Noise "limiters" should become mandatory in nightclubs to control dangerously excessive levels, according to a Western Health Board study.
The study, carried out by the board in Galway, Mayo and Roscommon during a three-month period to last December, found 66 per cent of nightclubs exceeded the 100 decibels (average) standard set by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Some 86 per cent exceeded the 110 decibel maximum level set by the WHO.
Some 36 per cent of music bars surveyed surpassed the 100 decibels standard, and 71 per cent were over the 110 decibel maximum level. In all of the establishments employees were exposed to noise levels exceeding 90 decibels (average). Staff exposed to such levels should by law be wearing hearing protection.
The highest level was recorded in one establishment at 109.3 decibels average, and for 10 per cent of the time it was 113 decibels. Hearing damage to staff could occur in less than seven minutes, without adequate protection, the study notes. Using the 85 decibels (average) level agreed by most scientists, a patron in this nightclub would be prone to hearing damage after only 56 seconds.
A total of 18 nightclubs and 13 music bars were examined in the study. The establishments targeted by environmental health officers were those where the largest number of young people gather.
Legislation has been passed to protect workers from overexposure to noise in the workplace. However, there are no legal standards in place for noise levels in music bars or nightclubs to protect clients.
The wearing of hearing protection by employees is legally mandatory and employers must post appropriate notices in the workplace to identify it as a noisy area. The "guidelines" for patrols state that they should not be exposed to sound levels greater that 100 decibels during a four-hour period more than four times a year.
The report says that employers need to carry out assessments and take steps to ensure compliance with Safety Health and Welfare at Work legislation.