Sorry, what?!!!!!!

How loud is your music? How loud are multiple barbells dropping in a workout?

Did you know you have a health & safety requirement to staff to keep noise below harmful levels and provide training and ear protection if certain levels can’t be met?

Any noise above 85dB is classed as harmful. Over time loud noises can cause damage to the hair cells of the inner ear and cause permanent hearing damage. It is recommended that noises above 80dB are avoided.

For reference, normal conversation is around 60dB, and shouted conversation around 90-95dB.

Whilst this applies to staff rather than members of the public, it is also crucial to be mindful of the effects that loud music and dropping weights has over time. Taking noise levels into consideration shows that you take your Duty of Care responsibilities seriously. Health and Safety Law is complex and far reaching and businesses have a legal obligation for the welfare of all who visit, not just employees. It is therefore advised that gyms ensure music does not exceed the recommended safe levels.
The HSE have useful online calculators to help you work out daily and weekly noise exposure levels.

By using a noise monitor to gauge levels of activities, and then randomly and frequently take readings during classes and record these accordingly, risks can be properly assessed and steps taken to reduce the potential for hearing damage.

Providing ear protection such as ear plugs for members to use if they so wish may be a sensible solution if levels are found to be in excess and can’t be reduced further. Other methods may be to look into more sound absorbing flooring, adopt a policy of no dropping of weights, and capped volumes on music systems.

The hearing of children and young people is also far more sensitive than adults. This is yet another reason not to have adult classes in your gym running alongside kids sessions.

From an environmental point of view, avoid loud volumes especially during early morning classes as there are further restrictions on noise levels 11pm-7am.

Want to find out more? Contact us at riskmanagement@crossfitellipsis.com

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