BRITISH STANDARD AEROSPACE SERIES

Aircraft ground
support equipment —
General
requirements —
Part 4: Noise measurement methods
and reduction

ICS 17.140.20; 49.100

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BS EN
1915-4:2004
+A1:2009


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009. It supersedes EN 1915-4:2004 which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated
in the text by tags. Tags indicating changes to CEN text carry the number of
the CEN amendment. For example, text altered by CEN amendment A1 is
indicated by
.

ab

The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee
ACE/57, Air cargo and ground support equipment.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Policy and
Strategy Committee on
25 January 2005

© BSI 2009

ISBN 978 0 580 61064 6

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication
Date

Comments

31 May 2009

Implementation of CEN amendment A1:2009.


EUROPEAN STANDARD


EN 1915-4:2004+A1

NORME EUROPÉENNE
EUROPÄISCHE NORM

April 2009

ICS 49.100

Supersedes EN 1915-4:2004

English Version

Aircraft ground support equipment - General requirements - Part
4: Noise measurement methods and reduction
Matériel au sol pour aéronefs - Exigences générales Partie 4: Bruit, réduction et méthodes de mesure

Luftfahrt-Bodengeräte - Allgemeine Anforderungen - Teil 4:
Lärmmessverfahren und -minderung

This European Standard was approved by CEN on 30 September 2004 and includes Amendment 1 approved by CEN on 22 February
2009.
CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this European
Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Management Centre or to any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by translation
under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN Management Centre has the same status as the
official versions.
CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland,

France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION
EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

Management Centre: Avenue Marnix 17, B-1000 Brussels

© 2009 CEN

All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Ref. No. EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009: E


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

Contents
page
Foreword ...................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
1

Scope .............................................................................................................................................................. 6

2


Normative references .................................................................................................................................... 6

3

Terms and definitions ................................................................................................................................... 6

4

Noise reduction .............................................................................................................................................. 6

5

Test conditions .............................................................................................................................................. 7

6

Emission sound pressure level — Operation during standstill test ........................................................ 9

7

Emission sound pressure level — Driving test ........................................................................................ 11

8

Sound power determination ....................................................................................................................... 13

9

Information to be reported .......................................................................................................................... 16


10

Declaration of noise emission .................................................................................................................... 16

11

Verification ................................................................................................................................................... 17

12

Instructions and technical documentation ............................................................................................... 17

Annex A (informative) Overview of typical requirements for measurement of sound pressure levels ........ 18
Annex ZA (informative) Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 98/37/EC, amended by Directive 98/79/EC ............................................ 19
Annex ZB (informative) !Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential
Requirements of EU Directive 2006/42/EC" ........................................................................................... 20
Bibliography .............................................................................................................................................................. 21

2


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

Foreword
This document (EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 274 “Aircraft
ground support equipment”, the secretariat of which is held by DIN.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an identical text or
by endorsement, at the latest by September 2009, and conflicting national standards shall be withdrawn at the latest by December 2009.

This document includes Amendment 1, approved by CEN on 2009-02-22.
This document supersedes EN 1915-4:2004.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in the text by tags ! ".
This document has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission and the European
Free Trade Association, and supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
!For relationship with EU Directives, see informative Annexes ZA and ZB, which are integral parts of this document."
EN 1915 “Aircraft ground support equipment — General requirements” consists of:

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Part 1: Basic safety requirements
Part 2: Stability and strength requirements, calculations and test methods
Part 3: Vibration measurement methods and reduction
Part 4: Noise measurement methods and reduction

A further European Standard (EN 12312) in several parts covering specific requirements for different aircraft
ground support equipment is in preparation.
The parts of EN 12312 “Aircraft ground support equipment — Specific requirements” are:
Part 1:
Part 2:
Part 3:
Part 4:
Part 5:
Part 6:
Part 7:
Part 8:
Part 9:
Part 10:
Part 11:
Part 12:

Part 13:
Part 14:
Part 15:
Part 16:
Part 17:
Part 18:
Part 19:
Part 20:

Passenger stairs
Catering vehicles
Conveyor belt vehicles
Passenger boarding bridges
Aircraft fuelling equipment
Deicers and deicing/antiicing equipment
Aircraft movement equipment
Maintenance stairs and platforms
Container/Pallet loaders
Container/Pallet transfer transporters
Container/Pallet dollies and loose load trailers
Potable water service equipment
Lavatory service equipment
Disabled/Incapacitated passenger boarding equipment
Baggage and equipment tractors
Air start equipment
Air conditioning equipment
Nitrogen or Oxygen units
Aircraft jacks, axle jacks and hydraulic tail stanchions
Ground power equipment


3


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organizations of the following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg,
Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
United Kingdom.

