Actions taken to prevent risk:
- Upon entry to the venue, there were multiple signs stating that there would be a loud noise environment and strobe lighting.
- To combat the high noise level exposure, we offered earplugs to both audience and participants.
- We placed silver gaffer tape over trip hazards because it is easily visible against the black flooring and cables in both dark and lit settings.
- All of the equipment used had an up-to-date PAT test.
- We followed the correct manual handling procedures.
- All lighting equipment was hung by a professional and no unauthorised persons used ladders.
- The fire alarm had been tested regularly.
Health and Safety Legislation:
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 is a law that requires you to reduce or eliminate noise levels that put people at risk at work. Although these regulations do not apply to those who are not at work but are still exposed to risks to their health and safety from noise, section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 may apply instead (Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks (pack of 5) 2012). You must provide hearing protection, for example, ear plugs for noise levels above 85 decibels (dBs), once this reaches 87dBs or higher, you have passed the exposure limit. To combat this you may add a noise limiter on top of the hearing protection you provide (Employers’ responsibilities – legal duties).
The Live Music Act 2012 is the amended version of the Licensing Act 2003 to apply to live music events that are between 8 AM – 11 PM, at licensed premises and, with an audience of 500 or less. The amendments were made, with public safety and the prevention of public nuisance and crime as well as other potential hazards or other negative impacts on the event and the 2003 Act’s objectives. It means that there is no need to hold a license for live ‘unamplified’ music between the hours mentioned above. (Woodhouse, 2019).
The Electricity At Work Regulations 1989 covers both electrical and fire safety. If you are putting on an event, your venue will need to obtain a license from the local authority.
Bibliography:
Employers’ responsibilities – legal duties (no date) Noise: Employers responsibilities – legal duties. Health and Safety Executive. Available at: https://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/employers.htm#:~:text=There%20are%20also%20levels%20of,pressure%20of%20140%20dB(C) (Accessed: May 4, 2023).
EXECUTIVE., G.R.E.A.T.B.R.I.T.A.I.N.H.E.A.L.T.H.A.N.D.S.A.F.E.T.Y. (2012) Noise at work: A brief guide to controlling the risks (pack of 5). HSE Books.
Woodhouse, J. (2019). London. Available at: https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/SN06996/SN06996.pdf (Accessed: May 4, 2023).