§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What were the results of the most recent set of measurements of noise levels in woodworking and heavy machinery shops in Hull and Albany prison respectively; when those measurements were taken, and whether they showed that the levels were within the limits specified by the Health and Safety Executive for working without ear protection.
§ The Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Elton)The most recent noise measurement at H.M. Prison Hull was in the woodmill on 23rd September 1983. The noise levels ranged from 92.5 dB(A)Leq to 105 dB(A). The most recent measurement at H.M. Prison Albany was in the woodmill in 1980 with levels of 92 to 109 dB(A) being recorded. These readings exceed the permitted levels of noise for working without ear protection. The only other workshop at these establishments subject to high noise levels is the vocational training furniture making workshop at Hull where a sound level warning device is fitted. Ear defenders are available in all these workshops for staff and inmates.