Acoustic flooring and the noise abatement issue

We tend to think of acoustic flooring products as being very much an ‘internal’ solution, implemented in accordance with Part E, preventing the spread of nuisance noise to neighbouring rooms or properties. However, airborne sound can be extremely disruptive to any community within the immediate vicinity of a source of noise.

The spread of suburban and inner-city supermarkets has brought this issue very much to the fore. The noise created by early morning and late night deliveries, particularly the rattle and rumble of steel cages rolling across concrete floors, has resulted in delivery curfews being implemented by local authorities in many residential areas. Whilst these restrictions have resolved one problem, they have created a series of others: congestion, poor local air quality, road safety issues, accessibility problems and increased carbon emissions.

To tackle this, the Noise Abatement Society, the Department for Transport and the Freight Traffic Association have come together to create the Quiet Deliveries Demonstration Scheme, looking into how businesses can return to early morning and late night deliveries without disturbing local residents.

Acoustic flooring products are set to play a significant role in this initiative, which is still in its trial phase. One such product is Regupol High-Impact Mat from CMS Danskin Limited. High-Impact Mat has been used in the delivery areas of Waitrose stores in Balham and, most recently, Ipswich. Providing 18 decibels of impact noise reduction (tested in accordance with BS EN ISO 140-8:1998), High-Impact Mat guarantees far quieter deliveries. What’s more, it’s hardwearing, anti-slip, 100% water-resistant, and easy to install. In fact, it’s so easy to install, that the 150m² installation at the Balham branch of Waitrose took just two days and was ready to support traffic within 24 hours.

The secret of High-Impact Mat’s effectiveness, in terms of both soundproofing and endurance, is its composition. Comprised of reclaimed rubber, EPDM granulate with a PUR binder, High-Impact Mat is thoroughly non-reflective, readily absorbing physical and acoustic impacts.

Following the Balham installation, Waitrose branch manager, Steve Baller, commented, “As part of our commitment to minimise disruption to our neighbours, it was important to find a product that would reduce noise. Regupol High-Impact Mat has proven to be an excellent product. The sound levels have been reduced substantially and the floor is able to withstand the weights and loads coming into the warehouse.”

If the necessary noise reduction measures are effective enough to convince local authorities to lift their curfews and allow suburban and inner-city supermarkets to return to late-night and early-morning deliveries, retailers will experience an increase in logistical efficiency which will be felt where it counts most: on the bottom line. It is little wonder that such major players as Sainsbury’s, Marks & Spencer, Morrisons, Asda and Superdrug have all thrown their weight behind the Quiet Deliveries Demonstration Scheme.

There’s little doubt that acoustic flooring products, so crucial to meeting the requirements of Part E, are set to play a significant role in the ongoing Noise Abatement story. As are CMS Danskin.

Contact: Mike Sellars
Tel +44 (0)7919 923083
michaelsellars@sigplc.com

Tel +44 (0)1925 577711

www.cmsdanskin.co.uk
info@cmsdanskin.co.uk