CHAPTER 5 Noise Control

Noise Control

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5 General

a) KA recognises noise is a part of Karting. KA are also aware it is everyone involved in Karting’s responsibility to behave in a manner which is socially acceptable, and the control of noise is an important part of our social responsibility. As such KA take noise control very seriously and set stringent noise levels for all to abide by. b) Competitors and those involved with Kart preparation must maintain all fittings and fastenings associated with the control of noise on their Kart and to maintain a vigilant and preventative stance to noise control.

Permitted Noise Level

a) At all Meetings, the noise level. (i) Must not, at any time, exceed 100dBA. (ii) Supplementary Regulations for a Meeting may stipulate a lower maximum permitted Noise Level for all or any part of the Meeting.

Noise Testing and Recording

a) The Sound Level Meter tested and approved for the stipulated noise level tests must conform to the Minimum requirements of Australian Standards AS1259 part 1982 for Type 2 Meters. b) Sound Level Measurements are to be made in accordance with the procedures in (i) Australian Standard AS2659.1 – 1988 “Guide to the Use of Sound Measuring Equipment Part 1 Portable Sound Level Meters” using ‘F’ time weighting characteristic, normal incidence microphone and ‘A’ weighting. c) The test positions are to be set by the Circuit Inspector and should be sited to; (i) measure Karts when they are under Maximum acceleration and are operating at a Minimum of 75% of their rev range (ii) ensure that the Maximum noise level emitted by a Kart is measured (iii) ensure Minimum reflection from buildings / structures. d) The microphone is to be located: (i) No further than 10 metres from the outside edge of the Track (ii) Between 1.0 and 1.5 metres from the ground (iii) Facing towards the Track. (iv) The microphone must be free from ‘solid objects’ that are able to ricochet sound. e) It is highly recommended that all sound meters utilise remote microphones.

Supplementary Testing and Recording

a) The Stewards or Clerk of the Course may direct a Competitor to submit their Kart to a noise test at any time during a Meeting. (i) If such a test is to be done, the Kart should be impounded and tested before any work can be carried out to the Kart. Competitors must comply with any reasonable request from the Officials.

Noise Officials

a) At all Meetings an Official must be nominated as Judge of Fact (Noise Level) and their name included in the Supplementary Regulations for the Meeting.

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b) The Stewards must ensure that the Organisers have the necessary noise measuring devices in place and that they are in operation throughout the entirety of the Meeting. c) Drivers or Competitors of Karts which record sound levels equal to or between 98 dBA and 100 dBA must be informed of their noise level and the session in which it occurred by the Officials as soon as possible. d) Drivers or Competitors of Karts which record sound levels greater than 100dBA must be referred to the Stewards as soon as possible. (i) The referral must include the session in which the offence occurred and the level of the offence.

Noise Offences

a) A Driver or Competitor whose Kart emits noise in excess of the designated noise level at any time will be penalised in accordance with the Rules. b) They may be removed from the Track and not permitted to resume practice or racing until the

Officials are satisfied that work has been carried out to rectify the problem.

Noise Safety

a) Officials: (i) It is highly recommended every Official or helper who is located close to the Track be issued with hearing protection. 1) This can be either earmuff style or disposable foam plugs style. b) Drivers: (i) It is highly recommended that ear plugs are worn at all times when driving a Kart. c) Pit Area: (In / Out grids and Through grids). (i) It is highly recommended that all personnel in the pit area use hearing protection. d) Paddock Area: (Where the Karts normally are between Races). (i) The starting of Kart engines in the Paddock area is only permitted for a Maximum of ten (10) seconds. (ii) A Competitor wishing to start a Kart engine for longer than 10 seconds must do so in an area designated by the Organiser. (iii) The starting of any Kart engine during the time scheduled for any Drivers Briefing is strictly prohibited. e) Starting of Kart engines in the out grid is only permitted under the instruction of the grid marshal. (i) It is highly recommended all persons wear hearing protection in this area. g) Spectators (i) It is highly recommended all Clubs and Courses display signage in all areas accessible by the general public which indicates high noise levels may be experienced in that area and hearing protection is recommended.

Noise Emission

a) To assist in reducing Noise Emissions; (i) For all Classes using the Yamaha KT100S Series Engine, refer to Rule Yamaha KTS 1.05 in the Technical Specifications for the Yamaha KT100S engine, available at www.karting.net.au. 1) Shrouds wrapping around air cooled engine cylinder and cylinder head fins are not permitted. (ii) For all other Classes it is recommended that a system is employed to reduce the vibration of the engine’s cooling fins.