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4


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

Introduction
The aim of this European Standard is to deal with noise as a hazard and to provide methods for the measurement
and reduction of noise emission of GSE. A further aim of this European Standard is, despite the variety of GSE, to
obtain representative and comparable information on the noise emissions of this category of equipment. It should
be possible to determine and verify this information with justifiable effort.
General standards for the determination of the noise emissions at the operator's position and of the sound power
levels of machines already exist. Because of specific applications these existing standards cannot be applied
directly to GSE without supplement of specific machinery and operating conditions as given in this European
Standard.
The idle condition is included for some machines because it is representative of those conditions in which the GSE
has low noise emission as well as waiting between tasks.
This European Standard is a Type C standard as stated in !EN ISO 12100".

The machinery concerned and the extent to which hazards, hazardous situations and events are covered are indicated in the scope of this document.
When provisions of this type C standard are different from those which are stated in type A or B standards, the provisions of this type C standard take precedence over the provisions of the other standards, for machines that have
been designed and built according to the provisions of this type C standard.

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5


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

1

Scope

This document deals with noise reduction as a safety requirement. It also specifies the methods for determining the
sound pressure level at workstations, other specified positions and the sound power level of GSE during intended
use.
The test results are not applicable to the determination of daily exposure to noise for the operator.
!This part of EN 1915 is intended to be used in conjunction with the other parts of EN 1915, and with the relevant
part of EN 12312."

2

Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document. For dated references,
only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any
amendments) applies.

!deleted text"
EN 1915-1:2001, Aircraft ground support equipment — General requirements — Part 1: Basic safety requirements.
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 (ISO 3744:1994).
EN ISO 4871:1996, Acoustics — Declaration and verification of noise emission values of machinery and equipment
(ISO 4871:1996).
EN ISO 11201:1995, Acoustics — Noise emitted by machinery and equipment — Measurement of emission sound
pressure levels at a workstation and at other specified positions — Engineering method in an essentially free field
over a reflecting plane (ISO 11201:1995).

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!EN ISO 12100-1:2003, Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design — Part 1: Basic
terminology, methodology (ISO 12100-1:2003).

EN ISO 12100-2:2003, Safety of machinery — Basic concepts, general principles for design — Part 2: Technical
principles (ISO 12100-2:2003)."

3

Terms and definitions

For the purposes of this European Standard, the terms and definitions given in !EN ISO 12100-1:2003, EN ISO
12100-2:2003", EN 1915-1:2001, EN ISO 3744:1995, EN ISO 4871:1996, and EN ISO 11201:1995 and the following apply.
3.1
operator's position
area where operators stay during normal operation, e.g. driver/co-driver seats, control panels, walkways, stairs,
ladders, platforms
3.2
exterior position

position for measurements located in the vicinity of the GSE

4

Noise reduction

Noise emission is in general a significant hazard, which shall be reduced to the lowest level taking into account the
technical progress and the available technical measures for noise control.
GSE can contain many components emitting noise. Typical noise sources are:

6


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)



propulsion- and auxiliary engines, their cooling (fans) and exhaust systems;



hydraulic systems with pumps, motors, relief valves, etc.;



heaters with their fans and exhaust systems;




rolling noise due to wheels/ground contact;



vibration and shocks between mobile mechanical parts.

Likewise, components in the fluid systems (such as pumps and relief valves) and mechanical drive systems (gears,
brakes, etc.) can add to the total noise emission.
There is a variety of measures to reduce noise emission from the noise sources mentioned above, e.g.:


engines can be suspended in appropriate vibration dampers, their exhaust systems can be equipped with suitable silencers and fan and intake air can be adequately ducted;



hydraulic components can, first of all, be chosen and dimensioned with this aspect in mind and the layout be
made in such a way that noise emission is limited;



fan and exhaust ducts of heaters can be so designed that noise is kept to a minimum level;



reduction of operating clearances and the possibilities of shocks between elements.

In addition to these measures, further noise reduction can be achieved by casing the noise emitting components
with appropriate materials.

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NOTE
The measures listed are not exhaustive, and alternative technical measures for noise control with identical or
greater efficiency can be used by the manufacturer. EN ISO 11688-1 and EN ISO 11688-2 give recommended practice for the
design of low noise machinery and equipment.

