floppymute
Member
Somebody please tell me I've made a mistake with the calendar and today is April 1st !
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11428833
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-11428833
Army Musicians to wear earplugs -this is unbelievable!
- Thread starter floppymute
- Start date
David Mann
Member
It's not really unbelievable. They are right about the levels and the potential damage it can cause. I have my hearing checked every year at work. Last time the nurse noted a significant loss in the mid-frequencies, but I don't get exposed to noise as part of work, only during music. The problem is that I'd find it very difficult to conduct or play with earplugs in, I think. At the moment my hearing is OK but if occupational health notice more deterioration I'll need to think about how to preserve it. Giving up music isn't an option!
on_castors
Member
I have lost a fair bit of hearing this way too. Audiometry shows loss very similar to industrial hearing loss, although I have had little exposure due to that sort of cause.
Interestingly, as we have played in the same band, part of the time, some of it must be YOUR fault, and some of your loss is MY fault, mind you I put most of mine down to percussion, being next to the shed-builders for much of that time! (Euphs & Baritones often have to tolerate crazy volumes from Trombones; and Front row cornets get a lug-hole beating from back row cornets [all depending on band layout of course]; and I reckon they may well get more than their fair share of the highest levels too.)
As exposure to noise is also time related, as well as volume, then reducing the time of exposure to loud noise will help, therefore wearing protection or using screens in rehearsals is very practical, doing this during performance is much less so, this could work as a suitable compromise for most bands, depending on the situation.
BTW, lengthy discussion of hearing loss related to playing and how it might apply to non-work environments (ie. amateur bands) has been done before, at GREAT length if anyone wants to talk about it, then read or revive that thread, it is really a different issue to this, this is a very specific situation, these bands have to conduct noise assessments and use appropriate measures to meet the regulations, no choice.
The HSE sets limits as to how much noise a person should be exposed to in an average 8 hour working day. It used to be 85 and 90 dB limits but has now been reduced slightly. These limits are there to say that if you are exposed to this level OVER AN 8 HOUR PERIOD you run significant risk of hearing damage.
The only way to check this is for individual to wear a logging/profiling noise dosimeter on their person for the working day - which is done in places of work.
So if a member of the armed forces has worn one of these dosimeters for his working day and including band practice his average level of exposure is greater than 85dB then he needs to be protected. The noise limits are an average over the time NOT JUST REHEARSALS as a rehearsal noise level will obviously be significantly higher than say when he is at lunch or doing other activities.
The only way to check this is for individual to wear a logging/profiling noise dosimeter on their person for the working day - which is done in places of work.
So if a member of the armed forces has worn one of these dosimeters for his working day and including band practice his average level of exposure is greater than 85dB then he needs to be protected. The noise limits are an average over the time NOT JUST REHEARSALS as a rehearsal noise level will obviously be significantly higher than say when he is at lunch or doing other activities.
on_castors
Member
Of course, but one method of reducing exposure COULD be for example the use of screens and earplugs during rehearsals, which means the short time during performances that higher exposure is experienced will still not result in OVERALL exposure over the action level - in exactly the same situation where a workman in a factory might need to be protected by enclosing a machine he works on much of the time, but when he is working in an other area say doing maintenance work, a portable version of that machine may be just as loud, but as he will only be using it for a few minutes a day in that situation, an enclosure is not practicable, but as he will only work on it for shorter periods, then that could still come well within the exposure limits overall. That's the reason for assessments, and properly done could highlight better or more flexible way than use of ear plugs, which are in any case the least suitable way of minimising exposure.
Different situations will call for different approaches. e.g I would imagine exposure outside during parades will be generally a little lower than those indoors too, and a lot of time will be spent standing around and drilling instead of playing only.
It's a common mistake, assuming certain things are absolute, when there can be and often are more flexible options - that was what the entire Health & Safety at Work Act was all about in the first place when it was designed, but Daily Mail style knocking of " 'elf & Safety." misses that point when those with too little knowledge think they know how to comply with it, and silly stuff such as bans on watering hanging baskets, and stops schoolboys playing conkers results!
on_castors
Member
Whether they sue or not, it's still a legal requirement, and actually has been for some considerable time, just an example of something that has been ignored for to long, in effect giving those exposed in the meantime PLENTY of grounds to sue for any hearing loss incurred in that time!
Possibly the situation in the case you refer to, as it is an area that has been conveniently "missed" by employers and enforcers alike! The 2005 Regulations expanded Noise in more specific duties in more specific places, but the duty to protect employees has been there since the Act came into force.
In a previous employment with a building firm, I visited the REME bandroom at Arborfield to look at pricing a job.
The room was laid out with oversize stands, which were to protect the front row players from the excessive volume from behind. (As these would be mostly wodwind, I didn't see the problem).
The screens had proved only partly successful, as had the ear plugs which had been tried previously. The next plan was to install tiered staging, so the sound from behind could travel over the top of those in front. (Presumably to the detriment of the MD's hearing)
The staging was to be formed of timber framework with ply on top, then carpet to try to negate what would have been a very large soundbox.....
I left the firm before any tender was awarded, so am unable to confirm whether the work actually went ahead, though I have to say it would have cost a significant sum....
The room was laid out with oversize stands, which were to protect the front row players from the excessive volume from behind. (As these would be mostly wodwind, I didn't see the problem).
