What Is Noise Pollution?

The term “noise pollution” includes any type of sound that affects the health and wellbeing of humans and wildlife. The severity of noise pollution is measured through decibels (dB).

Generally, anything reaching or exceeding 85 decibels of sound for more than 8 hours is considered noise pollution. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) in the US recommend employees to wear hearing protection devices at this level of sound exposure. This is to protect employees from the harmful effects of noise pollution which includes: hearing loss, tinnitus, sleep disturbance, and increased blood pressure.

Source: Shutterstock

The main sources of noise pollution at construction sites are usually vehicles, heavy equipment usage, and machinery operations. But it can also be human-induced such as hammering, playing of loud radios, and shouting across the site.

Not only does noise pollution affects the wellbeing of surrounding residents, but it can also interfere with the natural cycles and habitats of nearby animals. This could cause further damage to the natural environment.

Maximum Permissible Noise Levels for Construction Work 

Source: NUS Blog

As Singapore continues to develop its residential, commercial, and transportation infrastructures, noise from construction and other related work is inevitable. The National Environment Agency of Singapore (NEA) regulates the noise levels from construction sites and industrial operations based on a set of permissible noise limits. Noise emission standards for vehicles have also been set. 

Realizing that Singapore’s growth entails rapid development in construction activities. NEA works together with the industry and public to establish the maximum permissible noise levels and no-work rule for construction sites.

Construction Noise Control 

Below are the maximum permissible noise levels for construction work commenced on or after 1st October 2007:

Mondays to Saturdays:

Source: NEA

Sunday and public holidays:

Source: NEA

* Leq is the average continuous noise level over the specified period, i.e. 5 minutes, 1 hour, or 12 hours.

Read our comprehensive Noise and Vibration Monitoring System Rental Guide here!

No-work Rule on Sundays and Public Holidays

In addition to establishing permissible noise limits, NEA also implemented rules which prohibit work on Sundays and public holidays during certain hours for construction sites located within 150 m of residential premises and noise-sensitive premises.

A new study from the National University of Singapore (NUS) found that Singapore's average outdoor sound level throughout the day is 69.4 decibels, which is equivalent to the noise made by a vacuum cleaner. Noise pollution is inevitable in big bustling cities around the world and Singapore is experiencing it too. Antbuildz.com will share information to mitigate noise pollution during construction in future blog posts. Stay tuned! 

Looking to rent noise monitoring & vibration monitoring equipment? Visit antbuildz.com  today to instantly check for the best rental rates of all types and ranges of noise equipment. Search, Compare and Rent in just a few clicks. Every equipment rental made online via antbuildz.com has protected with Antbuildz Machinery All Risk Insurance which covers your equipment damage risk up to S$15,000 during your entire rental period.