After taking at design and manufacturing all possible general technical measures for noise reduction the instruction
handbook shall, when appropriate, identify any additional noise reduction measures which can be taken by the
user, and recommend organisational measures such as the use of low-noise operating modes, and/or limited time
of operation.

5
5.1

Test conditions
Tests to be made

Sound pressure levels shall be measured for all GSE under the common test conditions given in 5.2, the specific
operating test conditions for particular types of GSE given in 5.3 and in accordance with the specifications for
acoustic measurements given in Clauses 6 and 7.
Where there is more than one driver or operator position, e.g. on conveyor belt vehicles and aircraft movement
equipment, the measurements for the operator position shall also be carried out at this additional position.
If the A-weighted emission sound pressure level exceeds !80 dB", then additionally the sound power level has
to be determined in accordance with the specifications given in Clause 8.
Measurements under driving conditions shall be performed only for self-propelled GSE.
If, for practical reasons, it is not possible to use real driving conditions, simulated driving conditions are allowed
provided that it can be shown by comparison that the results are the same as those obtained with the real driving
procedure and the uncertainty remains within the requirements of 6.6, 7.6 and 8.7. If simulated driving conditions
are used, the documentation shall be part of the test report.


7


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

NOTE 1
Tests on self-propelled GSE should be performed only for vehicles which are not approved as a standard vehicle for
driving on public roads according to EC Directive 92/97/EEC.
NOTE 2
Where a standard automotive chassis is used for the GSE, and declaration data for noise at the driver's or operator's position are given by the manufacturer, these values may form the basis for the noise declaration for the GSE provided that
the application of the standard automotive chassis to the use as GSE does not imply changes in design or construction which
affect the noise characteristics.

For guidance, an overview of typical requirements for measurement of sound pressure levels for various types of
GSE and for different modes of operation is given in Annex A.

5.2
5.2.1

Common test conditions
Test track

Measurements shall be made on a level (± 2 % deviation), hard and reflective surface, e.g. tarmac, concrete at a
site complying with the test environment described in EN ISO 3744 and EN ISO 11201.
5.2.2

Equipment and condition of GSE

Measurements shall be made on GSE with noise emission characteristics that are representative for the specific

type of GSE.
The GSE selected for the noise measurement shall be equipped in the same way as typically supplied for that type
of GSE.
Measurements shall be made on GSE with standard equipment and with the operator present.

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For individual measurements and special equipment, the specific equipment shall be listed.

All components of the GSE shall be at the temperature for normal operating conditions for the prevailing ambient
temperature.
For GSE with a driver's cabin, measurements shall be carried out with doors and windows closed.
Any deviations from these conditions shall be recorded in the test report.
5.2.3

Operation of GSE

The measurements shall be carried out under operating conditions corresponding to maximum sound generation
representative of intended use as well as under idle conditions, if the A-weighted sound pressure level corresponding to idle condition exceeds 70 dB. The operating conditions used during the test shall be recorded in detail in the
test report.
Safety requirements and the manufacturer's information shall be observed.
5.2.4

Air conditioning and/or ventilating system(s)

If more than two operating speeds are available, the air conditioning and/or ventilating system(s) shall be operated
at mid-range speed or above. If only two operating speeds are available, the higher speed shall be used. If the air
conditioning and/or ventilating system(s) has (have) a recirculation and outside air position, the control shall be set
for outside air.
Care shall be taken to ensure that airflow from the ventilating system does not produce any wind effects on the microphone.


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BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

5.3

Specific operating conditions for particular types of GSE

5.3.1

Aircraft movement equipment according to prEN 12312-7

Measurements during standstill operation at operator and exterior work positions shall be performed and declared
under idle conditions.
Measurements during driving conditions at operator positions shall be performed and declared at full throttle or at
full speed without load, whichever gives the highest noise emission value.
Measurements during driving at exterior work positions shall be performed and declared without load.
5.3.2

Container/Pallet loaders according to prEN 12312-9

Measurements shall be performed and declared for the following conditions:


with maximum load; the measurement cycle shall consist of one lift from the lowest to the highest position and
reverse;




idle.

5.3.3

Container/Pallet transporters according to prEN 12312-10

Measurements shall be performed and declared for the following conditions:


at full throttle or at full speed without load, whichever gives the highest noise emission value;



idle.

