Noise at work tops EU health and safety priorities for 2005

The requirement for a change in the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, actually arises from an EU Directive, thus is outside the control of the UK government. However the figure quoted (140dB) is actually the peak action level, and not the second action level at which the use of hearing protection is mandatory ? which is the Second Action Level, currently 90dB averaged over 8 hours, which is set to reduce to 85dB with the change in legislation.

The requirement is for exposure to noise at work ? which includes the exposure of the bands themselves, as well as the audience ? to be properly controlled so that it does not pose harm to the hearing of those exposed ? the bands and the audience. Indeed many live orchestras are utilising one ear plug in one ear during rehearsals which is swapped to the other ear during performance to ?balance out? the reduction in exposure, thus controlling the risk quite successfully, whilst still allowing live performance.

Reduction in noise from live performers is possible, although it does take some work at the venue. Some information on how this will be enforced is obtained from the Local Authority Circular ? ?Advice On The Enforcement Of The Noise At Work Regulations 1989 In Leisure Premises (Where Recorded Or Amplified Music Is Played)? (available online at www.hse.gov.uk/lau/lacs/59-5.htm ). Some research with respect to the exposure of workers in live music venues has been published as a research report by the HSE in RR026 (available online at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrpdf/rr026.pdf ), and of sound levels at pop concerts in CRR 35 (available from HSE Books ISBN 0 1188 5995 1) which may give some insight to the harm that can be posed to workers by the hazard of loud music, that employers will need to protect under their general duties to employees from the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Whilst I agree it would be nice if we could trust those exposed to the high levels of noise at live concerts to protect themselves, there is a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 Section 3 to protect those affected by work activities ? which live concerts are ? and also with the likelihood of litigation under civil law which is very prevalent now, it is a dangerous assumption for an employer ? and a live venue owner and promoter ? to make.

I hope that this helps

I have read that from Feb 2006 the government is looking to reduce the noise limit for live music from 140 dB to 112 dB.

If this information is correct it could basically mean that we will LOSE a great deal of live music in this country, or at least certain genres, considering an unmiked drum kit hits 107 dB.

Are the bands meant to CHANGE their music before they go on stage so that it fits the government's regulations?

How are we supposed to be able to support unsigned bands in smaller music venues where a reduction of noise is as good as impossible?

We should instead, as visitors or workers, be trusted to protect our own hearing against damage by using earplugs!