Guidance on Noise at Work in the Music and Entertainment Sectors.

From 6 April 2008 the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 have applied to the music and entertainment sectors, which are defined in the Regulations as all workplaces where:

  • live music is played; or
  • recorded music is played in a restaurant, bar, public house, discotheque or nightclub, or alongside live music or a live dramatic or dance performance.

Employers in these sectors must assess and manage the risks to employees and freelancers from damage due to exposure to noise and put effective controls and protective measures in place to ensure the legal limits on noise exposure are not exceeded.

A 'Sound Advice' website (http://soundadvice.info/) has now been launched providing practical guidance on controlling noise at work in the music and entertainment sectors. This aims to control or reduce exposure to noise without stopping people from enjoying music and advises on what you need to know, what you need to do and how to make sure the controls put in place are effective for a variety of different venues and types of music. It covers pubs and clubs, concert halls and theatres, studios, schools and colleges, amplified live music, marching bands and freelancers. The guidance is also available in printed form. See http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/hsg260.htm.

The guidance has been developed and supported by representatives from a wide range of music and entertainment sectors, as well as Environmental Health Officers and the Health and Safety Executive.

Telephone: +44 (0) 1753 486 777 (Slough Office)
Telephone: +44 (0) 1189 596031 (Reading Office)