Healthcare Buildings
The acoustic requirements of buildings are driven by their proposed use, activities within the building and the surrounding environment. Creating a positive soundscape can benefit patient recovery and well-being.
Healthcare Acoustic Requirements
For many building types there are no mandatory requirements and the performance is stipulated via the need for BREEAM credits, based on local authority requirements or guidance documents relating to acoustic performance. General guidance can be found in British Standard BS 8233.
For healthcare buildings, compulsory acoustic performance requirements exist as set out in Health Technical Memorandum 08-01: Acoustics. Sound can affect people both physiologically and psychologically and good acoustic conditions are vital both for patient privacy and to promote recovery.
HTM 08-01 Standard and Criteria
HTM 08-01 provides criteria for noise intrusion from external sources, for example noise in multi-bed wards and recovery areas should not exceed 45dB LAeq,1hr during daytime and at night time 35dB LAeq,1hr and 45dB LAmax,f. Criteria are also set for internal noise from mechanical and electrical services. Sound insulation advice is given with target sound insulation ratings for different types of rooms and sensitivities.
How Can We Help?
WBM will provide advice to achieve a good acoustic environment that promotes recovery, reduces stress and meets the appropriate regulatory standards.
With our range of expertise covering both environmental and architectural acoustics we can provide assessment and advice for control of external noise including building services noise as well as sound insulation and control of reverberant sound.
We can provide the full range of services for your development, from design stage support through to sound insulation testing. WBM are members of the ANC Registration Scheme for pre-completion sound insulation testing.
Healthcare services
Core acoustic services to support your project at every stage.
Other specialist sectors
WBM has long been associated with environmental, architectural and building acoustics both here in the UK and abroad.
FAQs
What is noise?
Noise (and sound) is measured in decibels (dB) with the A-weighting scale, dB(A), used to represent the sensitivity of human hearing.
Get in touch
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