Singapore Review Construction Noise Limit for Workers Work From Home
Under the NEA’s construction noise limit regulatory framework, the noise limit is set at 70 decibels which the amount generated by a vacuum cleaner when switched on over a five-minute interval after 7pm for sites within 150m of noise-sensitive premises, such as hospitals and residences.
Companies that do not adhere to the stipulated limits can be fined up to S$40,000 and once a complaint is received, noise-enforcement officers will carry out an investigation by getting readings from noise meters installed at construction sites or noise-sensitive premises nearby.
The NEA’s regulatory framework also requires sites with construction projects worth more than S$3 million and located within 150m of noise-sensitive premises to install real-time noise meters. Projects below S$3 million, which have noise-sensitive premises within a stipulated radius, are required to install standalone noise meters.
As Singapore continues to develop its residential, commercial, and transport infrastructure, noise from construction and other related work is inevitable. NEA regulates 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.
An ongoing review of construction noise limits will consider the post-COVID-19 situation in residential areas while ensuring projects are completed within budget and on time the construction noise limits and related penalties were last reviewed.
For instance, NEA tightened the noise controls and implemented the no-work rule in 2011 to prohibit work activities at construction sites located within 150m of residential premises and noise-sensitive premises such as hospitals and nursing homes on Sundays as well as on public holidays.
Construction Noise Limit Control in Singapore
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) | – | – | |
| 90 dBA (Leq 5 mins) | 55 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) | |||
No-work rule on Sundays and public holidays
In addition to establishing permissible construction noise limit, 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.
