Construction Noise Management

SCAL Construction Safety Seminar on Total WSH and the Environment

Geraldine Poh, Engineer, Pollution Control Department, NEA

25 September 2014

Objectives
To share with participants:
1.

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

2.

NEAs Construction Noise Regulations

3.

Noise Management Plan (NMP)

4.

Quieter Construction Fund (QCF)

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

Impact increasingly felt due to:

more construction developments located near residences and
other noise sensitive premises.
rising public expectations for a quieter living environment

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

Yearly No. of Construction Noise Complaints
~ 20,000
20000
18000

No. of complaint

16000
14000
12000
10000
8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2008

2009

2010

2011

Year

2012

2013

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

Yearly No. of Construction Noise Complaints
20000

~ 16,000

18000

No. of complaint

16000
14000
12000
10000

No-Work Rule

8000
6000
4000
2000
0
2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

Year

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

Approximate Percentage of Complaints on Different Type
of Sites
Condominium

Landed Property
HDB Housing
Commercial
Others
School
MRT/LRT Station
Roadworks
Industrial
0

10

15

20

25

30

Others drainage works, hospitals, recreational works, car park, cable works etc

35

40

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

Breakdown of 2013 Feedback by Day and Time
10pm - 7am
(Sat)
3%

7pm - 10pm
(Sun/PH)
1%

10pm -7am
(Mon - Fri)
21%

7pm - 10pm
(Sat)
3%

10pm - 7am
(Sun/PH)
3%
7am - 7pm
(Mon - Fri)
19%
7am - 7pm
(Sat)
8%
7am - 7pm
(Sun/PH)
15%

7pm -10pm
(Mon - Fri)
27%

Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

that around 12 midnight,

works like ground drilling and
and huge tiles being thrown
down from the 6th floor is still
being carried out, causing great
noise pollution...

its 4.26pm on Saturday and I have to say Im

finding it very difficult with all the noise from the
construction site along... We had to go out instead of
resting at home to escape the noise how come the
construction site is allowed to work in residential area
during weekends?

the sound of welding and

shifting of steel rods and material
continues at night, sometimes until
4.00am. This has led to sleepless
night for the family and as a result,
health problems has arisen

Construction Noise Regulations

Control of Construction Noise

Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA)

EPM (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations

No-Work Rule

Permissible Noise Limits

Construction Noise Regulations

No-Work Rule

Applicable for construction sites within 150m away from residential

building, hospital and home for the aged sick
Construction project dates

Construction work not allowed from:

Sites commencing work on or

after 1 September 2010

No work allowed from 10.00pm on Sat/eve of

PH to 10.00am on Sun/PH.

Sites commencing work on or

after 1 September 2011

No work allowed from 10.00pm on Sat/eve of

PH to 7.00am on the following Mon/day after
the PH.

Construction Noise Regulations

Permissible Noise Limits (Mon Sat)

Types of affected buildings

7am - 7pm

(a) Hospital, schools,

institutions of higher learning,
homes for aged sick, etc

60 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

50 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

75 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

55 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

(b) Residential buildings

located less than 150m from
the construction site

(c) Buildings other than those

in (a) and (b) above

7pm - 10pm

10pm - 7am

75 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

65 dBA
(Leq 1 hr)

55 dBA
(Leq 1 hr)

90 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

70 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

55 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

75 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

65 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

90 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

70 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

Construction Noise Regulations

Permissible Noise Limits (Sun & PH)

Types of affected buildings

7am - 7pm

(a) Hospital, schools,

institutions of higher learning,
homes for aged sick, etc

60 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

50 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

75 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

55 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

(b) Residential buildings

located less than 150m from
the construction site

(c) Buildings other than those

in (a) and (b) above

75 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)
75 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

7pm - 10pm

10pm - 7am

55 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

75 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

65 dBA
(Leq 12 hr)

90 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

70 dBA
(Leq 5 min)

Noise Management Plan

Since 2012, NEA has been requiring builders of construction / demolition
projects located within 150m of residential and sensitive premises, and
above $50mil in project value, to submit their NMPs and attend
meetings with NEA noise control officers

NEA officers will go through their NMP to improve their noise monitoring
programme, check for proper locations of noise monitoring system, siting
of noisy equipment, public engagement programme and provide advice
on noise mitigation measures.

