SCAL Construction Safety Seminar on Total WSH and the Environment

Construction Noise Management

Geraldine Poh, Engineer, Pollution Control Department, NEA

25 September 2014

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To share with participants:

1. Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

2. NEAs Construction Noise Regulations

3. Noise Management Plan (NMP)4. Quieter Construction Fund (QCF)

Objectives

Impact increasingly felt due to: more construction developments located near residences and

other noise sensitive premises. rising public expectations for a quieter living environment

1 Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

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2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

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Year

Yearly No. of Construction Noise Complaints

1 Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore~ 20,000

02000

4000

6000

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10000

12000

14000

16000

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2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

No

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Year

Yearly No. of Construction Noise Complaints

1 Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

~ 16,000

No-Work Rule

1 Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Industrial

Roadworks

MRT/LRT Station

School

Others

Commercial

HDB Housing

Landed Property

Condominium

Approximate Percentage of Complaints on Different Type of Sites

Others drainage works, hospitals, recreational works, car park, cable works etc

1 Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore

7am - 7pm (Mon - Fri)

19%7am - 7pm

(Sat)8%

7am - 7pm (Sun/PH)

15%7pm -10pm (Mon - Fri)

27%

7pm - 10pm (Sat)3%

7pm - 10pm (Sun/PH)

1%

10pm -7am (Mon - Fri)

21%

10pm - 7am (Sat)3%

10pm - 7am (Sun/PH)

3%

Breakdown of 2013 Feedback by Day and Time

that around 12 midnight, works like ground drilling and and huge tiles being thrown down from the 6th floor is still being carried out, causing great noise pollution...

that around 12 midnight, works like ground drilling and and huge tiles being thrown down from the 6th floor is still being carried out, causing great noise pollution...

the sound of welding and shifting of steel rods and material

continues at night, sometimes until 4.00am. This has led to sleepless night for the family and as a result,

health problems has arisen

the sound of welding and shifting of steel rods and material

continues at night, sometimes until 4.00am. This has led to sleepless night for the family and as a result,

health problems has arisen

1 Impact of Construction Noise in Singapore its 4.26pm on Saturday and I have to say Im finding it very difficult with all the noise from the construction site along... We had to go out instead of resting at home to escape the noise how come the construction site is allowed to work in residential area during weekends?

its 4.26pm on Saturday and I have to say Im finding it very difficult with all the noise from the construction site along... We had to go out instead of resting at home to escape the noise how come the construction site is allowed to work in residential area during weekends?

2 Construction Noise Regulations

Permissible Noise LimitsNo-Work Rule

Control of Construction Noise Environmental Protection and Management Act (EPMA) EPM (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations

2 Construction Noise RegulationsNo-Work Rule

Construction project dates Construction work not allowed from:Sites commencing work on or after 1 September 2010

No work allowed from 10.00pm on Sat/eve of PH to 10.00am on Sun/PH.

Sites commencing work on or after 1 September 2011

No work allowed from 10.00pm on Sat/eve of PH to 7.00am on the following Mon/day after the PH.

Applicable for construction sites within 150m away from residential building, hospital and home for the aged sick

2 Construction Noise RegulationsTypes 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 hr)

50 dBA(Leq 12 hr)

75 dBA(Leq 5 min)

55 dBA(Leq 5 min)

(b) Residential buildings located less than 150m from the construction site

75 dBA(Leq 12 hr)

65 dBA(Leq 1 hr)

55 dBA(Leq 1 hr)

90 dBA(Leq 5 min)

70 dBA(Leq 5 min)

55 dBA(Leq 5 min)

(c) Buildings other than those in (a) and (b) above

75 dBA (Leq 12 hr)

65 dBA (Leq 12 hr)

90 dBA(Leq 5 min)

70 dBA(Leq 5 min)

Permissible Noise Limits (Mon Sat)

2 Construction Noise RegulationsPermissible Noise Limits (Sun & PH)

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 hr)

50 dBA(Leq 12 hr)

75 dBA(Leq 5 min)

55 dBA (Leq 5 min)

(b) Residential buildings located less than 150m from the construction site

75 dBA(Leq 12 hr) 55 dBA

(Leq 5 min)75 dBA(Leq 5 min)

(c) Buildings other than those in (a) and (b) above

75 dBA (Leq 12 hr)

65 dBA(Leq 12 hr)

90 dBA (Leq 5 min)

70 dBA(Leq 5 min)

3 Noise Management Plan Since 2012, NEA has been requiring builders of construction / demolition

projects located within 150m of residential and sensitive premises, and above $50mil in project value, to submit their NMPs and attend meetings with NEA noise control officers

NEA officers will go through their NMP to improve their noise monitoring programme, check for proper locations of noise monitoring system, siting of noisy equipment, public engagement programme and provide advice on noise mitigation measures.

