The Noise Emission in the Environment by Equipment for use Outdoors Regulations 2001

Interpretation E+W+S

2.—(1) In these Regulations—

(a) “the Directive" means Directive 2000/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors F1 ... ;

F2 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F3 (c) unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation or Schedule so numbered in these Regulations and a reference to a paragraph in a regulation is a reference to a paragraph in that regulation.]

(2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—

• [F4 “approved body” has the meaning given to it in regulation 13];

• “CE marking" means the CE marking referred to in [F5 Article 3(c) of the Directive] consisting of the initials “CE" in the form shown in [F6 Annex IV to the Directive];

• F7 ...

• “enforcement authority" shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 13;

• “equipment" means equipment for use outdoors;

• [F8 “equipment for use outdoors” means F9 ...—

  (a)

  assemblies which fall within one of the following descriptions—

  (i)

  an assembly, fitted with or intended to be fitted with a drive system other than directly applied human or animal effort, consisting of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, and which are joined together for a specific application;

  (ii)

  an assembly as referred to in sub-paragraph (i), missing only the components to connect it on site or to sources of energy and motion;

  (iii)

  an assembly as referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii), ready to be installed and able to function as it stands only if mounted on a means of transport, or installed in a building or structure;

  (iv)

  assemblies of machinery as referred to in sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) or partly completed machinery, which, in order to achieve the same end, are arranged and controlled so that they function as an integral whole;

  (v)

  an assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves and which are joined together, intended for lifting loads and whose only power source is directly applied human effort;

  (b)

  devices which, after the putting into service of machinery or of a tractor, are assembled with that machinery or tractor by operators themselves in order to change its function or attribute a new function, in so far as they are not tools (“interchangeable equipment”); and

  (c)

  components—

  (i)

  which serve to fulfil a safety function;

  (ii)

  which are independently placed on the market;

  (iii)

  the failure or malfunction of which endangers the safety of persons; and

  (iv)

  which are not necessary in order for the machinery to function, or for which other components which do not fall within sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) may be substituted in order for the machinery to function,

  to the extent that they are either self-propelled or can be moved and which, irrespective of the driving element(s), are intended to be used, according to their type, in the open air and which contribute to environmental noise exposure, including non-powered equipment for industrial or environmental applications which is intended, according to its type, to be used outdoors and which contributes to environmental noise exposure;]

• “indication of the guaranteed sound power level" means the indication referred to in regulation 11 in the form shown in Schedule 7;

• “open air" includes the use of equipment in an ambience where the transmission of sound is not or not significantly affected (for instance, under tents, under roofs for protection against rain or in the shell of houses);

• “responsible person" means

  (a)

  the manufacturer;

  (b)

  the manufacturer’s authorised representative established in the [F10 United Kingdom]; or

  (c)

  where neither the manufacturer nor his authorised representative is established in the [F10 United Kingdom], the person placing the equipment on the market or putting it into service in [F11 Great Britain];

• “guaranteed sound power level" means a sound power level determined in accordance with the requirements laid down in Schedule 6 which includes the uncertainties due to production variation and measurement procedures and where the responsible person confirms that according to the technical instruments applied and referred to in the technical documentation it is not exceeded;

• “measured sound power level" means a sound power level as determined from measurements as laid down in Schedule 6; measured values may be determined either from a single machine representative for the type of equipment or from the average of a number of machines;

• F12 ...

• F13 F14 “sound power level L_WA" means the A-weighted sound power level in dB in relation to 1pW as defined in EN ISO 3744: 1995 and EN ISO 3746: 1995;

• [F15 “UK marking” means the marking in the form set out in Annex 2 of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 339/93;]

Extent Information

E1 This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Scotland only; a separate version has been created for Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in reg. 2(1)(a) omitted (E.W.S.) (1.10.2024) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) Regulations 2024 (S.I. 2024/696), regs. 1(2), 3(2) (with reg. 23)

F2 Reg. 2(1)(b) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(a)(ii) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F3 Reg. 2(1)(c) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(a)(iii) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F4 Words in reg. 2(2) inserted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(i) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F5 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(ii)(aa) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F6 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(ii)(bb) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F7 Words in reg. 2(2) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(iii) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F8 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (29.12.2009) by The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1597), reg. 1(1), Sch. 7 para. 4(2) (with reg. 28)

F9 Words in reg. 2(2) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(iv) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F10 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(v)(aa) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as substituted by S.I. 2020/1460, reg. 1(4), Sch. 3 para. 5(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F11 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(v)(bb) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as substituted by S.I. 2020/1460, reg. 1(4), Sch. 3 para. 5(2)); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F12 Words in reg. 2(2) omitted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(vi) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

F13 EN ISO 3744:1995—Acoustics—Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure—Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane.

F14 EN ISO 3746:1995—Acoustics—Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure—Survey method using an enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane.

F15 Words in reg. 2(2) inserted (E.W.S.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/696), reg. 1, Sch. 8 para. 2(b)(vii) (with Sch. 8 para. 14) (as amended by S.I. 2020/676, regs. 1(1), 2); 2020 c. 1, Sch. 5 para. 1(1)

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) In these Regulations—

(a) “the Directive" means Directive 2000/14/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the noise emission in the environment by equipment for use outdoors F16 [F17 and];

F18 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) unless the context otherwise requires, a reference to a numbered regulation or Schedule is a reference to the regulation or Schedule so numbered in these Regulations and a reference—

(i) to a paragraph in a regulation is a reference to a paragraph in that regulation;

(ii) to an Annex is a reference to an Annex of the Directive: for the purposes of these Regulations, Annexes I, II, III, IV, V, VI, VII and VIII are respectively set out in Schedules 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11;

(iii) to a paragraph in an Annex is a reference to a paragraph in that Annex as set out in the relevant Schedule;

(iv) to an Article is a reference to an Article of the Directive.