Advise contractors to take extra steps to reduce noise, address

residents issue with noise etc.

Noise Management Plan

NMP
Scope

Develop site engineering and operational measures to manage

and mitigate noise based on known equipment, working
schedules, site conditions etc for implementation

Carried out by

Builder

Used by

Project Manager, general manager, ECO, PRO, subcontractors, workers

Contents

Noise monitoring
Background noise study
Working schedule
Noise mitigation measures
Site layout
Protocol to manage public feedback
Public engagement strategy

Noise Management Plan

Start
Identify nearby noise sensitive
premises

Identify construction activity having

noise impact on the sensitive premises

Estimate noise emission levels

received by sensitive premises at
different phases of work

Noise emission levels exceed

permissible noise limits?
Yes
Plan for noise mitigating
measures

No
Reduce noise as far as practically
possible to minimise noise nuisance

During operations - Close

monitoring of noise levels &
conduct regular public outreach

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Control of Noise Source

Use of newer machines, proper maintenance of machines to minimise noise
and setting up enclosures around noisy machines etc.
Proper Scheduling
Factoring in no work on Sun & PH.
Restrict the duration of noisy activities (e.g. piling) in order to control daytime
and evening time average noise levels within permissible limits.
Location of Noisy Equipment
Stationary noise sources e.g. generators should be sited furthest away from
noise sensitive premises or shielded.
Noise Barriers
Removal of a direct line-of-sight between the noise source and sensitive
premises.
Site office and storage silos as noise shields.

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Noise Barriers and Shields

Erect acoustic noise barriers

where residential units are very
close to noise source

Rows of silos placed before

receivers aid in mitigating
construction noise.

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Selection of Equipment

Use quieter alternatives such

as a silent piler for installing
sheet piles.

Traditional method of using

vibro hammer generates loud
noise and ground vibration.

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Control of Noise at Source

Use sound-reduced machinery.

For machines that are not yet

sound-reduced, install noise
panels at noise emission outlets.

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Using Enclosures

Openings of partial enclosures

should face away from residents
and if theres no roof, it shouldnt
be placed below any tall
residential buildings.

Housing of small motor units.

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Using Enclosures

Using full enclosure

housing of generator set.

for

Portable noise barriers can be

used at face of operations for
noisy activities.

Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Behavioral Improvement

Remind machine operators

not to exert more power than
necessary during operations.

Educate workers to lay rebar

down properly instead of
letting them go from a
standing position.

Noise Management Plan Public Relations

Establish and maintain good relationship with nearby residents to seek their
understanding on the inevitable dis-amenities from construction.
The contractor should appoint a public relations point of contact with the
public.
Regular updates to nearby residents of work schedule and manage
complaints fairly and promptly.
The contractor should also inform the public of the mitigating measures
implemented to assure them that noise impact has been properly controlled.

Public relations should be carried out even if noise levels do not exceed
permissible limits as people may still be annoyed by noise nuisance.

Noise Management Plan Noise Monitoring

Construction sites are required by Notice to install noise meters to monitor

the noise continuously.

Sound level meters shall be installed according to requirements in NEAs

Notice:

Class 1 and in compliance with IEC 61672 standard

In direct line-of-sight to construction activities

Operating at all times

Contractors may submit background noise study for review of noise limits.

Noise Management Plan Noise Monitoring

On rooftop of nearest sensitive building

Above site hoarding if no buildings

nearby

Real-time Noise Monitoring System

Web server
Class 1 Sound
Level Meter

SMS alerts to
Contractors

wireless communication

Noise readings:
a) Project Manager
b) ECO
c) NEA
Solar panel

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Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System

Awareness Capability

Computes and displays current Leq 1hr and 12hr noise levels.

Sends notifications and alerts promptly for contractors to stop

or reduce noisy works before violation.

