Posted By Rakesh Maharaj Gary, Two years ago I carried out a 4 day noise survey in a music class consisting of 15 12-15 yr olds in Berkshire. The Laeq's (Time Adjusted) for static measurements averaged 89.7dB(A) with the highest Laeq (not to be confused with Lmax) being 98.8dB(A) on day 2. Laepd - Personal Dosimetry averaged 88.9 dB(A). Here is an excerpt from that report. The total number of static and personal samples n = 16 'It is evident that 81% of all samples taken did not fall into the compliant category. The statutory position on offering hearing protection to employees takes effect when the 1st action level is exceeded. In this case 63.7% of all results falls between the first and second action levels and 18% of readings exceed the second action level. The practicality of offering personal protective equipment in the classroom context needs to be determined. ' Remember the actions levels referred to in the statement above are 85 and 90 respectively. From personal observation and analysing the octave band analysis charts, it appears that a significant proportion of the noise dose emanates from unruly kids screaming and shouting whilst banging chairs and jumping on tables. Hope this helps. Please feel free to contact me should you require further info. Kind regards R

Posted By Nigel Hammond A recording engineer once told me that he read somewhere that music is not as damaging to hearing than industrial noise because of the make-up of the sound. Could this be wishful thinking? or is there something in this. I suppose a lot of industrial noise is made up of a series of metalic impacts such as gear teeth clattering together - where as music is made-up of harmonics and tends not to involve metal objects hitting metal objects - even cowbells on a drum kit would involve wooden sticks hitting metal - so would not give the same impact noise. Just a thought. I suppose a more reliable way of looking into this would be epidemiological data on noise induced hearing loss in musicians - (Catagorised into classical musicians and heavy metal rock stars and Jazz performers).

Posted By Arran Linton - Smith Have you done any Audiometry measurements on a sample of the teachers concerned?

Posted By Nicholas Williams The HSE has formed a working party to prepare guidance primarily for the live music & entertainment industry in the light of the new NAW Regulations. The contact is Tarla.Patel@hse.gsi.gov.uk She will be able to expand on the work we are doing. Nick