Advise contractors to take extra steps to reduce noise, address residents issue with noise etc.

3 Noise Management PlanNMP

Scope Develop site engineering and operational measures to manage and mitigate noise based on known equipment, working schedules, site conditions etc for implementation

Carried out by Builder

Used by Project Manager, general manager, ECO, PRO, sub-contractors, workers

Contents Noise monitoring Background noise study Working schedule Noise mitigation measures Site layout Protocol to manage public feedback Public engagement strategy

3 Noise Management PlanIdentify nearby noise sensitive

premises

Identify construction activity having

noise impact on the sensitive premises

Estimate noise emission levels

received by sensitive premises at

different phases of work

Noise emission levels exceed

permissible noise limits?

Reduce noise as far as practically

possible to minimise noise nuisance

During operations - Close

monitoring of noise levels &

conduct regular public outreach

Yes No

Start

Plan for noise mitigating

measures

3 Noise Management Plan Noise ControlControl of Noise Source Use of newer machines, proper maintenance of machines to minimise noise

and setting up enclosures around noisy machines etc.

Proper Scheduling Factoring in no work on Sun & PH. Restrict the duration of noisy activities (e.g. piling) in order to control daytime

and evening time average noise levels within permissible limits.

Location of Noisy Equipment Stationary noise sources e.g. generators should be sited furthest away from

noise sensitive premises or shielded.

Noise Barriers Removal of a direct line-of-sight between the noise source and sensitive

premises. Site office and storage silos as noise shields.

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Erect acoustic noise barriers where residential units are very close to noise source

Rows of silos placed before receivers aid in mitigating construction noise.

Noise Barriers and Shields

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Use quieter alternatives such as a silent piler for installing sheet piles.

Traditional method of using vibro hammer generates loud noise and ground vibration.

Selection of Equipment

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Use sound-reduced machinery.

Control of Noise at Source

For machines that are not yetsound-reduced, install noisepanels at noise emission outlets.

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Openings of partial enclosuresshould face away from residentsand if theres no roof, it shouldntbe placed below any tallresidential buildings.

Housing of small motor units.

Using Enclosures

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Using full enclosure forhousing of generator set.

Using Enclosures

Portable noise barriers can beused at face of operations fornoisy activities.

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Control

Remind machine operators not to exert more power than necessary during operations.

Educate workers to lay rebar down properly instead of letting them go from a standing position.

Behavioral Improvement

3 Noise Management Plan Public Relations Establish and maintain good relationship with nearby residents to seek their

understanding on the inevitable dis-amenities from construction.

The contractor should appoint a public relations point of contact with the public.

Regular updates to nearby residents of work schedule and manage complaints fairly and promptly.

The contractor should also inform the public of the mitigating measures implemented to assure them that noise impact has been properly controlled.

Public relations should be carried out even if noise levels do not exceed permissible limits as people may still be annoyed by noise nuisance.

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Monitoring Construction sites are required by Notice to install noise meters to monitor

the noise continuously.

Sound level meters shall be installed according to requirements in NEAs Notice:

o Class 1 and in compliance with IEC 61672 standardo In direct line-of-sight to construction activitieso Operating at all times

Contractors may submit background noise study for review of noise limits.

3 Noise Management Plan Noise Monitoring

Above site hoarding if no buildings nearby

On rooftop of nearest sensitive building

3 Real-time Noise Monitoring System

Noise readings:a) Project Managerb) ECOc) NEA

wireless communication

Class 1 Sound Level Meter

Web server

Solar panel

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SMS alerts toContractors

3 Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System

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Awareness Capability

Computes and displays current Leq 1hr and 12hr noise levels.

