Noise

David Johnson looks after noise for Energy, any queries can be directed to david.johnson@arcolaenergy.com

Geoff looks after noise for Theatre, any queries can be directed to geoff@arcolaenergy.com

The fundamentals of noise for both Theatre and Energy are pretty similar.

The key points are summarised below.

Background

• • Loud noises can damage hearing and lead to safety risks.

  • Hearing damage caused by loud noises can be permanent and disabling.

  • Exposure to loud noises can permanently damage hearing both immediately, and over long period of time.

  • Hearing damage can in most cases be characterised by loss (or partial loss), or by tinnitus (ringing/whistling/buzzing/humming in the ears)

Preventing damage to hearing

• • In the first instance, noise emission should be reduced at source.

  • Then, noise exposure should be limited through careful workspace design, positioning of equipment etc.

  • As a final resort, if exposure values are high, PPE should be issued.

Noise needs to be assessed if any of the following statements are true:

• • The noise is intrusive for most of the working day

    • Approximately as noisy as a busy road, vacuum cleaner, etc.

  • You need to raise your voice to have a conversation when standing 2m apart for at least part of the day

  • Employees use power tools/machinery for more than half an hour each day

  • You work in an industry known for loud noises

  • There are noises due to impacts (hammering, pneumatic tools etc), or explosive discharges.

Situations in which safety issues related to noise will always need to be assessed are where:

• • Warning sounds are used to avoid or alert to dangerous situations.

  • Working practices rely on verbal communication.

  • There is work around mobile machinery or road traffic.

If any of the statements in the blocks with orange headers are true, then a risk assessment is necessary.

• • Risk assessments do not necessarily require objective measurement of noise levels, estimating based on literature is acceptable (and is Arcola's approach)

  • Look at the training presentation for guidance on completing risk assessments

Health surveillance must be provided to employees who are:

• • likely to be frequently exposed to noise above the upper action values.

  • at risk for any reason (already suffer from hearing loss, more sensitive to damage).

Theatre-specific guidance:

• When exposure is greater than 80dB, hearing protection must be offered to staff

• When exposure is greater than 85dB, hearing protection must be worn.#

• When noise in the venue exceeds 85dB, quiet areas (<80dB) must be provided for off duty staff.

• Areas where staff work constantly with loud music (i.e. the Bar during a club night) should not be facing the main PA where a band are playing. Locate bars in quiet ‘chill out’ rooms where the music level is below 80dB.

• There is a lot of guidance for theatres/bars/clubs, which makes it difficult to summarise, and the presentation/regulation must be consulted.