Tell us what you think
Studios
What do you need to do?
- Carry out a noise risk assessment
- If necessary, control, reduce and monitor people's exposure to noise in studios
- You should be able to keep performance noise down, irrespective of the balance achieved at the mixing desk
- When there is no audience, you have greater flexibility over the layout of musicians
Steps you can take to assess the risk include:
- Write, distribute and monitor a noise policy for your studio
- Clarify the responsibilities and confirm the arrangements
- Assess the risk
- Monitor noise levels
- Keep a record of who is exposed to noise and when and provide feedback
Steps you can take to reduce exposure to noise include:
- Plan sessions and access to studio areas
- Reduce monitor speaker levels in the performance area and the control room
- Position people and equipment where they do not create a risk for other players
- Use acoustic controls such as screens, drapes and floor covering
- Information, instruction and training: Encourage musicians and technicians to be aware of their own exposure and identify potential problems
- Provide personal hearing protection for people who need it, but only after all the other controls are in place, or while you are waiting for those controls to be implemented
Hearing health checks: make sure people at risk are regularly monitored