scope:

This Standard recommends design criteria for conditions affecting the acoustic environment within building interiors to ensure a healthy, comfortable and productive environment for the occupants and the users. The background sound levels recommended take into account the function of the area(s) and apply to the sound level measured within the space unoccupied but ready for occupancy (see Note 1 below). The Standard is applicable to steady-state or quasi-steady-state sounds. The reverberation times recommended are for the occupied state of the space.

This Standard also specifies methods of measuring the background sound level in unoccupied spaces and the reverberation time in un-occupied spaces in buildings.

NOTES:

1 The sound level during occupancy will usually be increased owing to the activities of the occupants.

2 Reverberation times for selected spaces are given in Appendix A. See also Clause 5.4.

3 Specialist acoustic advice should be sought for auditoriums or studios.