Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage.
The hearing of your customers may be at risk and you have a legal duty to protect your staff.
Noise levels in social places in the UK such as pubs and clubs have tripled since the early 1980s.
73% of 18-30 year olds who regularly go clubbing often experience ringing in their ears or dullness of hearing after a night out. These are the warning signs of permanent hearing damage and this damage is irreversible.
86% of 18-30 year olds regularly visit pubs and clubs that are so loud they have to shout to make themselves heard. Noise levels that mean you cannot talk to people about 2m away without shouting are dangerously high.
How Can I Protect the Hearing of my Customers?
The RNID recommends that club and other venue owners:
Provide chillout space where noise levels do not exceed 80dB(A)
Publish noise levels for the dance floor, the bar and the chillout area, where they can be seen by staff and the public
Display consumer-friendly signs advising about hearing protection
Provide earplugs for free or make them available to buy
Clubs can download and display posters from the RNID website, to remind people of the dangers of excessive noise levels and publish the details of noise levels in each area.
Protecting Staff - Noise at Work Regulations
The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 apply to the music and entertainment sectors until 6 April 2008. After that date they will be replaced by the new Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005.
Guidance on employers' duties under both the current and new regulations is available on the Health and Safety Executive website.
