The Fit to Sing Code of Practice is designed to ensure that a minimum standard for working environments in which vocalists are rehearsing and performing across the UK.
We encourage spaces in which vocalists work to demonstrate a commitment to environmental conditions which are suitable for vocal work, and we encourage employers to formalise this commitment to ensuring these conditions are met in any space they are asking singers to audition, rehearse, practise or perform in.
Those who adopt this code of practice recognise that spaces may need to be adapted and modified, within reason, to create optimal conditions for vocalists to work safely, and maintain their short and long-term vocal and auditory health.
This guidance is designed to be achievable by all spaces in which singers work, be they large or small. Its purpose is to celebrate good practice, encourage better practice and inform singers and engagers.
Note: In addition to the points listed here, all venues in which singers are working are expected to meet statutory law and guidance for health and safety.
- Clear guidance should be available on the use, capacity and accessibility of spaces.
Clear information on size, dimensions, and specifications of singing spaces and wider buildings is available. Within the area individuals will be singing, there should be sufficient space and high enough ceilings for the number of singers working to ensure that noise levels remain within safe levels.
Consideration should be given to what other measures might be required in the space, such as acoustic screens, perspex screens (eg: protection from percussion) ear plugs, sufficient space and power for vocal microphones and vocal monitors, if vocalists are working with amplified instruments.
Consideration should be given to sound-absorbing materials that can be altered / removed, to avoid interference with acoustics in the space. Find more sound advice on the HSE website. -
Adequate buildings, contents, fixtures & fittings and public liability insurance should be in place.
Your policy must be with an authorised insurer, and the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has a list of these. Check the FCA register.
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A supply of fresh and free drinking water should be available.
Water will be supplied either through a mains water supply or a water dispenser.
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Clean, well-stocked, well-lit and ventilated bathroom facilities should be available, accommodating users of all genders.
The Health and Safety Executive’s Approved Code of Practice stipulates:
Number of people at work Number of toilets Number of washbasins 1-5 1 1 6-25 2 2 26-50 3 3 51-75 4 4 76-100 5 5 -
Adequate and appropriate first aid should be available.
Availability of a first aider, first aid equipment, and/or first aid space should be provided based on a risk assessment of the space and its intended uses. Where available, first aid equipment and supplies are clearly marked and sufficiently stocked. If a first aider is not available on site, this must be clearly stated in booking communications.
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Fire exits and escapes should be unobstructed and clearly marked.
A regular fire safety risk assessment must be conducted and kept up to date. Guidance can be found on the HSE website. Fire doors should not be blocked open for ventilation.
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The space should be kept sufficiently clean, hygienic, and tidy.
To reduce risk of illness and accidents, spaces should be clean, well maintained and organised. All steps should be taken to minimise dust.
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There should be capability to measure/control the temperature and humidity of the space.
For example, regular use of a portable hygrometer to check that humidity is not below 40% or above 60%. Should long-term humidity issues persist, humidifiers should be made available, while efforts are made to resolve the issue to ensure a safe working environment.
- There should be effective and suitable ventilation to supply an appropriate quantity of fresh or purified air. Spaces should avoid use of highly chemical / heavily scented cleaning products or aerosols which are considered irritants to the respiratory and vocal systems.
- There should be an adequate space for vocalists to warm up prior to commencing work or auditions. Equally, vocalists should be provided with space to do an adequate vocal cool down.
- The level of noise in the space should not exceed 85 Decibels in an average 8 hour working day, using a portable sound measure meter, or sound monitoring phone application. Attention should be paid to Health and Safety Executive guidance on control of noise at work in music and entertainment.