A Quieter Warning System

Enlarge Image The bbs-tek backup alarm uses broadband sound so it can only be heard in the immediate vicinity.

August 29, 2007 • New York's construction contractors and utilities are getting used to the city's new noise regulations, which went into effect in July. But contractors must also plan for the next noise restriction, coming up in January 2008, which requires quieter backup warning alarms. Once the new year hits, all utility and construction equipment and trucks must have an alarm that meets the new code issued by the city's Department of Environmental Protection (DOP) before they arrive on a jobsite.

The bbs-tek® from Brigade Electronics Inc., New York, N.Y., differs from other approved alarms in that it uses hi-tech broadband sound as opposed to the standard tonal bleepers and can be used in noise-sensitive areas, according to the company. Although tonal alarms are allowed in parts of the city, the new DOP regulations do not permit their use near sensitive areas such as schools, hospitals, parks, places of worship, and homes for the aging.

 

The bbs-tek broadband sound alarm emits a sweeping “shh-shh” sound and can only be heard in the immediate vicinity from where it is emitted. The sound spans a multi-frequency range from around 800 Hz to more than 6,000 Hz. The broadband alarms can be fitted to aerial lifts and telehandlers, and other lifting equipment equipped with backup alarms. Most of these are equipped with backup beepers, which can be replaced with the quieter broadband alarm. There are three possibilities: the standard “shh-shh”, a continual alarm used as a horn, like a forklift inside a factory would use, or even a voice-recorded message, which is used more for backing up.

 

“There are already over 8,000 bbs-tek alarms fitted across the USA in cities, ports and construction sites working to improve safety and reduce noise complaints,” said Henry Morgan, director and general manager of Brigade Electronics Inc. “bbs-tek has won numerous safety and environment awards including an award from the Society of Automotive Engineers; a Good Community award in Hawaii; and accolades from communities across America including Seattle, Phoenix and Houston. Our bbs-tek offers a win-win solution to contractors in the city. Not only do they get a quieter solution which will keep both citizens and inspectors happy, but bbs-tek offers a safer solution with sound which is easier to locate.”

 

Morgan said that growing numbers of companies want to offer the safest and most environmentally responsible solution when they're involved in a project. That covers everything from the use of recycled materials and lower energy consumption through to employee welfare and the welfare of citizens surrounding a jobsite. Simply fitting a lower volume tonal alarm isn't enough, according to Morgan.

 

“Even at a lower volume these alarms can still cause a noise nuisance and that can prompt complaints to the city,” he said. “Once a valid complaint is received, the authorities have no option but to conduct a full and thorough inspection of all noise-related activities on site, perhaps leading to identification of inadvertent breeches of regulations.”

 

The bbs-tek alarm offers contractors a universal solution to complying with the DOP regulations in a hi-tech, socially responsible package. The product has already prompted big names such as local CAT dealer H.O. Penn to strongly recommend bbs-tek to its customers.

 

The regulations governing noise reduction on construction sites came into effect on July 1 this year, following a law passed by Mayor Michael Bloomberg in late 2005. Since July 1, construction contractors need to file a formal noise mitigation plan. As of January 1, that plan must also include back-up alarms for equipment.

 

For more information visit www.brigade-electronics.com and www.bbs-tek.com.