Industrial noise control has been a priority in Singapore over the past 40 years as the country transformed from an entrepot trade economy to a manufacturing one. [1] Over 68,800 workers in Singapore are exposed to noise in their workplaces. [2] Singapore has implemented a multi-pronged approach to industrial noise control, including regulations that set noise limits and require noise monitoring, training and information programs, incentives for noise reduction, and enforcement activities. [3] This comprehensive strategy has helped reduce noise exposure levels and the incidence of noise-induced deafness in Singapore over time.
Industrial noise control has been a priority in Singapore over the past 40 years as the country transformed from an entrepot trade economy to a manufacturing one. [1] Over 68,800 workers in Singapore are exposed to noise in their workplaces. [2] Singapore has implemented a multi-pronged approach to industrial noise control, including regulations that set noise limits and require noise monitoring, training and information programs, incentives for noise reduction, and enforcement activities. [3] This comprehensive strategy has helped reduce noise exposure levels and the incidence of noise-induced deafness in Singapore over time.
Industrial noise control has been a priority in Singapore over the past 40 years as the country transformed from an entrepot trade economy to a manufacturing one. [1] Over 68,800 workers in Singapore are exposed to noise in their workplaces. [2] Singapore has implemented a multi-pronged approach to industrial noise control, including regulations that set noise limits and require noise monitoring, training and information programs, incentives for noise reduction, and enforcement activities. [3] This comprehensive strategy has helped reduce noise exposure levels and the incidence of noise-induced deafness in Singapore over time.
Occupational Health Department Occupational Safety and Health Division Ministry of Manpower, Singapore Industrialisation - Noise Pollution: attendant necessary evil? Progressive transformation over 40 years From entrepot trade to manufacturing Now increasingly supported by information technology Over 68,800 workers are exposed to noise in Singapore Changing Industry Profile, Improving Trends Average Noise Levels* in High Risk Workplaces 81.7 81.9 81.8 82.4 83.4 80 81 82 83 84 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 Year L e q , 8 h ,
d B A * 8-hr equivalent noise levels averaged over a 3-year period, e.g. for 2004, the noise level is averaged over 2002, 2003 and 2004. Based on results of noise monitoring conducted every 3 years as required under the Factories (Noise) Regulations. 8-fold decline in incidence of NID (1976-2004) Decreasing noise exposure levels No Single Solution Regulatory mechanism Training, information & guidance Incentives Engineering & technological innovations
Hearing Conservation On Wheels Raising Awareness Mobile Audiometric Testing Facility 1976-1983 Regulatory Framework Factories (Medical Examinations) Regulations Factories Act Effective means to reduce noise Hearing protectors Pre-employment & annual examinations Audiometry Designated Factory Doctor Regulatory Framework Factories (Noise) Regulations Permissible exposure limits Noise Control measures Competent persons for noise monitoring & noise control Regulations Relating to Environmental Noise Limits Public Health (Boundary Noise Limits for Factory Premises) Regulations Environmental Pollution Control (Control of Noise at Construction Sites) Regulations Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources Codes of Practice Industrial Noise Control Selection, Use, Care and Maintenance of Hearing Protectors Codes of Practice Noise Control on Construction and Demolition Sites Surveillance and Enforcement Activities Checks at factory registration stage High risk workplaces targetted Focus on noise labelling, noise control, assessment reports and control planning National exposure database Incentives For Action Tax Incentive Scheme One-year accelerated depreciation allowance Low-decibel new machinery or Installation of noise control equipment Noise level at or below 82 dBA >6dBA reduction Entire Premises <85dBA Entire Premises <90 dBA Hearing Conservation Programme REDUCTION IN EXPOSURE Machine/Process Entire Premises OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH BEST PRACTICES AWARD Incentives For Action Raising Awareness, Building Capabilities Information & Guidance Guidelines on Industrial Noise & Vibration Control Guidelines on an Effective Hearing Conservation Programme Guidelines on Noise Labelling Fact Sheet on Noise-induced Deafness Fact Sheet on the Factories (Noise) Regulations 1996 Training of Competent Persons Noise monitoring Noise control Noise emission and labelling Audiometric screening Monitoring Facilities & Practice Standards Raising Awareness, Building Capabilities Promotional Activities Reaching out to industry Collaborative projects on Hearing Conservation Raising Awareness, Building Capabilities Sharing Best Practices Global Web Portal Learning from Success Stories Meeting the Challenge Multi-pronged Approach Proactive Strategy Focussed Efforts Leveraging Partnerships