Childcare Facility Design underneath a Helipad

Tom Krikke Senior Acoustic Engineer

Norman Disney & Young

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Child  Care  Centre  

35  metres  

Roo2op  Helipad  

Helicopter Noise Test - RNZAF

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Modelled  façade  noise  levels:  up  to  110  dB(A)  

Current Standards and Research

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Semi-continuous noise sources •  Up to 50-55 dB(A) is acceptable •  “Learning problems arise when noise is 60 dB(A) or more” •  “New schools should not be planned close to existing airports”

Intermittent noise sources •  Most policies are based on sleep awakening for adults •  No real data/research for young infants

Air, Rail and Road traffic noise covered by Standards and Guidelines.

Child  Care  Centre  

35  metres  

Roo2op  Helipad  

5  Images:  h/p://www.shapesdaynursery.co.uk/  

Play  Areas  /  young  infant  sleeping  areas  –  to  75  dB(A):  •  10  dB(A)  below  noise  induced  hearing  loss  threshold  •  Likely  to  awaken  adults  

Baby  sleeping  areas  –  to  65  dB(A):  •  Similar  to  speech  noise  •  Unlikely  to  awaken  adults