Industrial Noise Control

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Industrial Noise Control the Singapore
Experience
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Kia Tang TAN Deputy Director (Hygiene) Dr
Magdalene O Y CHAN Director
Occupational Health Department Occupational
Safety and Health Division Ministry of Manpower,
Singapore
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Industrialisation - Noise Pollution attendant
necessary evil?
Over 68,800 workers are exposed to noise in
Singapore
Progressive transformation over 40 years From
entrepot trade to manufacturing Now increasingly
supported by information technology
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Changing Industry Profile, Improving Trends

• 8-fold decline in incidence of NID (1976-2004)
• Decreasing noise exposure levels

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No Single Solution

• Regulatory mechanism
• Training, information guidance
• Incentives
• Engineering technological innovations

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Raising Awareness
Hearing Conservation On Wheels
Mobile Audiometric Testing Facility 1976-1983
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Regulatory Framework
Factories Act

• Effective means to reduce noise
• Hearing protectors

• Pre-employment annual examinations
• Audiometry
• Designated Factory Doctor

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Regulatory Framework
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Regulations Relating to Environmental Noise Limits
Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources
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Codes of Practice
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Codes of Practice
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Surveillance and Enforcement Activities
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Incentives For Action
Tax Incentive Scheme
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Incentives For Action
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Raising Awareness, Building Capabilities
Information Guidance
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Raising Awareness, Building Capabilities
Training of Competent Persons
Monitoring Facilities Practice Standards
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Raising Awareness, Building Capabilities
Promotional Activities
Reaching out to industry
Collaborative projects on Hearing Conservation
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Sharing Best Practices
Learning from Success Stories
Global Web Portal
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Meeting the Challenge
Multi-pronged Approach
Proactive Strategy
Leveraging Partnerships
Focussed Efforts