§ Dr. VisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment, Transport and the Regions if he will introduce legislation (1) to provide for noise warnings to be displayed on(a) ghetto blasters, (b) hi-fi equipment and (c) personal stereos and (2) for dance events to be prohibited from playing music at levels above 85 decibels. [30739]
§ Mr. MeacherRisks from noise exposure to people who work at music events are covered by the Noise at Work Regulations 1989, while the health and safety of members of the public who attend is governed by the general requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
In 1993 the Health and Safety Commission, the Home Office and the Scottish Office published a "Guide to Health, Safety and Welfare at Pop Concerts and Similar Events". That guidance recommended that audiences should not be allowed within 3 metres of any speaker at outdoor events and that audiences should be advised in advance if the sound level is likely to exceed 96 dB(A).
The Government do not consider it appropriate to extend legislation to provide warnings on music equipment that is for personal use.