5.3.4

Baggage and equipment tractors according to prEN 12312-15

Measurements shall be performed and declared for the following conditions:


at full throttle or at speed without load, whichever gives the highest noise emission value;



idle.


5.3.5

Air start equipment according to prEN 12312-16

Measurements shall be performed and declared for the following two conditions:


idle;



maximum performance.

6

Emission sound pressure level — Operation during standstill test

6.1
6.1.1

Measurements at operator's positions
Quantities to be determined

A-weighted emission sound pressure levels shall be determined according to !EN ISO 11201".
If the noise is impulsive (see EN ISO 11201:1995, 10.2.3 and Annex A) C-weighted peak emission sound pressure
levels exceeding 130 dB shall be reported.
6.1.2

Microphone positions


The microphone positions shall be in accordance with EN ISO 11201:1995, 11.2 and 11.3.

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BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

6.1.3

Operator position

Where the operator's position is adjustable, the position where the noise is loudest shall be selected.

6.2
6.2.1

Measurements at exterior positions
Quantities to be determined

A-weighted emission sound pressure levels shall be determined according to !EN ISO 11201".
If the noise is impulsive (see EN ISO 11201:1995, 10.2.3 and Annex A) C-weighted peak emission sound pressure
levels exceeding 130 dB shall be reported.
6.2.2

Microphone positions

Measurements shall be carried out at a distance of 1 m from the contour of the machinery and at a height of 1,60 m
above ground level. The position where the maximum sound pressure level is measured shall be recorded and
declared.


6.3

Background noise level

The background noise level shall be measured at each measurement position. The level shall be at least 10 dB
lower than the level of the noise emitted by the GSE (both time-averaged and A-weighted levels).

6.4

Number of measurements

At least three measurements at each measurement position shall be carried out in each of the operating modes
specified. The maximum difference between any two of the measurements shall be no greater than 2 dB. If this is
not the case, further measurements shall be carried out until three measurements are within the range of 2 dB.

6.5

Determination of test results

The arithmetic mean of the two highest sound pressure levels at each measurement position constitutes the level
to be recorded.

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BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

6.6


Measurement uncertainty

Measurements made in accordance with this document result in the following standard deviation of reproducibility, σR:

σR = 2,5 dB (see !EN ISO 11201")
!If measurements have shown that smaller values of
shall be used."

σ R are relevant for a machine family, these smaller values

This deviation shall be taken into account for the declaration in accordance with Clause 10.

7

Emission sound pressure level — Driving test

7.1
7.1.1

Measurements at operator's positions
Quantities to be determined

A-weighted time-averaged emission sound pressure levels shall be determined according to !EN ISO 11201".
7.1.2

Microphone positions

The microphone positions for the operator's positions shall be in accordance with EN ISO 11201:1995, 11.2 and
11.3.

7.1.3

Operator's position

Where the operator's position is adjustable, the position where the noise is loudest shall be selected.
The operator shall be in the position for driving in the forward direction and able to operate the controls.
7.1.4

Operating conditions

The operating conditions given in Clause 5 shall be used. Annex A contains an overview of these operations.
Measurements shall, if not otherwise specified, be carried out under operating conditions corresponding to
maximum sound generation during intended use. The operating conditions used shall be recorded in detail in the
test report.
7.1.5

Test track

!The surface structure should be smooth not to cause rattling noises which can influence the measurement results (e.g. smoothened concrete or asphalt)."
7.1.6

Measurement duration

The measurement duration shall be long enough to ensure a representative reading of A-weighted time-averaged
emission sound pressure levels.
NOTE

Normally, a measurement duration of at least 20 s will ensure a representative reading.

11



BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

7.2
7.2.1

Measurements at exterior positions
Quantities to be determined

A-weighted emission sound pressure levels shall be determined with time weighting S (slow). The maximum sound
pressure level indicated during each passage of the GSE between the two lines AA and BB (see Figure 1) shall be
determined.
7.2.2

Microphone positions

Measurements shall be carried out at the microphone positions at a height of 1,5 m as shown in Figure 1.
7.2.3

Driving during measurement

The GSE shall be driven at full acceleration from standstill over a distance of three times its length to reach line AA,
and driving shall be continued at maximum acceleration to line BB. When the rear of the GSE has crossed line BB,
the accelerator may be released. Concerning choice of gear etc. measurements shall be carried out under
operating conditions corresponding to maximum sound generation representative of normal use. The longitudinal
axis of the GSE shall remain as close as possible to line CC during measurements (see Figure 1).
7.2.4


Test track

The test track shall be as shown in Figure 1.
!The surface structure should be smooth not to cause rattling noises which can influence the measurement results (e.g. smoothened concrete or asphalt)."
Dimensions in metres

Key
Line AA
Line BB
Line CC
M

start of measurement
end of measurement
driving line
microphone positions
Figure 1 — Test track and microphone positions

NOTE
A single track (e.g. with different markings) may be used for the different applications, including vibration measurement in accordance with EN 1915-3.

