Posted By artisdeeian Hi everyone. What are your views on having redios in the factory (240v) may I add. I am aware of other hazardous implications these may have etc. But just a thought into how many have or are allowing these to be accepted. Regrds Ian.

Posted By Ian D. We allow radios on site and have added them to out PAT schedule. Just watch the volume, in one area we have had to marked the volume dial, because the radio volume was taking us above the 1st action level We have had no other problems with the use of radios. Regards Ian

Posted By Ken Taylor I've only banned them as part of rules and a code of practice for contractors working in areas occupied by others to whom the noise would be a nuisance (eg schools, care homes, offices). If employees in an appropriate workplace want them where there would be no noise nuisance or associated H&S issue, I think they should be accepted in the interest of good working relations, etc.

Posted By Charles Robinson Tech IOSH The following link to an artical from NORWICH UNION Risk Service Safe to listen to MP 3 Players at work http://www.nurs.co.uk/ne...367271321269473240_1.htm

Posted By Pete48 Ian, Agree with others that banning radios on H&S is not usually necessary in most workplaces subject to "approval and checking before use". However, some common problems with radios that need managing (from my experience). if more than one; then we always insisted that all tuned to the same channel, rota slots for favourite choices if these differ. Otherwise the cacophony of noise is awful. volume controls. blown speakers are common due to constant full volume. might not be able to hear the distortion but you will feel it at the end of a day. one persons music is another persons stress position and location; made specific locations for radios and speakers to be placed, avoids the speaker on the work bench syndrome (cos I cant hear it otherwise) piped or central system; you can fall foul of the copyright and broadcast laws without trying to hard in this area, check before doing it. emergencies; can employee still hear the alarms and other signals if the radios are playing. customer perception; radios heard playing in the background during telephone calls? radios playing in areas where customers are present?

Posted By lewes Yep you have to take into account of all noise exposure in the work place, including Radio and possible tannoys etc

Posted By Crim I'm surprised only one mention above of the need for a broadcasting license. Not sure what the fine is these days but probably more than a fine for not risk assessing noise etc. I worked at a factory some years ago where the license was paid for but there was a restriction on the broadcasting time, just a few hours each day/night. Best to have a company radio played over the tannoy with agreement on station? If individual radios are in use then who pays the license fee and who is responsibility for PAT and repairs etc.?

Posted By Andy Brazier Are radios double insulated? They are not usually earthed. In this case, is a PAT test needed or of any use? Presuming it is of a recognised design, unmodified and in good working order surely an initial check of plug, fuse and cable etc. would be enough. Andy

Posted By David Bannister Tabs, are you able to supply details of the court case please? This could be very persuasive if used in the correct way. Thanks.

Posted By lewes Merv is quite right (again, the bugger) MP3's or any kind of in ear device is the same as over protecting with hearing protection. Ie. have ear defenders that are too good, yes it can happen !!! Over protect and it can cause you more problems!!! Just else something to think of