Construction Noise Control

  1. The National Environment Agency
  2. Our Services
  3. Pollution Control
  4. Noise Pollution
  5. Construction Noise Control
  6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What constitutes ‘construction work’?

Ans: Construction work refers to the construction, erection, alteration, repair or maintenance of buildings, structures or roads; piling, demolition or dredging work; or any other work of engineering construction. For road work, it includes the breaking up, opening or boring under any road or adjacent land. Any related loading and unloading of materials from cranes or vehicles within the boundaries of the construction sites are also considered as construction work.

2. There are so many construction sites in Singapore. How do you know if the noise levels have exceeded the limit?

Ans: Construction sites that are within 150m from noise sensitive premises are required to install noise meter(s) to closely monitor the noise levels generated from the worksite. The noise meter allows NEA to quickly establish if the permissible limit has been breached. This allows NEA to respond to feedback on construction noise in a timely manner and take appropriate enforcement action against any contractor whose construction work has exceeded the noise limits.  

3. Can construction work be carried out after 7pm on weekdays (i.e Monday to Friday)? 

Ans: Construction work is permitted to be carried out after 7pm on weekdays (except for public holidays) but it is subject to compliance with more stringent noise limits as compared to daytime (i.e. from 7am – 7pm). Contractors are to ensure that the noise levels generated at their worksite comply with the noise limits at all times implementing the necessary noise mitigation measures. 

4. Can construction work be carried out after 7pm on weekends (i.e Saturday and Sunday)?

Ans: Construction work is permitted to be carried out on Saturday till 10pm. No construction work is allowed on Sundays and Public Holidays. Construction sites located within 150 meters from residential building and noise sensitive premises (e.g. home for the aged sick or hospital), are prohibited to carry out construction work from 10pm on Saturday to 7am on Monday. Nevertheless, selected construction sites are permitted to carry out quieter construction work or work of public interest and of a safety-critical nature after 10pm, subject to a set of stringent conditions.

5. Are the permissible noise limits more stringent at night?

Ans: Yes. To safeguard public health and maintain a conducive living environment, the noise limits are differentiated by time bands, with more stringent limits imposed at night from 7pm to 7am where most people are resting.

6. What is the no-work rule? 

Ans: The ‘no-work’ rule refers to the prohibition of construction work at certain sites under the Environmental Protection and Management Regulations for Control of Noise at Construction Sites. Under the Regulations, construction sites located within 150 meters from residential building, and noise sensitive premises (e.g. home for the aged sick or hospital), are prohibited from carrying out construction work from:


a) 10pm on Saturday to 7am on Monday; and
b) 10pm on eve of public holiday to 7am on the day following the public holiday.  

Nevertheless, NEA allows selected construction sites to carry out quieter construction work or work of public interest and of a safety-critical nature on Sundays and Public Holidays through a permit system subject to a set of stringent conditions. 
 
7. What constitutes ‘quieter construction work’?

Ans: Quieter construction work refers to less noisy work such as architectural work and mechanical & electrical installation work that do not involve usage of heavy machineries and/or noisy powered tools. Examples of quieter construction work are planting and turfing work, wall plastering, ceiling and panels putty work, water-proofing work, electrical, plumbing, sanitary, gas installation work, etc.

8. Can I use the noise measurement application on my mobile phone to carry out measurement of the construction noise? 

Ans: The noise measurement application on a mobile phone may not provide an accurate representation of the noise generated. To monitor construction noise and enforce against exceedances to the construction noise limits, NEA requires the use of Class 1 noise meters as these noise meters meet international standards for functionality, performance and precision. NEA also requires the noise meters to be calibrated and serviced periodically to maintain their functionality and accuracy.

9. Where can I submit my feedback if I think that there is a violation of the construction noise regulation?

Ans: You may submit your feedback through our feedback channels such as the Online Feedback Form available on the NEA’s website, or the myENV or OneService (App Store | Google Play Store)