Design targets for Child Care Facility in the vicinity of intermittent noise sources

Childcare or young education centres are being built in close proximity of intermittent noise sources such as helipads of hospitals, railway lines or non-commercial airports. Due to the nature and occurrence of this type of noise, no current regulations or standards are available to use as design guidelines. Research indicates that, compared to adults, children may be more prone to the adverse effects of noise, due to the lack of ability to control the environment. In addition, they are more susceptible to the impact of noise. Unfortunately, little is known about the impact on babies and young children's health and well being for once a day or once a week noise events. However, high noise levels have been proven to cause sleep disturbance, higher stress levels and learning disadvantages for young children. Based on available guidelines and research, this paper recommends that maximum noise levels are determined as design standards for new child care centres located in close proximity to intermittent noise sources for once a day or once a week events. The paper recommends that internal noise levels should be limited to minimise sleep disturbance and impact on noise induced hearing loss.