The working hours of the constructors are framed by the legislation. There are indeed hours during which construction workers cannot legally make noise outside. Noisy work is generally described as "noise audible at the site boundary". What are the working hours of builders in the UK, are they the same across the country and what about Sunday work? This article is useful for building professionals, DIY enthusiasts and residents who could experience noise pollution from work on a construction site.
What time can builders start working in the UK?
The 1974 Pollution Control Act gave local authorities the power to regulate construction sites and similar areas on the issue of noise. Thus, the hours at which noisy work is allowed, differ across the country. Although the rules are not the same across Great Britain, noisy work is accepted between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, this rule does not prevent workers from starting work earlier as long as it concerns tasks related to the preparation of the site and the day's operations.
What is the rule for noisy construction work on the weekend?
On Saturdays, builders are generally allowed to work between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. However, it is necessary to find out about the regulations imposed by the council on which the site of the site depends. For example, Cheshire East indicates its hours on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
As for Sundays and public holidays, the timetable guidelines are less precise. Most boards say there shouldn't be a noisy job. You should however check the local authority's website as these rules differ.
Exceptional construction work
The local authorities recognize that for certain sites, it is sometimes inevitable to work outside the hours defined by the councils. Work on railways, for example, must be carried out when trains are not running.
However, local councils have the power to serve a notice on people carrying out construction or demolition work to regulate how the work must be carried out to avoid possible regulatory noise pollution. The notice may specify one of the following:
a noise level
- the plant or machines that can be used
- the hours during which the work can be performed
- measures to be taken to minimize noise
If builders and construction companies do not comply with local laws on noise levels, they risk being prosecuted and ordered to pay a fine, the maximum amount of which is not defined, they may also receive an additional fine. for every day they don't comply.
Are the rules for DIY at home the same?
DIY jobs can also be noisy, however, guidelines are less clear than for professional construction companies. Local authorities recognize that DIY will often have to take place outside of working hours, as it is when people are at home that they get started on these jobs. Again, the guidelines depend on the different local authorities. For example, East Devon sets a common-sense rule: `` Try to carry out inevitable noisy activities within the hours set by the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays and on Saturday, and between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Whatever the work, be it DIY or construction or demolition work done by building professionals, it is essential to check your Local Authority website for their restrictions.
