Regulations
First, the noise parameters on which they are based. Thus
- below 75-80 decibels, noise acts on the ear without causing damage
- as Alison Wright Reid puts it, the ear is working within its design
parameters;
- above about 75-80 decibels, the ears are damaged by noise, but effect
a degree of repair;
- above about 150-140 decibels, the noise energy causes severe and
irreparable damage to the ear - the stereocilia are broken, not just
tired out!
It is expected that eventually the Regulations will become stricter; but for the present, in very summary form, they say: -
-
Reg 2 Ascertaining the daily personal noise level takes no account
of any personal ear protection used, eg ear plugs.
- 'The first action level' means a daily personal noise exposure
of 85 decibels;
- 'The second action level' means a daily personal noise exposure
of 90 decibels
- 'The peak action level' means a level of peak sound pressure of
200 Pascals.
- the risk of damage to that employee's hearing that such exposure
may cause;
- what steps that employee can take to minimise that risk;
- the steps that that employee must take in order to obtain the personal
ear protectors
Exposure is construed as happening only at work;
Reg 4 When an employee is likely to be exposed to the first action level or above, the employer shall ensure that a competent person makes a noise assessment, which provides the information to enable him to take the action required under the regulations.
Reg 5 Records of assessments made must be kept.
The employer "shall reduce the risk of damage to the hearing of employees from exposure to noise to the lowest level reasonably practicable"
Reg 8 When an employee is likely to be exposed to the first action level or above, the employer shall, at the request of the employee, provide "suitable and efficient personal ear protectors".
Every employer shall provide personal ear protection to an employee where exposure to the 'first and second action' levels or above is likely; such provision should be reasonably be expected to keep the risk of damage to the employee's hearing below that expected from exposure to 'peak action' levels.
Reg 10-2 Every employee shall fully and properly use personal protectors where they are provided by the employer.
Reg 11 Every employer shall in respect of any premises under his control provide each of his employees who is likely to be exposed to the first action level or above or to the peak action level or above with adequate information, instruction and training on -
It needs also to be borne in mind that work includes self-employed work. As far as the Regulations are concerned - and this goes for most Health and Safety legislation - the self-employed are their own employer and their own employee and so must comply with both sets of duties.
The Somerset Music Service has drawn up a Health and Safety Code of Practice for the Instrument Tutors it employs. The LEA and the Somerset Music Service have kindly agreed to our reproducing this Code for the benefit of other LEAs and Music Services which, having undertaken a careful assessment of the risks to which their staff may be exposed, may be considering taking similar action. A copy of the Code is attached to this article as a PDF file. The Head of the Music Service has generously offered to assist any colleagues who are contemplating drawing-up a similar Code.
Open the Somerset Music Service Code of Practice document. (Right-click
to download)Postscript
An interesting sidelight in Alison's study concerns the difference between welcome and unwelcome noise and our physical and mental health. As with so many "conditions/health problems", we are less vulnerable if, generally, we are relaxed and our overall health is good. In those circumstances, our tolerance even of unwelcome noise is likely to be greater. If, on the other hand, we are stressed and not in good health, unwelcome noise, especially if it is loud, has the potential to inflict damage to our ears.
Introduction - Regulations
* "A Sound Ear" an overview, written by Alison Wright Reid, of the risks and solutions based on information in the public domain, unpublished reports held by orchestras in the UK and elsewhere in Europe, new research and the informally expressed opinions of orchestral managers, players and researchers. Copy of the report obtainable from the ABO; email address info@abo.org.uk
ISBN 0 9536789 3 8
IKW/7 May 2002
© copyright MusicEd 2002.
