Regulated%20devices

Noise Pollution
Regulated devices

Noise from power tools and other regulated devices may disturb neighbours, disrupt sleep and
interfere with normal daily activities. If loud enough, it can affect health. This fact sheet can help
you to reduce noise and meet legal requirements.

Regulated devices                                              Select equipment carefully
Regulated devices include:                                     When purchasing equipment, consider the noise level or
■ compressors and generators                                   use alternatives, such as:
■ ducted vacuuming systems                                     ■ sweep instead of using a leaf blower
■ grass cutters, such as lawnmowers and edge cutters           ■ compost instead of mulching
■ impacting tools, such as hammers and nail guns               ■ use electric powered devices instead of petrol engines
■ leaf blowers and mulchers
■ oxyacetylene burners                                         Consider location
■ electrical, mechanical or pneumatic power tools, such        Complete work indoors or in a work shed if possible.
 as chainsaws, drills and sanders                              Close windows and doors to reduce noise levels and
                                                               consider incorporating noise reduction measures into your
Note: These provisions do not apply to builders, owner         workshop.
builders or building contractors working on a building site.
For information on requirements for builders, contact          Maintain equipment
Council or read the fact sheet ‘Noise – building work’.        Regular maintenance will decrease noise and improve the
                                                               effectiveness of equipment. Contact the manufacturer for
                                                               advice.
Be a good neighbour
Talk to neighbours. Find out what concerns they have and
                                                               Use acoustic enclosures
seek suggestions to resolve problems. Solutions can often
                                                               Some fixed equipment can be enclosed in a wooden box
be found that satisfy everyone.
                                                               with an absorbent lining and adequate ventilation to
                                                               reduce noise. Contact the manufacturer or installer for
The law                                                        advice.
Queensland’s Environmental Protection Act includes
noise limits for regulated devices and Council is legally      Modifications might help
required to enforce these limits. If issues between            Consider whether modifications, such as mufflers can
neighbours cannot be resolved and complaints continue,         be fitted to engine-powered equipment. Contact the
Council will investigate. If a regulated device exceeds        manufacturer for advice.
noise limits, Council may issue on the spot fines of $1100
for an individual or $2200 for a corporation.                  Install a fence or barrier
                                                               A solid fence with no gaps can help reduce noise levels.
Allowable noise limits
On-the-spot fines may be issued if noise can be clearly
heard at premises between the following hours:
7pm to 7am – on a business day or Saturday                          For further information on this topic,
7pm to 8am – on any other day
                                                                    please contact Council.
Ways you can reduce noise
Limit hours of use
Ask neighbours which times noise will particularly disturb
them.




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