According to a report from 2015, construction and demolition activities accounted for about 12% of nitrogen oxide and 15% of the particulate population in London. To deal with pollution from these sources, the government introduced various environmental regulations aimed at regulating the use of certain machinery responsible for pollution.
As a contractor or construction company looking for mini digger hire in London, compliance with these standards and regulations has to be at the top of your list of considerations. This article will detail some of the environmental regulations that can affect the hiring and operations of mini diggers in London and how these regulations should shape your choice of machinery for your project.
London’s Environmental Regulations
London is one of the first cities in the world to impose far-reaching standards on emissions for construction equipment. These regulations apply specifically to Non Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM).
By definition, Non-Road Mobile Machinery (NRMM) refers to all mobile machines, industrial equipment, or vehicles with internal combustion engines that are not used to transport goods or passengers on the road.
Mini diggers are among the machines in this category, along with other equipment used on construction and demolition projects. The environmental regulations that affect these pieces of equipment can be categorised in terms of emission standards, noise restrictions, or urban low-emission zones.
Emission Standards
Mini diggers and other non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) to be used in London are expected to meet emission standards as set by the European Union and local authorities in the city. The purpose of setting these standards is to reduce the emission of particulate matter and nitrogen oxides by these machines.
According to the current emission standards for NRMM in London, all small plants, including mini diggers should be at least stage IIIB standard. However, where it is available, a minimum standard of stage V should be the aim.
Operators using these machines on a construction site must ensure that their machines meet the relevant emission standards. They should also be fitted with particle traps and/or catalytic exhaust treatment wherever possible and maintained regularly. Additionally, records of the machine’s maintenance and emission tests should be kept at all times.
Noise Restrictions
In addition to the emission restrictions indicated above, the city of London has some restrictions for the noise output of NRMM to be used on construction sites. The purpose of these restrictions is to protect residents from excessive noise pollution, especially on sites located close to residential areas.
The most recent regulation regarding noise pollution on construction sites is The Construction and Demolition (Noise) Regulations Act of 2015. This law stipulates specific days of the week and hours of the day when noisy work is permitted. Additionally, there are limitations to the specific noise levels that are permitted on certain days of the week.
Generally, noisy work is only permitted on Mondays to Fridays between 08:00 and 18:00. On Saturdays, noisy work is only permitted between 09:00 and 14:00. While on Sundays and Bank Holidays, no noisy work is permitted at all.
In addition to these, excessively noisy work should take place for 2 hours on an off basis from Mondays to Fridays. On Saturdays, excessively noisy work should only take place between 11:00 and 13:00. The permitted noise level on weekdays (Monday to Friday) is 70 dB(A).
Operators using mini diggers and other construction equipment must take reasonable measures to reduce the noise produced by these machines and stay compliant with the schedule stipulated in these regulations.
Urban Low-Emission Zones (ULEZs)
As part of efforts to improve air quality in London, the city has introduced Urban Low-Emission Zones (ULEZs). Within these areas, vehicles that produce a lot of pollution are charged an extra fee. Although mini diggers are exempt from paying ULEZ charges, there are NRMM Low Emission Zones in the city.
Based on these regulations, non-mobile engines with a power rating between 37 kW and 560 kW are required to meet certain emission standards. The standards to meet depend on the location of the construction site in question.
For construction sites in the Central Activities Zones and Opportunity areas, the machine is expected to meet stage IV emission standards. While for the rest of London, the emission standard is stage IIIB.
Importance of Selecting Eco-friendly Mini Diggers
While London might seem to have stringent environmental policies and regulations, it is important to comply with them and hire carbon neutral diggers. Apart from the need to stay compliant in order to avoid regulatory troubles, using eco-friendly mini diggers will also minimise the emission of pollutants on your construction site.
These pollutants contribute to air pollution and can have detrimental effects on the health of workers and other people around. Eco-friendly mini diggers also tend to be more fuel-efficient, which can lead to significant cost savings for you in the long run.
Compliance Documentation and Best Practices for Contractors
For mini diggers or any site machinery you intend to rent in London, you should look out for a label on the machine stating the emission level. You should also ask questions about the maintenance schedule that the equipment rental company follows to ensure the machine is eco-friendly and in good condition.
Equipment rental companies are expected to keep a detailed record of their mini diggers’ emission standards certifications. Ensure that you ask for this before you hire the machine and make sure they meet the specified standards.
Some local authorities may also require you to keep and submit emission reports as you work on your site. These reports provide a detailed breakdown of the fuel consumption and emission levels of the machines being used on your site.
Conclusion
As a contractor or construction company working in London, you should prioritise hiring eco-friendly mini diggers for your project. These machines offer lower emissions, higher fuel efficiency, and quiet operations.
At easyToolhire, we prioritise environmental protection and regulatory compliance. All our mini diggers and other rental equipment are in good shape and properly maintained. When you rent from us, you can be sure you’re getting quality equipment with low emission levels. Get in touch with us today to get quality and eco-friendly mini diggers in London.