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Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System

Reactive Capability
Dose percentage indicates the proximity of approaching the
limits
When dose percentage reaches 100%, it means the Leq1hr
and 12hr limit has already exceeded
Displays the maximum allowable Leq 5min to serve as a
guide to contractors to stay within the allowable Leq1hr and
12hr limit

Dose % Max Leq 5min

79%

71.0
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Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)

Contractor starts
carrying out piling
activities at 8am.

Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Max Leq 5min

Dose %

Time

75

0.8

Leq1hr

7:00:00 AM

65

8:00:00 AM

9:00:00 AM

10:00:00 AM

11:00:00 AM

12:00:00 PM

1:00:00 PM

2:00:00 PM

3:00:00 PM

4:00:00 PM

5:00:00 PM

6:00:00 PM

7:00:00 PM

Leq12hr

Predicted Leq12hr

65
(within limit)

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Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)

Contractor receives
a routine
notification at
12pm, indicating
dose % of 68%.
Contractor carries
on piling.

Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Max Leq 5min

Dose %

Time

73

68%

Leq1hr

Leq12hr

7:00:00 AM

65

8:00:00 AM

77

9:00:00 AM

77

10:00:00 AM

77

11:00:00 AM

77

12:00:00 PM

77

1:00:00 PM

2:00:00 PM

3:00:00 PM

4:00:00 PM

5:00:00 PM

6:00:00 PM

7:00:00 PM

Predicted Leq12hr

76.3
(exceeded limit)

Dear User,
The noise level
dose percentage at
12pm, [date], is
68%.
Please monitor the
sound level emitted
from the site
closely.

30

Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)

Contractor
receives alert at
2pm, indicating
dose % of 95%.
System indicates
that noise level
needs to be below
68dBA to stay
within Leq 12hr
limit.
Contractor stops
piling activities to
comply with limits.

Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Max Leq 5min

Dose %

Time

68

95%

Leq1hr

Leq12hr

7:00:00 AM

65

8:00:00 AM

77

9:00:00 AM

77

10:00:00 AM

77

11:00:00 AM

77

12:00:00 PM

77

1:00:00 PM

77

2:00:00 PM

77

3:00:00 PM

4:00:00 PM

5:00:00 PM

6:00:00 PM

Predicted Leq12hr

Dear User,
This message is to
alert you that your
noise level dose
percentage has
reached 95%.
You are at risk of
exceeding the Leq
12hr limit.
Please stop all
noisy activities to
stay within the limit.

76.5
(exceeded limit)

7:00:00 PM
31

Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)

Contractor
manages to
comply with Leq
12hr limits after
keeping within the
maximum
allowable Leq
5min.

Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Max Leq 5min

Dose %

Time

68

99.4%

Leq1hr

7:00:00 AM

65

8:00:00 AM

77

9:00:00 AM

77

10:00:00 AM

77

11:00:00 AM

77

12:00:00 PM

77

1:00:00 PM

77

Leq12hr

2:00:00 PM

74.9
(within
77 limit)

3:00:00 PM

68

4:00:00 PM

68

5:00:00 PM

68

6:00:00 PM

68

7:00:00 PM

68

Predicted Leq12hr

74.9

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Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System

Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System

Benefits

Enable contractors to re-schedule their work if necessary to

comply with the permissible limits (Leq 1hr or Leq 12hr limits)
and effectively reducing violations.

On receiving complaints, Noise Unit can assess noise levels at

construction site and direct contractors to act accordingly.

Lower noise levels, quieter environment and less complaints.

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Quieter Construction Fund

$10 million co-funding scheme to defray cost of implementing quieter

construction machine, noise control equipment and innovative solutions
at project sites close to noise sensitive premises.

Objectives

Achieve a quieter living environment.

Build up local expertise in the implementation of quieter
construction.
Pave the way towards higher standards in managing noise.

Application
period

1 April 2014 31 Mar 2016.

Target
Recipients

Construction firms operating on existing or proposed

construction/ demolition sites within 150m from noise sensitive
premises.

Quieter Construction Fund

Eligibility Criteria
i.

Applicant must be a Singapore-registered company, who is,

a)
b)

Operating on; or
Supplying construction equipment for

an existing or proposed construction site located less than 150m from any
hospital, home for the aged sick, residential building or other noise
sensitive premises.
ii.

