Maximum permissible noise levels for construction work commenced on or after 1 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) | 55 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.
Noise measurements
NEA stipulates the use of Class 1 noise meters for the monitoring of construction noise. These Class 1 noise meters meet international standards for functionality and performance, and are used for their accuracy and precision in measurement which other classes of noise meters may lack.
Noise measurements shall be taken at one metre away from the outside of any affected building; or if a suitable location cannot be found one meter away from the outside of any affected building, at such other location as the NEA may specify.
No-work rule on Sundays and public holidays
In addition to establishing permissible noise limits, NEA has also implemented rules which prohibit work on Sundays and public holidays for construction sites located within 150m of residential premises and noise-sensitive premises.
Construction work commenced on, or after 1 September 2011
- No work is allowed from 10pm on Saturdays or eves of public holidays to 7am on the following Mondays or days after public holidays.
Since 1 January 2017, construction sites at the architectural/project completion stage are allowed to carry out quieter forms of work (see list of permitted quieter works in ePortal) on specific Sundays and public holidays. Contractors shall submit an application via ePortal to NEA for the permit to carry out quieter works on specific Sunday and public holidays subject to compliance with stringent conditions specified in the application form and any other conditions imposed by NEA.