12


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

7.3

Background noise level


The background noise level shall be measured at each measurement position. The level shall be at least 10 dB
lower than the level of the noise emitted by the GSE (both time-averaged and A-weighted levels).

7.4

Number of measurements

At least three measurements at each measurement position shall be carried out. The difference between any two of
the measurements shall be no greater than 2 dB. If this is not the case, further measurements shall be carried out
until three measurements are within the range of 2 dB.

7.5

Determination of test results

The arithmetic mean of the two highest sound pressure levels at each measurement position constitutes the level
to be recorded.

7.6

Measurement uncertainty

Measurements made in accordance with this standard result in the following standard deviation of reproducibility, σR:

σR = 2,5 dB (see !EN ISO 11201")
!If measurements have shown that smaller values of
shall be used."

σ R are relevant for a machine family, these smaller values


This deviation shall be taken into account for the declaration in accordance with Clause 10.

8

Sound power determination

8.1

Stationary test

8.1.1

Quantities to be determined

A-weighted sound power levels shall be determined according to the enveloping surface measuring method of
!EN ISO 3744" except that the microphone positions given in 8.3 shall be used. Alternatively, sound power
level may be determined by the sound intensity method according to !EN ISO 9614-1" and
!EN ISO 9614-2".
NOTE

8.1.2

Methods with higher precision may be used.

Measurement duration

The measurement duration shall be long enough to ensure a representative reading of A-weighted time-averaged
sound pressure levels.
NOTE


8.2

Normally, a measurement duration of at least 20 s will ensure a representative reading.

Driving test

8.2.1

Quantities to be determined

A-weighted sound power levels shall be determined according to the enveloping surface measurement method of
!EN ISO 3744" with the following exceptions:


the microphone positions shall be those given in 8.3;



the maximum A-weighted sound pressure level measured with time weighting S (slow) indicated during each
passage of the GSE between the two lines AA and BB (see Figure 2) shall be determined and used in the
calculations of the sound power level.

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BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

NOTE


8.2.2

Methods with higher precision may be used.

Driving during measurement

The GSE shall be driven at full acceleration from standstill over a distance of three times its length to reach line AA,
and driving shall be continued at maximum acceleration to line BB. When the rear of the GSE has crossed line BB,
the accelerator may be released. Concerning choice of gear etc. measurements shall be carried out under operating conditions corresponding to maximum sound generation representative for normal use. The longitudinal axis of
the GSE shall remain as close as possible to line CC during measurements (see Figure 2).
The period of measurement for this operation mode begins when the GSE's centre crosses line AA and ends when
its centre reaches line BB.

8.3

Microphone positions

There shall be at least 6 microphone positions arranged on a hemispherical surface with centre on point 0 (see
Figure 2). Determine the radius of the hemisphere r from the length of the GSE as given in Table 1.
NOTE
If positions 5 and 6 are not possible for practical reasons, then positions 5a and 6a at a height of 5 m at the hemisphere with the same x-coordinate may be used (coordinates for positions 5a and 6a are given in the Table in Figure 2). The
microphone positions used during the test should be reported.

8.4

Test track

The test track shall be as shown in Figure 2.
For driving tests the surface structure should be such that driving does not cause excessive rattling noises which

can influence the measurement results.
NOTE
A single track (e.g. with different markings) may be used for the different applications, including vibration measurement in accordance with EN 1915-3.

14


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

Table 1 — Dimensions for microphone positions and radius
GSE Length
L
m

Radius of hemisphere
r
m

≤4

10

>4

16

Dimensions in metres

Key

r
Radius of hemisphere
Coordinates for microphone positions
Microphone
No.

x
r

y
r

z
m

1
2
3
4
5
6

0,7
– 0,7
– 0,7
0,7
– 0,27
0,27

0,7

0,7
– 0,7
– 0,7
0,65
– 0,65

1,5
1,5
1,5
1,5
0,71 r
0,71 r

NOTE
Alternative positions 5a and 6a according to the note of
8.3 have the same x-coordinates but a fixed height of 5 m. For a
10 m hemisphere this yields y-coordinates of ± 8,23 m respectively, and for a 16 m hemisphere a y-coordinate of ± 14,57 m
respectively.

