Noise As Necessary. Andy Mackenzie General Manager, Ministry of Sound

Transcription

1 Noise As Necessary Andy Mackenzie General Manager, Ministry of Sound

2 Noise at Work Risks, Responsibilities and Control Measures

3 Control Of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 The Law requires the elimination or reduction of the risks associated to Health and Safety from noise at work. Depending on the level of risk, you are required to: Take action to reduce noise exposure; and also Provide your employees with personal hearing protection. Other duties under the Regulations include the need to: Make sure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded; Maintain and ensure the use of equipment to control noise risks Provide your employees with information, instruction and training; and Carry out health surveillance (monitor workers hearing ability).

4 Hearing Damage Noise exposure from work related activities can cause hearing damage that is both permanent and disabling. Hearing loss can be caused by a gradual exposure to excessive noise or can also be a result of a sudden, singular loud occurrence. Hearing damage can be disabling as it causes issues with people understanding speech, using the telephone or keeping up with conversations. People may also develop Tinnitus which is a distressing condition that is prevalent in the Events Industry. This causes a whistling, buzzing or humming noise in the ear, which can cause disorientation and disturbing sleep patterns. In it s simplistic form hearing depends on a series of events that change sound waves in the air into electrical signals.

5 How Do We Hear? In it s simplistic form hearing depends on a series of events that change sound waves in the air into electrical signals.

6 Most hearing loss is caused by the damage and eventual death of these hair cells. Unlike bird and amphibian hair cells, human hair cells don t grow back and this causes permanent damage.

7 Potential Sources of Exposure There are a variety of activities that can cause excessive noise exposure in the Events Industry, these include but are not limited to: Live Music Performances Theatrical Performances Deployment of SFX Working in areas with large crowds DJ ing or the playing of recorded music Plant Room, Cellars and using other heavy machinery Catering Operations Cleaning Operations

8 Assessing The Risk A thorough assessment should be taken of all working areas to determine the levels of noise present for working parties. HSE advises that if the Upper Action Value of 85dB is exceeded then action must be taken. The below table highlights the levels of exposure to specific staff members in this venue. Exposure Calculator Noise Level (LAeq db) Exposure duration (hours) Exposure points (job/task) Bar Staff Glass Collectors Table Staff DJ s LD s Security (Internal) Security (Door) Dance Floor Total duration 64 Daily noise exposure (L EP,d ) 111 db points Exposure points per hour

9 Reduce The Risk Design- Physical Separation: Position working areas away from music sources, dance floors and loud plant or machinery Provide staff with Quiet Zones with noise levels below 80dB Create chill out rooms with bar areas that have a preferred noise limit of below 80dB Investigate acoustic screening to help reduce direct noise sources Focusing The Music: Regularly maintain equipment to avoid distortion Use limiters on the sound system Increase directional loudspeakers to avoid hotspots Install vibration mounts to prevent noise entering building structures Do not have speakers pointing towards staff working areas

10 Manage The Risk Monitor and Set Practicable Levels: Use limiters Ensure all Technicians, Venue Managers, DJ s, Musicians, etc. are aware of these limits Conduct regular spot checks to ensure compliance Manage Exposure: Limit the amount of time that Staff spend in noisy areas Rotate staff from noisy working areas through to quieter zones Provide regular quiet breaks for staff working in high risk areas

11 P.P.E. Compressible Earplugs (Disposable) Advantages: Inexpensive and easy to use Effectively works to reduce high sound levels More comfortable than ear defenders and easier to carry Disadvantages: Provide uneven frequency attenuation- remove more frequencies than Distortion of sound can make listening to customers/music difficult Requires careful insertion and training on use Pose a high risk of infection if re-used or installed under unhygienic conditions Useful for: Crew, venue staff (in situations where speech communication and sound assessment is not necessary) and emergency applications

12 P.P.E. Pre-moulded Earplugs (Reusable) Advantages: Less expensive than custom fit earplugs Easy to fit and last longer than compressible earplugs Effectively works to reduce high sound levels Reusable if kept hygienic Disadvantages: More expensive than disposable Acoustic attenuation not as good as custom fit earplugs Useful for: Crew, venue staff (in situations where speech communication and sound assessment is necessary) and emergency applications

13 P.P.E. Pre-moulded Earplugs (Reusable) Advantages: Less expensive than custom fit earplugs Easy to fit and last longer than compressible earplugs Effectively works to reduce high sound levels Reusable if kept hygienic Disadvantages: More expensive than disposable Acoustic attenuation not as good as custom fit earplugs Useful for: Crew, venue staff (in situations where speech communication and sound assessment is necessary) and emergency applications

14 P.P.E. Earmuffs Advantages: Inexpensive and very easy to use Comfortable in cold conditions Can be used with a radio network Disadvantages: Heavy Can be uncomfortable when worn over prolonged periods or during warm weather Do not work well with head or eye wear Useful for: Security Young children

15 Summary Ensure all employees are aware of the potential harmful effects of noise and provide instruction and training Conduct a thorough Risk Assessment and Conduct Exposure Surveys Wherever possible and practicable, reduce the risk Designate mandatory hearing protection areas and Quiet Zones; Use appropriate signage Ensure that employees and contractors are always wearing hearing protection in designated Mandatory Hearing Protection Areas Conduct Pre-show briefings that highlight areas of exposure and those at risk Have appropriate signage for all workers and members of the public highlighting the hazard Monitor and record the issuing and use of PPE and also make it available for members of the public Provide health surveillance and retain records to build up an audio history of individual staff members