NOISE ASSESSMENT CLARIFICATION

Legal requirement for Noise Assessment Clarification

The "Guideline on boundary noise limit for air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in non-industrial buildings” the noise emission limits are set for the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems in non-industrial buildings which need to measured and submitted to the National Environmental Agency while submitting Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) application. The owner of the non-industrial buildings shall measure the noise levels emitted by the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems and submit the noise assessment report to National Environmental Agency.

Qsafe Consultants and services provide the most competent personnel for performing noise measurement for Noise Assessment Clarification and in preparing Noise Assessment Clarification reports. Qsafe Consultants and services is serving for various clients ranging from main contractor to air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems installation contractors.

Frequency of noise measurement

Initial (first) mandatory noise assessment shall be done and to be submitted along with Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) application for the non-industrial buildings. The sound level measurement shall be done as per the direction given by the Director-General of National Environmental Agency. The duration of measurement shall be advised by the Director-General through their letter 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 and submit the measured noise level readings along with extrapolations at required locations including all the relevant facts that may influence the noise level measured (such as background noise).

General rule is measuring the noise levels (LAeq) for 15 minutes at each specified locations and three times 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

Sometimes the measured level shall need to be adjusted based on the background noises.

The Director-General may advise the owner of the premises to measure the noise level at some specific points for specific duration due to the complaints received from the Public or nearby premises.

Qsafe Pte. Ltd have developed a very strong relationship with the clients by advising them proper procedures and methods for preparing noise assessment reports as per the guidelines set by NEA.

Location of measurement

Common practice (unless advised by the Director-General of National Environmental Agency) is as follows

For the equipment installed at ground level measure the noise level at the boundary of the premises in the direction of noise emission
For the equipment installed at elevated level measure the noise level at 1 ~ 2 meter distance from the equipment in the direction of noise emission and extrapolate the readings at the boundary line of the premises
Noise measurement is required to be taken at the same level /parallel to the air conditioning and mechanical ventilation

Qsafe Pte. Ltd have experienced and competent noise consultants and they shall guide the owner of the premises start from selecting the locations of measurement, interpreting measured readings on consideration of the background noise, and preparing noise assessment clarification report in-line with National Environmental Agency requirements.

Instrument to be used for noise measurement

As per the Director-General the measurements of noise levels shall be carried out with a sound level meter which complies with the standards specified in the International Electrotechnical Commission Publication 651 (Type 1) and Publication 804 (Type 1).

Noise monitoring officer from Qsafe Pte. Ltd shall use the calibrated sound level meter that complies with all the legal requirement as advised by the Authority.

Legal limits for boundary noise level

Legally permissible noise level may vary based on

According to the background noise level (modifying factor to be decided)
Time of measurement (Different permissible noise levels set for different timings)

Qsafe Pte. Ltd provides you the most competent noise monitoring officer who is well experienced in identifying the factors explained above and interpreting the readings while preparing the boundary noise assessment clarification reports.

Submission of report to NEA.

Noise assessment clarification reports shall be submitted online to National Environmental Agency by Architects only. But Qsafe Consultants and services shall assist the submission of the noise assessment clarification report by preparing the report in-line with the noise assessment clarification letter from the NEA and complying with all the legal requirements and guidelines.