Sends notifications and alerts promptly for contractors to stop or reduce noisy works before violation.

3 Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring SystemReactive Capability

Dose percentage indicates the proximity of approaching the limits

When dose percentage reaches 100%, it means the Leq1hr and 12hr limit has already exceeded

Displays the maximum allowable Leq 5min to serve as a guide to contractors to stay within the allowable Leq1hr and 12hr limit

Dose % Max Leq 5min79% 71.0

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3 Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Time Leq1hr Leq12hr Predicted Leq12hr

7:00:00 AM 65

-

65(within limit)

8:00:00 AM -

9:00:00 AM -

10:00:00 AM -

11:00:00 AM -12:00:00 PM -1:00:00 PM -

2:00:00 PM -

3:00:00 PM -

4:00:00 PM -

5:00:00 PM -

6:00:00 PM -

7:00:00 PM -

Contractor starts carrying out piling activities at 8am.

Max Leq 5min Dose %

75 0.8

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3 Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Time Leq1hr Leq12hr Predicted Leq12hr

7:00:00 AM 65

-

76.3(exceeded limit)

8:00:00 AM 77

9:00:00 AM 77

10:00:00 AM 77

11:00:00 AM 7712:00:00 PM 771:00:00 PM -

2:00:00 PM -

3:00:00 PM -

4:00:00 PM -

5:00:00 PM -

6:00:00 PM -

7:00:00 PM -

Max Leq 5min Dose %

73 68%

Contractor receives a routine

notification at 12pm, indicating dose % of 68%.

Contractor carries on piling.

Dear User,The noise level dose percentage at 12pm, [date], is 68%.Please monitor the sound level emitted from the site closely.

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3 Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Time Leq1hr Leq12hr Predicted Leq12hr

7:00:00 AM 65

-

76.5(exceeded limit)

8:00:00 AM 77

9:00:00 AM 77

10:00:00 AM 77

11:00:00 AM 7712:00:00 PM 771:00:00 PM 77

2:00:00 PM 77

3:00:00 PM -

4:00:00 PM -

5:00:00 PM -

6:00:00 PM -

7:00:00 PM

Max Leq 5min Dose %

68 95%

Contractor receives alert at 2pm, indicating dose % of 95%.

System indicates that noise level

needs to be below 68dBA to stay

within Leq 12hr limit.

Contractor stops piling activities to comply with limits.

Dear User,This message is to alert you that your noise level dose percentage has reached 95%.You are at risk of exceeding the Leq 12hr limit.Please stop all noisy activities to stay within the limit.

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3 Predictive Monitoring System (Example for Leq12hr)Day Leq 5min = 90 dBA; Leq 12hr = 75dBA

Time Leq1hr Leq12hr Predicted Leq12hr

7:00:00 AM 65

74.9(within limit)

74.9

8:00:00 AM 77

9:00:00 AM 77

10:00:00 AM 77

11:00:00 AM 7712:00:00 PM 771:00:00 PM 77

2:00:00 PM 77

3:00:00 PM 68

4:00:00 PM 68

5:00:00 PM 68

6:00:00 PM 68

7:00:00 PM 68

Max Leq 5min Dose %

68 99.4%

Contractor manages to

comply with Leq 12hr limits after

keeping within the maximum

allowable Leq 5min.

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Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System3

3 Predictive Real-time Noise Monitoring System

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Benefits

Enable contractors to re-schedule their work if necessary to comply with the permissible limits (Leq 1hr or Leq 12hr limits) and effectively reducing violations.

On receiving complaints, Noise Unit can assess noise levels at construction site and direct contractors to act accordingly.

Lower noise levels, quieter environment and less complaints.

4 Quieter Construction Fund

Objectives Achieve a quieter living environment. Build up local expertise in the implementation of quieter

construction. Pave the way towards higher standards in managing noise.

$10 million co-funding scheme to defray cost of implementing quieter construction machine, noise control equipment and innovative solutions at project sites close to noise sensitive premises.

Application period

1 April 2014 31 Mar 2016.

Target Recipients

Construction firms operating on existing or proposed construction/ demolition sites within 150m from noise sensitive premises.

