SOUND ADVICE

Over the past 12 months we have been increasingly asked about the Noise at work regulations and how they effect Jukebox operators.
 
During an era in which issues of Health and safety are increasingly integral to public policy it comes as no surprise to discover that the past 10 years have brought a flurry of European parliamentary directives with implications for audio installations. Widely regarded as a significant milestone in the campaign to eradicate hearing damage sustained in the workplace, the 2003 directive has subsequently been implemented in all EEC member countries.Significantly, it allowed the music and entertainment sectors a two year transitional period in recognition of the fact that - as the UK government Health and Safety Executive (HSE) notes on its website - "music is unusual as it is a noise deliberately created for enjoyment and therefore practical guidelines are necessary to help workers, employers and freelancers protect their hearing and safeguard their careers"
 
In the UK, the directive was implemented (via the control of noise at work regulations 2005) for the music and entertainment industry in April 2008.
 
So what does the 2003 directive require employers to do that its 1989 predecessor did not? Firstly it lowers the bar for first action level regarding daily or, if appropriate, weekly exposure from 85Db(A) to 80db(A), at which employers must now assess the risk to workers health, provide them with information and training, and offer access to hearing protection should staff wish to use it.At the second action level of 85dBa employers must implement a programme of noise control measures and, if these are not sufficient to reduce exposure, ensure that suitable hearing protection is worn and health surveillance provided.
 
As an operator of Jukeboxes the guidelines set out are to protect the staff in the bar, rather than the customers who frequent it and it is the responsibility of the bar owner/management to ensure that the regulation is adhered to.  
 
As an operator it is not our job to rush around every site and check that the volume behind the bar does not exceed 80DB(A), rather to be aware that the directive is in place and offer advice and help to anyone who requests it. Obviously moving forward on new installations the amount of speakers and the positioning of them will play a big part in this. Sound Leisure amplifiers are capable of exceeding the limit, however this depends on the environment that they are installed in and how many speakers are fitted etc.
 
Sound level testing devices are widely available on the market and Sound Leisure does stock these. If you would like any further advice on this regulation please speak to one of the Sound Leisure team.

The Full Document on Sound Advice can be downloaded here. PDF Doc.