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 August
2008
Compliance
Needn't Mean Turning Down the Volume
When
the new Control of Noise at Work regulations came into effect for music
and entertainment venues on 6th April this year, acceptable noise exposure
levels for employees reduced by 5dBA. Those running music venues and other
areas of high noise must now ensure that the health and safety of their
employees is safeguarded by complying with the new rules. But it's not
always easy to ensure compliance without losing the spirit of a venue.
Whatever
the speciality of your particular venue, a great sound is an important
factor in keeping customers happy and creating the right atmosphere. It's
equally important, though, to look after your staff as they, of course,
play a key role in the success of the business. If added incentive to
adhere to the new regulations is needed, you only have to remember that
local authorities have the power to close venues down if they're not complying.
The
aim of the Noise Regulations is to ensure that workers' hearing is protected
from excessive noise at their place of work, to prevent them suffering
loss of hearing or associated problems. The level at which employers must
provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 dBA
(daily or weekly average exposure) and the level at which they have to
assess the risk to workers' health and provide them with information and
training is now 80 dBA.
It's
easy to see that compliance is a must; what venues need to consider is
how to go about it and who to ask for advice? Hodgson
& Hodgson Acoustic Consultancy Division has a highly experienced
team of acoustic consultants who can guide you through the minefield of
noise regulation. For example, they can monitor a typical operating music
and crowd noise level during a venue's busiest period and advise whether
staff are at risk from excessive noise levels. If risk is identified,
Hodgson & Hodgson can help in a variety of ways. The consultants can
provide outline advice regarding music or PA systems, distribution of
noise and consideration of room acoustics. They can also recommend maximum
shift lengths for staff to ensure that the venue satisfies the new noise
control requirements. The company's ultimate aim is the same as every
venue's: to ensure compliance with noise control regulations and to do
so without any impact on the bottom line. |
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