Legal Requirement for Noise Assessment Clarification
As per the noise emission limits set by the “Guidelines on boundary noise limit for air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in non-industrial buildings” there is a need to measure the actual noise emission limits on basis of which the findings have to be submitted to the National Environmental Agency along with application for the Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) / Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC). The owner of the non-industrial buildings shall measure the noise levels emitted by the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems, a noise assessment report of which has to be submitted to the National Environmental Agency.
We at Qsis Pte Ltd provide the best-equipped personnel for performing noise measurement for the procedures related to Noise Assessment Clarification and in preparing Noise Assessment Clarification reports. Qsis Pte Ltd has been serving several clients ranging from main builders to the contractors of the installation of air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems.
Frequency of Noise Measurement
Noise assessment is done, findings of which are submitted along with the application of Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) for the non-industrial buildings. The sound-level measurement is done as per the directions given by the Director-General of National Environmental Agency. The duration of measurement shall be advised by the Director-General through the letter sent from the authorized office to the owner of the premises. The owner of the premises shall measure the noise levels at specific distance, duration and time as advised by the Authority. A report of the measured noise level readings will be submitted to NEA along with extrapolations at required locations including all the relevant facts that may influence the noise level measured (including those of background noise).
General rule is measuring the noise levels (LAeq) for 15 minutes at each specified locations thrice a day within the following timings:
- 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM
- 11:00 PM to 07:00 AM
Qsis Pte Ltd have established a very strong association with its clientele by advising them proper processes and procedures for preparing noise assessment reports as per the guidelines set by NEA. Location of Measurement The common-most practice (unless the Director-General of National Environmental Agency advises otherwise) of choosing the location for measurement of Noise Assessment is as follows:
- For the equipment installed at ground level, the noise level is measured at the boundary of the premises in the direction of noise emission.
- For the equipment installed at elevated level the noise level is measured at a distance of 1 ~ 2 meter from the equipment in the direction of noise emission and the readings are extrapolated at the boundary line of the premises.
- It is mandatory to take Noise measurement at the same level /parallel to the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation.
We at Qsis Pte Ltd have highly competent and expert noise consultants who shall guide the owner of the premises starting from selection of the locations of measurement, interpreting the measured readings while keeping the background noise in consideration, and preparing noise assessment clarification report in line with the requirements set by the National Environmental Agency.
Instrument to be used for Noise Measurement
As per the guidelines of the Director-General, the measurements of noise levels shall be carried out with a sound level meter that complies with the standards specified in the International Electrotechnical Commission Publication 651 (Type 1) and Publication 804 (Type 1). A noise monitoring officer from Qsis Pte Ltd shall use the calibrated sound level meter that is in line with the legal requirements as advised by the Authority.
Legal limits for boundary noise level
Legally permissible noise level may vary on the basis of a couple of parameters, which have been listed below:
- Background Noise Level: The modifying factor is decided according to the background noise sound level.
- Time of Measurement: Different permissible noise levels have been set for the different timings of the day.
Qsis Pte Ltd provides you with the most competent noise monitoring officer who are not only well equipped but also have a lot of experience in identifying the factors explained above and interpreting the readings while the boundary noise assessment clarification reports are prepared.
Submission of report to NEA
Noise assessment clarification reports shall be submitted online through CORENET e-Submission System (eSS) to the National Environmental Agency by QP / Architects. However, Qsis Pte Ltd shall be responsible for the preparation of the noise assessment clarification report in accordance with the noise assessment clarification letter from the NEA while adhering to all the requirements and guidelines as per law.
NEA’s Permitted Boundary Noise Level
| Type of affected premises | Boundary noise limits(reckoned as equivalent continuous noise level over 15 minutes) in decibels (dBA) | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 7am – 7pm |
Evening 7pm – 11pm |
Night 11pm – 7am |
|
| Noise-sensitive Premises including but not limited to hospital, home for the aged sick, library, etc | 60 | 55 | 50 |
| Residential premises | 65 | 60 | 55 |
| Other Premises (Other than those in (a) and (b) | 70 | 65 | 60 |