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Posted By Lance Brown
Dear all,
We have a number of staff who listen to personal stereos through ear pieces while undertaking normal office tasks. I have been asked to look into the risk implications involved in this and what the company’s liability might be.
Questions for digestion!!!
1. Does the Noise at Work Regulations apply to this type of exposure?
2. Are there any guidance documents out there?
3. How would you measure this type of noise exposure?
Whilst I except that the earphones should not mask emergency warnings I would be reluctant to advocate a total ban as I see their use as beneficial from a stress viewpoint and also don't want to add fuel to the 'Safety bans fun' fire...
Has anyone else had to look into this or please feel free to post any thoughts?
Many thanks
Lance
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By Berg
The Noise at Work Regs ACOP only refers to noise tools and machinery etc.
There's little guidance referring to use of personal stereo's etc in the workplace however there is plenty of research data on Noise Induced Hearing Loss from using personal stereos, primarily in younger people who have not worked in noisy workplaces. Measurement of noise exposure from ear pieces requires some specialist kit, probably a few ££££'s.
I suggest a simple assessment - Can they hear alarms etc and communicate OK e.g. hold a normal conversation at 2metres then there's no problem.
In order to hear their music etc. the volume will be above the background noise level of the workplace. Therefore their noise exposure is increased.If you are near the action level of 80 dB(A) then you need to consider measures.
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Rank: Guest
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Posted By CFT
lance
Getting ready for incoming with white flag at the ready; this is an area that the HSE have not specifically addressed, (quite rightly so IMO, [although I understand some unpublished work is currently being carried out, watch this space])having so said I do believe your risk assessment plays a crucial part here, and I am not using the usual metaphor of "it's what the RA says!"
How do they hear the alarms, the machine performing badly, the, "oi, look out" warning from a colleague, etc etc; I use one fairly regularly, (I just got some Bose in ear jobbies, pretty darned good as well)and I know how much my concentration is impaired (dependant on what is playing) my mind wanders, I get into the groove, (showing age here) and I would say whilst it would pass the time and make my quality of life better if I were in a mundane job, I'd have to say that it would be a hazard (a serious one at that, dependant on use and location) and the risk of that consequence would need addressing.
On this, I really do not feel you are bringing H&S into disrepute, in the right (or wrong, whichever way you look at it) situation a ban would be a sensible and reasonable control measure.
On a side, a well known MP3 manufacturer is now using the disclaimer, "caution" 'ear protection may be necessary when using this equipment at volume levels exeeding the manufacturere guidlines!'
CFT
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