Health & Safety

Hazards in the working studio environment 

• Handling heavy objects must be done with extreme caution.

• Watch out for sharp edges or corners when using/carrying the equipment.

• Also treat electrical equipment with care.

• Caution must be used when cables are laid, they are tripping hazards so the use of coloured tape or rubber curbs will ensure they are noticed.

• When music is played, please ensure that it is at a sensible volume. If the volume is too loud it could lead to ear damage, an example of this would be Tinnitus.

• When using electrical equipment, there is a risk of exposed wires which, when live, could electrocute those who are unaware of the danger. 

• All electrical equipment must be serviced and certified to be safe in order to avoid any electrical problems.

To work in a studio environment, you must operate with a certain amount of caution and common sense. There are a reasonable amount of possible dangerous hazards in a studio, some are heavy, some require a large amount of electricity and therefore run the risk of electrocution and finally, some equipment may have cables running across the floor such as which ar tripping hazards.

When using any kind electrical equipment, are in small spaces, using tripping hazards e.g. cables or using computers for long periods of time, it is important to be aware of the possible health safety risks. It's important to identify these potential hazards and if any are spotted when using the recording studio equipment, they must be dealt with before the practical side of the project commences. Here are some of the health and safety issues that i have recognised and evaluated prior to entering the studio with my team mates and the band:

Cables: Cables are the most obvious and common tripping hazard in a recording studio environment. This is mostly down to the fact that microphones, amplifiers, instruments and other such equipment will be plugged into each other, DI boxes and so on throughout the day. They will also probably be moved and swapped around frequently during the session. This means that this tripping hazard will be constantly moving throughout the day so it is important to be vigilant while walking around the live rooms when instruments and microphones are in use to avoid personal injury and equipment damage.

Sound Pressure: Drums and Amplifiers in small spaces can and usually do reach high air pressure levels that can lead to hearing damage. It is important that this is considered in a studio as musicians and producers require the use of their ears for their trade. This health and safety issue can be combatted by wearing noise cancelling headphones or alternatively ear plugs to reduce the pressure entering the ears. Another option is to sit the musician in a separate room to where the noise source is when recording amplified instruments.

Fire Hazards: Due to the vast amount of electrical equipment being used in a recording studios there is a small possibility of electrical fires if a particular piece of equipment were to overheat. The university studio’s walls are covered in foam sound proofing as well as poor ventilation due to the noise the vents can make, both of these can be an additional fire hazard should one arise. It is important that if a small fire is discovered that you have the ability to tackle it with one of the studio’s wall mounted extinguishers, alternatively if the fire is too large you must evacuate the studio and the building immediately and call 999 for the fire service.

Use of computers: If using a computer for an extended period of time it is important that you take regular breaks to avoid damaging your eyes or even you back if your sitting posture is poor. Always sit up straight with the computer monitor at eye level to avoid straining any muscles. The same goes for listening to loud music for extended periods of time as this has the ability to reduce the range of your hearing over time if regular breaks are not taken.