16 May 2008 08/105
Lower the volume for Noise Action Week
Make sure you show consideration and turn down the volume for
Noise Action Week.
From 19th to 23rd May during Noise Action Week, West Lancashire
District Council is encouraging everyone to consider the noise they
make and promote practical solutions and services available to
tackle noisemakers.
This year’s event is particularly poignant because the ‘Control
of Noise at Work Regulations 2005’ came into force for the music
and entertainment sector at the beginning of April 2008, with the
aim of improving general working conditions in relation to noise
risks for staff. So in light of this and to coincide with Noise
Action Week, officers from the Council’s Environmental Protection
Team will accompany Health and Safety officers on visits to several
premises directly affected by these new regulations. Those premises
not receiving visits can contact the Heath and Safety Section on
the telephone number below for advice on the regulations.
People can suffer hearing damage through exposure to loud music.
Persons exposed to such levels may include for example, bar staff.
So the Council will be visiting these types of premises to give
advice and support.
Cllr Martin Forshaw, Portfolio Holder for Environment and
Health, said: "Noise Action Week is a good opportunity to reinforce
awareness of duty holder’s responsibilities to the management of
noise risks. It recognises the need to work with local business as
a regulatory authority, in a manner that does not stop the public
enjoyment of music or damage the entertainment industry. Our visits
are designed to be both educational and informative, highlighting
the possible measures that can be taken to improve general working
conditions in relation to noise issues.
"We have a good track record in dealing with noise complaints
and residents can rest assured that we will not hesitate to take
action. "
The District Council's Environmental Protection Team is
responsible for investigating unwanted noise in the district. The
team works with local residents to solve noise problems, the most
common being loud music, barking dogs, burglar alarms, DIY and
general lifestyle noise.
The team offers the following advice for reducing noise:
· Music - Keep the volume and bass as low as possible, and keep
your speakers away from party walls
· Parties - warn your neighbours if you are going to have a loud
party
· Dogs - train your dog not to bark unnecessarily and do not leave
it alone for long periods
· Burglar alarms - ensure your burglar alarm has a 20 minute cut
off switch and appoint a key holder who can be contacted if the
alarm goes off. Remember, the Council can force entry into your
home to deactivate your alarm if it sounds for more than 20 minutes
and you will have to pay all costs...
· DIY - carry out all noisy DIY jobs during the day or at
weekends
· Lifestyle - avoid shouting or slamming doors
The Council has a duty to reduce or stop unwanted noise under
the Environmental Protection Act 1990 and the Noise and Statutory
Nuisance Act 1993 and can force entry into a house to turn off a
ringing alarm or seize stereo systems if necessary.
For further information, visit our noise complaint pages or contact the
Council's Environmental Protection team on 01695 577177.
Noise Action Week which is coordinated by NSCA every year,
supports organisations across the UK in raising awareness of noise
nuisance and how to tackle it.
Related information
> Environmental protection
> Noise
complaints