Figure 2 — Microphone array on the hemisphere

15


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

8.5

Number of measurements


The minimum number of measurement series at all microphone positions shall be three.

8.6

Determination of test results

At least three values of the sound power level from the three sets of data obtained at all microphone positions shall
be calculated. Any two of these values shall be within a 1 dB range of each other. If this is not the case, further
measurement series shall be carried out until three calculation results are within the range of 1 dB.
The reported value of the A-weighted sound power level shall be the arithmetic mean of the two highest values.

8.7

Measurement uncertainty

Measurements made in accordance with this standard result in the following standard deviation of reproducibility, σR:

σR = 1,5 dB (see !EN ISO 3744")
!If measurements have shown that smaller values of
shall be used."

σ R are relevant for a machine family, these smaller values

This deviation shall be taken into account for the declaration in accordance with Clause 10.

9

Information to be reported


The test report shall include the following information:


reference to this European Standard;



description of the GSE tested, including its equipment;



description of the test environment (sketch), and, for sound power level determinations, information on
surfaces and reflective objects and the values of K2, where appropriate;



operating conditions of GSE. If simulated operating conditions are used, the documentation described in 5.1
shall be included;



information on the instrumentation and calibration;



indication of the climatic conditions during the test;



sound pressure level at each microphone position;




evaluation of the results;



date and place of measurement, company and name of the person responsible for the test.

10 Declaration of noise emission
The noise declaration shall explicitly state that the noise emission values have been obtained in accordance with
this standard and the basic standards.
The noise declaration shall be made by dual-number noise emission values according to !EN ISO 4871", and
shall include:

16


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

a)

the value of the A-weighted time averaged emission sound pressure level:


at the operator positions: according to 6.1 and 7.1,




at the exterior workstation: the highest value according to 6.2 and 7.2;

b)

the sound power level determined according to clause 8 for the operating conditions specified, where appropriate;

c)

C-weighted peak level, where appropriate;

d)

a statement that the noise declaration is made in accordance with EN 1915-4 and !EN ISO 4871";

e)

the uncertainty attached to the levels above. This uncertainty is based on K = 1,6 σR with σR according to 6.6,
7.6, and 8.7.

11 Verification
Verification shall be conducted by using the same mounting installation and operating conditions as those used for
the initial determination of the noise emission values.

12 Instructions and technical documentation
The operating instructions and the technical documentation describing the GSE, including sales literature shall:


give the declared noise emission values of the GSE as defined in this European Standard;




give the reference to this European Standard;



give information on any possible additional technical measures which can be taken by the user for noise
reduction if the conditions of use allow it;



give information on possible ways to minimise noise exposure by modes of operation or limited duration of
operation, where applicable.

17


BS EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009
EN 1915-4:2004+A1:2009 (E)

Annex A
(informative)
Overview of typical requirements for measurement of sound pressure levels
Table A.1 – Testing overview
Operation during
standstill

Driving

EN 12312
Part


Operator
position

Exterior
position

Operator
position

Exterior
position

Passenger stairs

1

—

—

X

X

Catering vehicles

2

—


—

X

X

Conveyor belt vehicles

3

X

X

X

X

Passenger boarding bridges

4

—

—

—

—


Aircraft fuelling equipment

5

—

—

X

X

Deicers and deicing/antiicing
equipment

6

X

—

X

X

Aircraft movement equipment

7


X

X

X

X

Maintenance stairs and platforms

8

—

—

X

X

Container/Pallet loaders

9

X

X

X


X

Container/Pallet transfer transporters

10

X

—

X

X

Container/Pallet dollies and
loose load trailers

11

—

—

—

—

Potable water service equipment

12


—

—

X

X

Lavatory service equipment

13

—

—

X

X

Disabled/Incapacitated passengers boarding equipment

14

—

X

X


X

Baggage and equipment tractors

15

X

—

X

X

Air start equipment

16

X

X

X

X

Air conditioning equipment

17


—

X

X

X

Nitrogen or Oxygen units

18

—

—

X

X

Aircraft jacks, axle jacks and
hydraulic tail stanchions

19

X

—


—

—

Ground power equipment

20

—

X

X

X

Machine type

18