Purchase or leasing of equipment from related companies is not supported.

iii. Public sector projects in which the equipment is already required under
contract are not supported.
iv. Equipment must not be procured before submission of application

Quieter Construction Fund

Examples of Supported Quieter Construction Equipment (not exhaustive)

Performance Requirements

silent sheet piling

Concrete crusher machine

Jack-in piling

Tested or certified to be at
least 5 dB(A) quieter than
2 other equipment meant for
the same work commonly
used in Singapore.

Engine noise reduced

excavators

Quieter Construction Fund

Exampes of Supported Noise Barrier and Enclosure (not exhaustive)

Rotary head enclosure

Perimeter noise barrier

Noise curtain

Machine noise enclosure

Plant noise enclosure

Performance Requirements
Comprises acoustic absorbing material
Tested in an accredited laboratory for
sound transmission loss
Designed and erected according to
international standards for effective noise
attenuation
For perimeter noise barrier: Achieve a
minimum noise reduction of 10 dB(A) for
specific construction work as compared to
without the noise barrier, measured at the
same receiver point within the acoustic
shadow of the noise barrier.
For noise enclosure: Achieve a
minimum noise reduction of 15 dB(A) for
specific construction work, as compared to
without the noise barrier, measured at the
same distance from the noise source.

Quieter Construction Fund

Examples of Supported Innovative Solutions (not exhaustive)

Performance Requirements

Modified Auger bucket

Able to achieve a minimum

noise reduction of 5 dB(A)
for specific construction work
at each noise source where
the Innovative Solution is
implemented.

Crack inducer

Quieter Construction Fund

Form of Assistance
The minimum total investment amount per application must be $5,000 or
above.

For applicant who is operating on a construction sites, the total funding

disbursed to each project site is capped at $100,000, or 5% of the
project contract value, whichever is lower.

For applicant who is a supplier of construction equipment, the total

funding disbursed to the applicant is capped at $100,000, over 2 years.

Quieter Construction Fund

Form of Assistance
Equipment Category

Purchase / Lease Cost

Funding %

Quieter Construction
Equipment (purchase)

$100,000 per equipment

Purchase & setting up of

Noise Control Equipment

$5,000 per Project Site

Up to 50%, capped at $20,000 per

equipment
Up to 20%, capped at $50,000 per
equipment
Up to 50%, capped at $6,000 per
equipment
Up to 20%, capped at $20,000 per
equipment
Up to 50% per Project Site

Purchase & setting up of

Innovative Solution

$5,000 per Project Site

Up to 50% per Project Site

> $100,000 per equipment

Quieter Construction
Equipment (leasing)

$30,000 per equipment

> $30,000 per equipment

Performance Testing

Supported equipment should meet performance

requirements after implemented on site for
successful disbursement
For noise barriers: applicants are required to
submit an independent site measurement report
conducted according to ISO 10847 (cost of report
is supported)
For quieter equipment and innovative solutions:
applicant are required to facilitate NEA officers for
site inspection

Measurement for perimeter

noise barrier

Measurement for quieter excavators and self-compacting concrete

Quieter Construction Fund

For further details

QCF guidelines, application forms available on NEAs website:
http://app2.nea.gov.sg/grants-awards/quieter-construction-fund/quieterconstruction-fund

Quieter Construction Fund

For further details

QCF Fund Secretariat Contact:
o 6731 9668 (tel)
o nea_qcf@nea.gov.sg (email)
Applicants are encouraged to contact the Fund Secretariat to determine
the eligibility of their proposed equipment before submitting an
application.

Revised Code of Practice on Construction Noise

Code of Practice for Noise Control on Construction and Demolition

Sites (CP49)

Technical guidelines containing the following topics in construction

noise management:

Principles of sound
Rating of sound
Estimation of construction noise levels
Noise monitoring systems
Background noise calculations
Noise control practices
Planning for noise in Design / Tender / Construction stage

a)

CP 49 can be purchased from SPRING Singapore Standards

eshop (www.singaporestandardseshop.sg)

b)

Currently CP49 is undergoing a revision to incorporate the latest

information and targeted for release in end-2014.

Safeguard Nurture Cherish

46