ACMV Noise Assessment Clarification for TOP

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 measure and submit to the National Environmental Agency while submitting Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP) / Certificate of Statutory Completion (CSC)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 Pte Ltd provide the most competent personnel for performing noise measurement for Noise Assessment Clarification and in preparing Noise Assessment Clarification reports. Qsafe Pte Ltd is serving for various clients ranging from main builders to air conditioning and mechanical ventilation systems installation contractors.

Frequency of noise measurement

​ 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

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 through CORENET e-Submission system (eSS)to National Environmental Agency byQP / Architects. But Qsafe Pte Ltd and shall assist the Preparation of the noise assessment clarification report in-line with the noise assessment clarification letter from the NEA and complying with all the legal requirements and guidelines.

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 such as 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