Noise pollution is not fully addressed within Greater Johannesburg due to the numerous
pressing development problems and is only being monitored on request or in response to
complaints from individuals.Current noise prevention challenges include the review and
integration of existing legislation to ensure a uniform approach across Greater
Johannesburg, and liaison with the planning departments to take into consideration noise
occurrences.
Community noise
- Environmental Conservation Act (Act 73 of 1983, section 25)
- Noise Control Regulations (R 154 GG 13717 of 10 January 1992)
- By-laws
- SABS Code of Practice 0103 of 1996
Road traffic noise
- Code of Practice for calculating and predicting road traffic noise 0210 – 1986
- Measurement of noise emitted by road vehicles when stationary 0181 - 1981
Occupational noise
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993)
- Environmental regulations for workplaces (GN R 2281 of 1987-10-16)
- SABS Code of Practice 083 of 1996
Preventative measures: Five general ways of controlling noise were identified
by Miller
- To modify noisy activities and devices to produce less noise
- To shield noisy devices or processes
- To shield workers or other recipients from the noise
- To move noisy operations or things away from people
Integrated Environmental Management
Noise prevention should be considered in conjunction with use zoning provisions and site
development plans
Community Environmental Education
- A comprehensive strategy should be developed to raise awareness of noise pollution. It
has been estimated that the major cities of the world are experiencing increasing levels
of noise pollution to the extent that cities could become unlivable.
- Noise pollution prevention education is currently part of the Gauteng Department of
Environmental Health’s education drive.
Occupational noise
- Building and using quieter industrial machinery
- Noisy factory operations can be totally or partially enclosed by walls
- Workers should wear protective devices to reduce the amount of noise entering their
ears.
Gap
Exact levels (decibels) of noise are needed to pinpoint exactly
where noise pollution is really bad, unacceptable, above the human threshold and bad for
human and animal health.
