could then be more easily achieved. Consensus standards on noise emission labeling would provide a fair yardstick for comparative product noise assessment.