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There are not many activities in a Church or Place of Worship that would usually be considered as "noisy". However, people that play organs and other musical instruments, bell ringers and people using headphones could be at risk from hearing loss if care is not taken. It is not just maintenance staff using loud equipment that need to worry.
The term "noise" here included any noise or sound, whether it is wanted or not. Sound and noise levels are measured in decibels, often written as dB.
Limits
All damage to hearing is preventable and it is important to protect people's hearing. The majority of damage occurs over time. The risks are controllable, not just through using earplugs or other protective equipment – try to lower the noise at the source first.
A sign that there is too much noise is that you need to shout to be heard. If you have difficulty having a conversation with someone that is just 2 metres away, you are likely to have a noise problem. People might suffer temporary hearing loss, and this clears up in a few hours. More serious are the cases when people complain of a constant whistling, ringing or buzzing in the ears and serious hearing loss.
There are a number of action levels set for a "daily personal noise exposure" and peak levels at which action needs to be take to reduce noise or provide hearing protection:
- 80dB(A) daily personal noise exposure / 135dB(C) peak level.
A Risk Assessment is needed and hearing protection provided to personnel if they ask.
- 85dB(A) daily personal noise exposure / 137 dB(C) peak level.
Again, a Risk Assessment is needed. Hearing protection equipment must be provided and used by personnel. The area should be marked by warning signs. There should be measures taken to limit or reduce the noise produced.
- 87dB(A) daily personal noise exposure / 140dB(C) peak level.
These are the absolute maximum volume levels permitted for staff.
For comparison, a loud radio is about 65-75dB(A), a domestic smoke alarm is about 85-95dB(A) and a heavy lorry about 7 metres away is 95-100dB(A).
The daily personal noise exposure level relates to the amount of noise that someone is subjected to over an 8-hour period. For short amounts of time, the permitted maximum sound level is likely to be higher, providing it is within the peak level. A competent person should assess if the daily personal noise exposure level is above the action levels.
Any equipment provided for personnel, such as ear defenders, need to be suitable for the task and will be accepted by staff. It is essential that this equipment is maintained. People need to be informed about the noise they are exposed to and training on the use of protective equipment might be needed.
If there is a choice, try to reduce the amount of noise rather than using hearing defenders. Lower the volume of sound systems (especially when playing loud live music, such as from a worship band) and reduce vibrations from equipment. Personal Protective Equipment should always be considered as a last resort.
Equipment
Sound systems are fitted in many Churches and Places of Worship. Special boxes are available that connect to sound systems to limit the output volume. Two methods are currently in use: one has a device that lowers the volume of the system automatically if it gets too loud, the second gives an amber light warning when the limit is being approached and will cut the power if it is exceeded. It would be typical to monitor the sound levels when loud music is being played using a sound level meter.
Similarly, when headphones are in use, it is advisable to ensure that there is a limiting device fitted to the headphones or there is some method in use to keep the volume down. People who use headphones are at specific risk because there is a tendency to turn up the volume louder than if loudspeakers were being used.
Some pieces of maintenance equipment, such as drills and nail guns, can generate loud volume levels. The typical precautions would be to use hearing protection where this is necessary. With this kind of equipment, follow the manufacturer's guidance on any special precautions needed.
Those parts of a Church or Place of Worship that house bells or similar equipment should be securely locked shut and only be opened to allow authorised personnel access for maintenance and similar duties. A warning sigh should be easily visible to warn people of the noise hazard, and that hearing protection might be needed.
Organists could be at risk. For many organists, the exposure to the sound should not be above the limits because of the amount of time that they play the instrument. If this is not the case, ensure suitable breaks from organs and other sound-producing equipment.
In any case, if in doubt, ensure that a competent person takes measurements and establishes whether or not personnel are working within the limits of exposure to sound.
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