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 per cent 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 per cent 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
From 6 April 2008, the Control of Noise at Work regulations came into force for the music and entertainment industry, meaning every workplace in the UK is now covered by these regulations.
If staff are exposed to daily average volumes that could damage their hearing, the employer must take steps to protect them. There is more information about these regulations on the Don't Lose the Music website.
Guidance on employers' duties under the new regulations is also available on the Health and Safety Executive Sound Advice website.
