Rank: New forum user 
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I know that the pros and cons of radios in the workplace has been discussed over and over again - but I am hoping that someone can answer my specific Q
In an area where the second action level is often exceeded the wearing of hearing protection is quite rightly mandatory, and the use of radios is forbidden.
Noise surveys have been carried out a number of times and there are pockets in the area where Lep.d is > 90dBA
I know that it doesn’t make sense but there are always people that want radios introduced - when this is resisted I am asked to provide evidence that radios cannot be introduced. I can quote the Control of noise at work regs - but I cannot find anything anywhere that states specifically radios should not be used in an area where hearing PPE is mandatory. Help.
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Rank: Super forum user
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It is very doubtful if you will find it anywhere. The use of radios in a work environment is often banned by the employer as it can cause distraction from the work in hand. If you have such high levels of noise the radio would be happily playing away to itself most of the time. It is down to the employer to decide if a radio is permitted taking account of the possibility of distraction, but as I say probably not covered in any safety legislation.
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Rank: Super forum user
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We have a radio operating in our factory, with the main manufacturing floor noise levels around 83dB(A). After extensive noise sampling with the radio on / off I found, with the radio volume set at a reasonable level, masked alot of the machinery noise.
The key thing for us was the volume level and at the right level actually worked out quite well for us.
Now obviously we still have employees exposed to 83dB(A), so still educate staff about noise and provide ear defenders should they request them.
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Rank: Forum user
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There is no legislation or guidance for the use of radios in the workplace.Providing the noise in the workplace does not mask warning signals etc then there should be no reason why you cant have them on if everyone is happy with the music ! The psychological effect of having a radio on in the workplace, even if it cant be heard, is well documented. Hearing protection you say is being worn so operators may be getting 15 - 25 dB attenuation,or more, anyway, so they should be below 85dB(A). If your organisation goes down the route of forbidding radios then bear in mind the dreaded ipods! Staff may be wearing these under their hearing protectors which will make matters infinitely worse !
Allan
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Rank: Forum user
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Just another point to be aware of is the Performing Arts Society, as you will need a license to have the radio on in the factory and they will chase you for this license fee!
MG
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Rank: Super forum user
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as well as PAS there is copywrite and many employers use that to stop radios in the work place NB: copywrite is being enforced!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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In construction and maintenance contracts, playing of radios is usually prohibited by explicit contract terms (most if not all of the off-the-shelf 'terms of contract' include this). Nothing to do with health you understand, more about 'professionalism' and preventing nuisance in occupied buildings/ overlap contracts.
Of course this is widely ignored, but it does give the H&S professional something to fall back on!
p.s. Bob: I believe the word is "copyright".
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Rank: Super forum user
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There is nothing specific about radios in the Regulations. However have a read of Reg 6(2)
"If any employee is likely to be exposed to noise at or above an upper exposure action value, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures, excluding the provision of personal hearing protectors, which is appropriate to the activity."
It's hard to see how turning off or removing the radio in such an area above the UEAV can't be considered a reasonably practicable measure. Thus conversely it would not be acceptable to put a radio back into such an area unles it was playing so quietly that it couldn't be heard anyway.
For those who say "Oh it's Ok they are wearing hearing protection anyway", note that the reduction of noise below the UEAV should be by all reasonably practicable technical and engineering means first - like switching off the radio...
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Rank: Super forum user
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I found the biggest problems arose because different people
Liked different things. Things finally ended when there were
Four different radios playing various genres and stations. Since no
compromise could be reached, all were ended.
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Rank: Forum user
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What about hearing protection with a built in FM radio?
cures both issues in one go !!
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Rank: Forum user
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Surely in order for the radio to be heard over the machinery noise it would have to generate sound at or above the level of the machinery thereby actually increasing the noise exposure level.
Happy to be corrected if my understanding is wrong.
Geoff
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Rank: Moderator 
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Welcome to greengary and Rhodes22022, whom I note are both new posters.
I hope that the ensuing discussion helps you clarify your views.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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When I was new to a company a few years ago I did a tour of the maintenance depot and noticed the radio was playing very loudly, which was lowered in volume when someone saw me wincing. I never made a big deal of it and to be honest I did not want to start on a sour note. Can you imagine what would have been said about the new h&s manager...thereafter I never noticed the loud volume again, either they new I was coming or it was just a one-off, not really a big deal in my opinion anyway.
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