The screens had proved only partly successful, as had the ear plugs which had been tried previously. The next plan was to install tiered staging, so the sound from behind could travel over the top of those in front. (Presumably to the detriment of the MD's hearing)
The staging was to be formed of timber framework with ply on top, then carpet to try to negate what would have been a very large soundbox.....
I left the firm before any tender was awarded, so am unable to confirm whether the work actually went ahead, though I have to say it would have cost a significant sum....
iancwilx
Well-Known Member
StellaJohnson
Active Member
pardon?
MoominDave
Well-Known Member
Here's a novel idea. Get your band to invest (it won't cost much) in a set of 1930s instruments. Those old Boosey Class As and Hawkes Artist's Perfected things still play well if they haven't suffered poor treatment over the years (and sometimes better in tune than modern instruments...). Then teach them to put an appropriately smaller amount of air through those smaller instruments.
Hey presto - a quieter band that still has character to the sound. Let's abandon this bigger=louder=better arms race that changed the intent of the sound of bands in the 60s and 70s. We'd all feel better for it.
Hey presto - a quieter band that still has character to the sound. Let's abandon this bigger=louder=better arms race that changed the intent of the sound of bands in the 60s and 70s. We'd all feel better for it.
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on_castors
Member
Why would any percussion player be subject to these Regulations?
I have seen some odd percussive effects in my time, but so far nothing that would come close.
Apart from Vibraphones, what powered machinery do they ever use; & what's the odds that the action level would be exceeded even if they were playing one? Whole body vibration? That needs a pretty rocky stage to play on!
So, unless a piece calls for chain saw juggling, then I think it's fair to relax on this issue, and worry about how it would be notated, AFTER carrying out a general Risk Assessment first!
floppymute
Member
I'm finding it hard to believe that so many have taken this so seriously. Are the bands honestly expected to maintain musical standards when this kind of 'nannying' is happening?
Whilst I have sympathy for anyone with hearing loss..and yes, I'm one of them to a slight degree after 25 years as a professional brass teacher..I don't recall any army musician being drafted into the bands these days. They all knew what they were getting into.."if you can't stand the heat" etc.
Just another example of our 'Health & Safety' nanny state interfering again.
Rant over
Whilst I have sympathy for anyone with hearing loss..and yes, I'm one of them to a slight degree after 25 years as a professional brass teacher..I don't recall any army musician being drafted into the bands these days. They all knew what they were getting into.."if you can't stand the heat" etc.
Just another example of our 'Health & Safety' nanny state interfering again.
Rant over
on_castors
Member
This sort of thing is in use already. Lots of different approaches, but screens are to be seen in musical programmes on TV even, usually more minimal than those that would be used on a daily basis.
Some interesting examples of implementing this sort of scheme:
http://www.soundadvice.info/thewholestory/san12.htm
There is also information for Marching Bands too.
The professional Music world is comparatively "up and running" on this sort of thing. It is typical that some journalist has got hold of something and published it, making it seem like it is something new, when the only thing it illustrates is that we in the Brass Band world haven't a clue what is happenig in the real world!
on_castors
Member
I'm finding it hard to believe that so many have taken this so seriously. Are the bands honestly expected to maintain musical standards when this kind of 'nannying' is happening?
Whilst I have sympathy for anyone with hearing loss..and yes, I'm one of them to a slight degree after 25 years as a professional brass teacher..I don't recall any army musician being drafted into the bands these days. They all knew what they were getting into.."if you can't stand the heat" etc.
Just another example of our 'Health & Safety' nanny state interfering again.
Rant over
A little knowledge is a very dangerous thing.
floppymute
Member
Years of having to deal with ridiculous 'Health & Safety' pronouncements are more dangerous..to my sanity!
waynefiler
Member
I'm an army musician who has recently got my earplugs and whilst it's proving difficult to get used to them, in the long run it's a good idea. I value my hearing and want to keep it for the rest of my life. My band have the clear sound boards and in my opinion they don't work well enough for them to be fully effective. We also have tiered staging but all that does is direct the sound into the backs of peoples heads.
I do have reservations about the use of these ear plugs, I am worried that it will affect standards of musicianship amongst the corps. The plugs don't eliminate the sound but reduce the decibels. I have two sets of filters for my plugs which reduce levels by 9db and 15db. It takes the edge off the noises made but it does make it difficult to hear tuning and intonation between section members.
From my limited experience, these plugs are going to take a bit of getting used to, I can't see them working on parades or small ensembles such as dinner nights when hearing is difficult without plugs, but in confined areas they'll be perfect.
Once again, I value my hearing and shall be using mine.
You give tradesmen specialised boots and breathing apparatus along with ear defenders for loud work places... Why not bands?
I do have reservations about the use of these ear plugs, I am worried that it will affect standards of musicianship amongst the corps. The plugs don't eliminate the sound but reduce the decibels. I have two sets of filters for my plugs which reduce levels by 9db and 15db. It takes the edge off the noises made but it does make it difficult to hear tuning and intonation between section members.
From my limited experience, these plugs are going to take a bit of getting used to, I can't see them working on parades or small ensembles such as dinner nights when hearing is difficult without plugs, but in confined areas they'll be perfect.
Once again, I value my hearing and shall be using mine.
You give tradesmen specialised boots and breathing apparatus along with ear defenders for loud work places... Why not bands?