Sound Advice
New regulations are due to come in to force to protect workers from loud noise.
New regulations are due to come in to force to protect workers from loud noise.
From April 1, the Control Noise at Work regulations 2005 will apply to the entertainment sector. The new regulations mean that any premises that have discos, dancing, live music, karaoke or play amplified music will have to assess the risk to an employee’s hearing.
Lancaster City Council will be writing to businesses likely to be affected by the legislation. Over half a million people work in bars, pubs, clubs and slot machine arcades in the UK. There is a serious risk of hearing damage to workers who are exposed to loud music at work.
Reducing exposure to loud noise may involve changes to shift patterns, job rotation, noise limiters on speaker systems or the use of earplugs.
Council staff will also be visiting premises to advise them of the new rules.
Coun David Kerr, cabinet member with responsibility for Environmental Health, said : "In the Lancaster and Morecambe area a large number of people are employed in the hospitality trade. Many of these are young and are particularly vulnerable to hearing problems as a result of being exposed to loud music.
"The new regulations will reduce the noise that staff such as bar persons, glass collectors and DJs are exposed to.
"Lancaster City Council's Environmental Health staff are keen to work with businesses to achieve compliance."
Further advice is available from Lancaster City Council’s environmental health staff on 01524 582731 or 582717.
Date Updated: 19/03/09