4 Quieter Construction Fundi. Applicant must be a Singapore-registered company, who is,

a) Operating on; orb) Supplying construction equipment for

an existing or proposed construction site located less than 150m from any hospital, home for the aged sick, residential building or other noise sensitive premises.

Eligibility Criteria

ii. Purchase or leasing of equipment from related companies is not supported.

iii. Public sector projects in which the equipment is already required under contract are not supported.

iv. Equipment must not be procured before submission of application

4 Quieter Construction Fund

Jack-in pilingsilent sheet piling

Concrete crusher machine

Examples of Supported Quieter Construction Equipment (not exhaustive)

Performance Requirements

Tested or certified to be at least 5 dB(A) quieter than 2 other equipment meant for the same work commonly used in Singapore.

Engine noise reduced excavators

4 Quieter Construction FundExampes of Supported Noise Barrier and Enclosure (not exhaustive)

Performance Requirements Comprises acoustic absorbing material Tested in an accredited laboratory for

sound transmission loss Designed and erected according to

international standards for effective noise attenuation

For perimeter noise barrier: Achieve a minimum noise reduction of 10 dB(A) for specific construction work as compared to without the noise barrier, measured at the same receiver point within the acoustic shadow of the noise barrier.

For noise enclosure: Achieve a minimum noise reduction of 15 dB(A) for specific construction work, as compared to without the noise barrier, measured at the same distance from the noise source.

Perimeter noise barrier

Noise curtain

Plant noise enclosure

Machine noise enclosure

Rotary head enclosure

4 Quieter Construction FundExamples of Supported Innovative Solutions (not exhaustive)

Performance Requirements

Able to achieve a minimum noise reduction of 5 dB(A)for specific construction work at each noise source where the Innovative Solution is implemented.

Crack inducer

Modified Auger bucket

4 Quieter Construction FundForm of Assistance

The minimum total investment amount per application must be $5,000 or above.

For applicant who is operating on a construction sites, the total funding disbursed to each project site is capped at $100,000, or 5% of the project contract value, whichever is lower.

For applicant who is a supplier of construction equipment, the total funding disbursed to the applicant is capped at $100,000, over 2 years.

4 Quieter Construction FundEquipment Category Purchase / Lease Cost Funding %Quieter Construction Equipment (purchase)

$100,000 per equipment Up to 50%, capped at $20,000 per equipment

> $100,000 per equipment Up to 20%, capped at $50,000 per equipment

Quieter Construction Equipment (leasing)

$30,000 per equipment Up to 50%, capped at $6,000 per equipment

> $30,000 per equipment Up to 20%, capped at $20,000 per equipment

Purchase & setting up of Noise Control Equipment

$5,000 per Project Site Up to 50% per Project Site

Purchase & setting up of Innovative Solution

$5,000 per Project Site Up to 50% per Project Site

Form of Assistance

4 Supported equipment should meet performance

requirements after implemented on site for successful disbursement

For noise barriers: applicants are required to submit an independent site measurement report conducted according to ISO 10847 (cost of report is supported)

For quieter equipment and innovative solutions: applicant are required to facilitate NEA officers for site inspection

Performance Testing

Measurement for quieter excavators and self-compacting concrete

Measurement for perimeter noise barrier

4 Quieter Construction FundFor further details

QCF guidelines, application forms available on NEAs website: http://app2.nea.gov.sg/grants-awards/quieter-construction-fund/quieter-construction-fund

4 Quieter Construction FundFor further details

QCF Fund Secretariat Contact: o 6731 9668 (tel)o nea_qcf@nea.gov.sg (email)

Applicants are encouraged to contact the Fund Secretariat to determine the eligibility of their proposed equipment before submitting an application.

4 Code of Practice for Noise Control on Construction and Demolition

Sites (CP49) Technical guidelines containing the following topics in construction

noise management: Principles of sound Rating of sound Estimation of construction noise levels Noise monitoring systems Background noise calculations Noise control practices Planning for noise in Design / Tender / Construction stage

a) CP 49 can be purchased from SPRING Singapore Standards eshop (www.singaporestandardseshop.sg)

b) Currently CP49 is undergoing a revision to incorporate the latest information and targeted for release in end-2014.

Revised Code of Practice on Construction Noise

Safeguard Nurture Cherish

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