Rank: Forum user 
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We have few emplyees who, in data input roles would like to have their IPOD on.
I have advised its a no because we cant control their noise level while at work + they may not hear the fire alarm, although we have trained fire wardens who will sweep the area.
They think is is unduly harsh, 'elf & safety' again spoiling the fun. Anyone has similar?
Some desk based job like this can be gruelling i know but from my noise training this is what was taught.
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Rank: Forum user
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We have 1 or 2 people here who do that, but in an open plan quiet office the chances of them being abandoned during a fire alarm are slim.
Generally, I find that banning things on H&S grounds is uphill and only works in theory until the workforce agree that an outright ban is the only measure and is essential. In this case, you might encourage the staff to pake part in test soundings of the fire alarm system with their ipods at usual levels. If you can identify a safe maximum, they'll probably stick to it: if you ban ipods, they will probably ignore the ban, and you won't be able to prove they were acting in an unsafe way.
Of course, if you allow ipods at a safe level and then one of your staff misses a fire drill evacuation, I'd say that's good grounds for the strongest disciplinary action directed towards them individually.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Not the first time this or a similar question has been asked. There are two schools of thought here: a) let them use Ipods and it is up to them to use them sensibly b) they are at work and the employer should ensure they are not exposed to excessive noise.
Personally, I prefer option a) after all, outside of work people will use Ipods etc and therefore the employer has no control over noise levels, hence any claim for noise induced hearing loss is unlikely to succeed.
Finally, health and safety often has a bad name as the spoiler of people's fun and enjoyment. I think there are a lot more important things to worry about than whether a data inputter is using an Ipod. I dare say some will disagree with me...
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Rank: Forum user
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I must admit to being an iPod user myself, and in an open-plan office. The approach we've taken is that users are free to use their iPods (with headphones) as long as the noise levels are not offensive/disturbing to others - at the end of the day users have a duty of care to themselves and their work colleagues.
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Rank: Forum user 
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I have to agree on this one, we have several people who use an iPod to help them concentrate on their own work in an environment which has alot of people on the phone.
If were to ban iPod's because noise levels could stop them hearing the fire alarm, what about anyone who is hard of hearing or deaf.
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Rank: Super forum user
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We allow it in our open plan office.
As long as work or others in the office are not impacted we have no problems with it.
David
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Let them enjoy their music
How many fires have you had? What is the likelihood of a fire? Are escape routes accessible, within safe distance etc?
Those answers might suggest that you are concerned about a risk that is, in reality, exceptionally small and a RA would suggest that the no music control measure is unnecessary and perhaps unreasonable.
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Rank: Forum user
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I dont think they should be banned from offices, but do make them aware never to have the volume on full as it can reach up to 120dB!
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Rank: Forum user
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I don't think they should be banned either.
Curious to know how long it might take for someone listening to an iPod for more than a few hours every day to start to show any signs of hearing loss?
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Rank: Forum user
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I agree with the consensus of allowing them to be used.
I'd add to this side of the argument that they can aid in reducing stress levels - listening to any type of music has been proven to help, but especially music that the person wants to listen to.
After all, stress is more likely to occur than the fire, and (as already pointed out) as long as they're not over-loud than NIHL or nuisance noise should not be a problem either.
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