http://www.uk-legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20051643.htm

Just a reminder of another bit of legislation that comes into force on the 6th April 2008 to make our lives a bit more difficult.

My understanding is that if noise levels go above 85db then you have to provide some form of protection such as earplugs to any helpers/roadies/employees. Not sure what the position is about using them yourself (unless you are a limited company in which case you will be an employee)

The other alternatives is to use a noise meter and keep the volume below 85db.

I don't agree.

If you go to the schedule to those regs you will find the exposure is calculated in accordance with the formula:
which is actually (to simplify it somewhat) a calculation of the average noise exposure over a working day.
It used to be called the 8hour leq, or (give or take) the exposure equivalent to that averaged over a notional 8 hour working day.

So its not a simple peak XdB(A) measurement dictates hearing protection, its more a question of how your overall levels would equate to your exposure over a complete working day.

You still need to keep levels controlled, but provided they are reasonable, you probably would not exceed the calculated levels. Can't say the same for a loud club or live band setup though.

Individual sound level meter readings would only mislead you.

The sound level is measured at the point of employment, so it is behind the decks for djs and behind the bar for bar staff. It is not the level on the dance floor

We were given a demo at SEDA and it was surprisingly loud anyway. Most of you would not excede it behind the decks. . Just make sure the bar is not excessively high. We were also given advice about ear protection.

..for which legislation is already in place! Venue owners must take all reasonable precautions to ensure the safety of customers whilst on the premises including exposure to harmful noise levels.

I cant remember which HSE ruling this falls under.....

A bit of common sense is required with noise levels.

If it is painful in front of the speakers then it is too loud.

If they cant hear it at the back then clearly iti s not loud enough.


Max sound level regs has been around for many years.

I remember seeing Status Quo in 1977 in Glasgow and couldnt hear for three days afterwards !

Saw Quo in 2006 and they were just right.

Not necessarily. It's often that the people at the back are getting a poor balance of the frequency range, usually tending to be too heavy on the bottom end and too light on the tops. This leads to poor comprehension of the amplified sound, but it's not definitively a volume issue.

Since I started concentrating on substantially lowering my average volume at weddings, I've found that all of my guests can hear a lot more clearly, but that's also to do with my PA choice of course.