8 replies to this topic

[bibi]

Hi Everyone,

I was just wondering what everyone thinks about having music in a food production area?

Is it safe in terms of the noise/hearing?

Does it potentially cause cross contamination dangers if people are changing the radio channel for instance?

What about having an ipod with speakers for example and letting it run on a playlist outside the production area? Is that considered a personal item in the work place?

Is there a BRC standard or any other H&S guidance on this issue?

I appreciate your comments and feedback.

Thanks,
Bibi

[AS NUR]

IMEX... Music can disturb the production operator, becausemusic make operator not intense to monitor they equipment... so.. if somethink bad happen operator cannot fix imediately...

[a_andhika]

Dear bibi,

I agree with AS Nur. Music only create disturbance in production area, instead of making them feel relaxed or full willing to work. Even when we work at noisy area, we use the earplug, not the earphone and listen to the music.

I think radio/music at production area would not gives direct influence to H&S issue. But the distraction and loosing concentration because listen to the radio/music might cause serious accident.


Regards,


Arya

[Ayayay]

Hi All,
I agree that music in productiona area can more or less disturb production process. Of course listening pleasant music is good but this way operator couldn't concentrate to his work. And if the music is played through speakers it is not proper for the hearing.
The most enjoyable and proper way is to listen music during breaks.
Regards: Ayayay

[Simon]

In the UK (EU) now the level at which workers must wear hearing protection is 85 decibels (if they are exposed for long periods of time). This is very, very low in my experience. Music on speakers at any decent level will exceed this and so is pointless being on, especially if there is background noise from general work and machinery. A normal conversation can exceed 85 decibels. In my opinion the legislation has gone too far, it was 90 previously and the 5 decibels less makes a big difference. That said the law is made based on scientific evidence and that is more reliable than my gut feel.

Music off. Unfortunately.

Regards,
Simon

[Jean]

Food production areas are usually constructed with tiles which can result in the sounds from the machines to echo as the sound waves rebound from the walls or floors. This can exceed the legal limits as Simon mentioned. This is more of a Health and Safety issue and there should be guidance on the same. I believe no authorities would recommend having music in food rooms. Working in the manufacturing or catering units, I believe one is always prone to excessive exposures to noise and therefore find a solution to reduce the hazard (sound).

[Jean]

In our company, we do not allow the workers to use mobiles or even a walk man for listening to music. No radio are allowed either.

[AS NUR]

In the UK (EU) now the level at which workers must wear hearing protection is 85 decibels (if they are exposed for long periods of time). This is very, very low in my experience. Music on speakers at any decent level will exceed this and so is pointless being on, especially if there is background noise from general work and machinery. A normal conversation can exceed 85 decibels. In my opinion the legislation has gone too far, it was 90 previously and the 5 decibels less makes a big difference. That said the law is made based on scientific evidence and that is more reliable than my gut feel.

Music off. Unfortunately.

Regards,
Simon

In mycountry the maximum level of sound in production area is 85 Decibles too..and for the reason, i think that same with as simon state...

[Dr Vu]

Each person in my plant works alone in each room plus we do not make loads of noise therefore we allow music provided it doesnt sit on any food contact surface.

operators undergo training on how to handle the company provided radios plus they have dedicated stands specifically built for the radios.

thanks

Vu