[F19 (1A) A reference in a Schedule to these Regulations—

(a) to “the European Union” is to be read as a reference to the relevant market;

(b) to “Community Directives” is to be read as a reference to NI Protocol obligations;

(c) to “the Notifying Member State” is to be read as a reference to the Secretary of State.]

(2) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires—

• “CE marking" means the CE marking referred to in regulation 11 consisting of the initials “CE" in the form shown in Schedule 7;

• “the Commission" means the Commission of the [F20 European Union];

• “enforcement authority" shall be construed in accordance with paragraph 1(1) of Schedule 13;

• “equipment" means equipment for use outdoors;

• [F21 “equipment for use outdoors” means all the kinds of machinery referred to in Article 2(a), (b) and (c) of Directive 2006/42/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 17 May 2006 on machinery, and amending Directive 95/16/EC, that is to say—

  (a)

  assemblies which fall within one of the following descriptions—

  (i)

  an assembly, fitted with or intended to be fitted with a drive system other than directly applied human or animal effort, consisting of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves, and which are joined together for a specific application;

  (ii)

  an assembly as referred to in sub-paragraph (i), missing only the components to connect it on site or to sources of energy and motion;

  (iii)

  an assembly as referred to in sub-paragraph (i) or (ii), ready to be installed and able to function as it stands only if mounted on a means of transport, or installed in a building or structure;

  (iv)

  assemblies of machinery as referred to in sub-paragraphs (i), (ii) and (iii) or partly completed machinery, which, in order to achieve the same end, are arranged and controlled so that they function as an integral whole;

  (v)

  an assembly of linked parts or components, at least one of which moves and which are joined together, intended for lifting loads and whose only power source is directly applied human effort;

  (b)

  devices which, after the putting into service of machinery or of a tractor, are assembled with that machinery or tractor by operators themselves in order to change its function or attribute a new function, in so far as they are not tools (“interchangeable equipment”); and

  (c)

  components—

  (i)

  which serve to fulfil a safety function;

  (ii)

  which are independently placed on the market;

  (iii)

  the failure or malfunction of which endangers the safety of persons; and

  (iv)

  which are not necessary in order for the machinery to function, or for which other components which do not fall within sub-paragraphs (i) to (iii) may be substituted in order for the machinery to function,

  to the extent that they are either self-propelled or can be moved and which, irrespective of the driving element(s), are intended to be used, according to their type, in the open air and which contribute to environmental noise exposure, including non-powered equipment for industrial or environmental applications which is intended, according to its type, to be used outdoors and which contributes to environmental noise exposure;]

• “indication of the guaranteed sound power level" means the indication referred to in regulation 11 in the form shown in Schedule 7;

• [F22 “NI Protocol obligation” means any obligation created or arising by or under the Protocol on Ireland/ Northern Ireland in the EU withdrawal agreement, whether or not an obligation to which section 7A(2) of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 applies;]

• “open air" includes the use of equipment in an ambience where the transmission of sound is not or not significantly affected (for instance, under tents, under roofs for protection against rain or in the shell of houses);

• [F23 “relevant market means—

  (a)

  the market of Northern Ireland; and

  (b)

  the markets of the EEA states;]

• “responsible person" means

  (a)

  the manufacturer;

  (b)

  the manufacturer’s authorised representative established in the [F24 relevant market]; or

  (c)

  where neither the manufacturer nor his authorised representative is established in the [F24 relevant market], the person placing the equipment on the market or putting it into service in the [F24 relevant market];

• “guaranteed sound power level" means a sound power level determined in accordance with the requirements laid down in Schedule 6 which includes the uncertainties due to production variation and measurement procedures and where the responsible person confirms that according to the technical instruments applied and referred to in the technical documentation it is not exceeded;

• “measured sound power level" means a sound power level as determined from measurements as laid down in Schedule 6; measured values may be determined either from a single machine representative for the type of equipment or from the average of a number of machines;

• “notified body" shall be construed in accordance with regulation 13;

• F25 F26 “sound power level L_WA" means the A-weighted sound power level in dB in relation to 1pW as defined in EN ISO 3744: 1995 and EN ISO 3746: 1995;

• [F27 “UK(NI) indication” means the marking in the form set out in Schedule 1 to Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (UK(NI) Indication) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020.]

Extent Information

E2 This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F16 OJ L162, 3.7.2000, p.1.

F17 Word in reg. 2(1)(a) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(i)

F18 Reg. 2(1)(b) omitted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by virtue of The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(a)(ii)

F19 Reg. 2(1A) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(b)

F20 Words in Regulations substituted (22.4.2011) by The Treaty of Lisbon (Changes in Terminology) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/1043), arts. 2-68-10

F21 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (29.12.2009) by The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations 2008 (S.I. 2008/1597), reg. 1(1), Sch. 7 para. 4(2) (with reg. 28)

F22 Words in reg. 2(2) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(c)(i)

F23 Words in reg. 2(2) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(c)(ii)

F24 Words in reg. 2(2) substituted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment) (Northern Ireland) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1112), reg. 1(b), Sch. 2 para. 1(2)(c)(iii)

F25 EN ISO 3744:1995—Acoustics—Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure—Engineering method in an essentially free field over a reflecting plane.

F26 EN ISO 3746:1995—Acoustics—Determination of sound power levels of noise sources using sound pressure—Survey method using an enveloping measurement surface over a reflecting plane.

F27 Words in reg. 2(2) inserted (N.I.) (31.12.2020) by The Product Safety and Metrology etc. (Amendment etc.) (UK(NI) Indication) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/1460), reg. 1(2), Sch. 2 para. 2(2)