Noise Pollution
In order to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for all residents and visitors to Singapore, NEA regulates the levels of permissible noise from construction sites and industrial operations. NEA also sets noise emission standards for vehicles.
Recognising that Singapore’s continued rapid development—from new residential and commercial structures to improved and expanded transport infrastructure—brings with it some inevitable inconveniences, NEA works together with industry and the public to establish acceptable levels of noise.
Details on NEA’s permissible noise levels for construction sites and industrial premises are as such:
CONSTRUCTION NOISE CONTROL
Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction Work Commenced on or after 1st October 2007
Mondays to Saturdays
|
Types of affected buildings |
7am - 7pm |
7pm - 10pm |
10pm - 7am |
|
(a) Hospital, schools, institutions of higher learning, homes for aged sick, etc |
60 dBA
(Leq* 12 hrs) |
50 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
|
75 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
55 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
|
(b) Residential buildings located less than 150m from the construction site
|
75 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
65 dBA
(Leq 1 hr) |
- |
|
90 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
70 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
55 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
|
(c) Buildings other than those in (a) and (b) above
|
75 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
65 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
|
90 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
70 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
Sundays and Public Holidays
|
Types of affected buildings |
7am - 7pm |
7pm - 10pm |
10pm - 7am |
|
(a) Hospital, schools, institutions of higher learning, homes for aged sick, etc |
60 dBA
(Leq* 12 hrs) |
50 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
|
75 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
55 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
|
(b) Residential buildings located less than 150m from the construction site
|
75 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
- |
- |
|
75 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
55 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
|
(c) Buildings other than those in (a) and (b) above
|
75 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
65 dBA
(Leq 12 hrs) |
|
90 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
70 dBA
(Leq 5 mins) |
* - reckoned as the equivalent continuous noise level over the specified period, i.e. 5 mins, 1 hr or 12 hrs.
NEA has reviewed the Regulations and has implemented a rule on prohibition of work on Sundays and Public Holidays for construction sites located within 150m away from residential premises and near to noise sensitive premises as follows:
a) Site Established From 1 Sep 2010
- No work allowed from 10.00pm on Sat/eve of PH to 10.00am on Sun/PH
b) Site Established From 1 Sep 2011
- No work allowed from 10.00pm on Sat/eve of PH to 7.00am on the following Mon/day after the PH
BOUNDARY NOISE LIMITS FOR FACTORY PREMISES
The maximum permitted boundary noise levels are as follows:
|
Types of affected premises |
Maximum permitted noise levels (reckoned as the equivalent noise level over the specified period) in decibels (dBA) |
|
Day (7am-7pm) |
Evening (7pm-11pm) |
Night (11pm-7am) |
|
Noise Sensitive Premises |
60 |
55 |
50 |
|
Residential Premises |
65 |
60 |
55 |
|
Commercial Premises |
70 |
65 |
60 |
|
Types of affected premises |
Maximum permitted noise levels (reckoned as the equivalent noise level over 5 minutes) in decibels (dBA) |
|
Day (7am-7pm) |
Evening (7pm-11pm) |
Night (11pm-7am) |
|
Noise Sensitive Premises |
65 |
60 |
55 |
|
Residential Premises |
70 |
65 |
60 |
|
Commercial Premises |
75 |
70 |
65 |
|
Factory Premises |
75 |
70 |
65 |
To give feedback on noise pollution or find out more about NEA’s noise pollution regulations, please contact the NEA Call Centre at 1800-CALL-NEA (1800-2255 632).