INTRODUCTION

The School new location is at the BAYHEAD Complex Building in Largo Central Park, Florida, one of the most beautiful and well-known sites in Tampa Bay Area. With the Central Park serving as the surroundings and enhancing the creative ambiance, the school grounds include its own lake, play courts, beach volley ball, skateboard and basketball courts. The Campus is open, Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( See Academic Calendar )

 

 

HEALTH & SAFETY MANUAL 2019-2020

This Health & Safety Manual main goal is to provide basic information about the maintenance of health and safety within the contexts of practice, performance, teaching, and listening.

A COPY of this Manual and Its content could be also found in the following sites:

• https://playerschool.edu/facilities/
• Hard CD COPY at the Administration Office.
• PDF COPY in your email inbox.
• CD COPY available during regular office hours:

Monday-Friday 9AM-5PM and Saturdays 9AM-2PM

• CD COPY on your STUDENT NOTEBOOK.

INDEX

HEALTH

• Chapter I – Hearing Hygiene

• Chapter II – Vocal Hygiene

• Chapter III – Musculoskeletal Hygiene

SAFETY

• Chapter IV – Facilities Safety & Emergencies

• Chapter V Administration Office & Students Relations Office

HEALTH

         Chapter I – Hearing Hygiene

Hearing hygiene does not mean listening to clean and wholesome sounds, it means making sure when exposed to noises that are loud or uncomfortable, you take precautions to protect your hearing. The simplest form of hearing protection is ear plugs.

The Players School of Music procedures to create a clean and safe hearing class environment have included a digital sound meter ( see photo below ) that will guarantee that the setting is inside the appropriate range for hearing safety. An alarm will sound when the environment is unsafe. This device has a MAX/MIN hold feature for measuring absolute high/low peaks. +/- 1.5dBA with 0.1dBA resolution & measuring range of 30-130dBA.  All readings are measured in dBA, the most common decibel reading for one-on-one lessons and group ensemble classes. A great basic sound meter for use across the spectrum in many different classroom situations, from music recording, big band rehearsals, rock or Jazz ensembles & more.

Most governments regulate noise exposure for safety reasons and the most commonly used maximum acceptable noise exposure level is 85 decibels over eight hours of device used in class.

We require a careful control of the sound and that each student buys ear plugs as an essential part of their classroom supplies.An easy way to become aware of potentially harmful noises is to pay attention to warning signs that a sound might be damaging to your hearing. A sound may be harmful if:

• You have difficulty talking or hearing others talk over the sound.
• The sound makes your ears hurt.
• Your ears are ringing after hearing the sound.
• Other sounds seem muffled after you leave an area where there is loud sound.

Hearing is a precious faculty. Hearing damage due to excessive noise cannot be reversed. Quality of life can decline among affected people, while health care can increase. Noise-induced hearing loss is preventable – so look after your hearing.

 

   Chapter II – Vocal Hygiene

 

Vocal hygiene isn’t washing your mouth out with soap. Vocal hygiene, rather, is a phrase used by voice instructors and specialists for activities students can do to maintain good vocal health.

Here is what to do list:

1. Use an easy approach to voice production.
2. Use voice range that is most optimal for you ( Soprano, Alto, Tenor or Baritone )
3. Use a headset rather than cradling the phone between your shoulder and you ear, if you must be on the telephone for extended periods of time.
4. Rest your voice when you are sick.
5. Practice good breathing techniques when singing or talking.
6. Consider using a microphone when appropriate

Here’s a “what not to do”

1. Do not overuse dehydrating substances (antihistamines, alcohol, and caffeine);
2. Do not use a voice that is too loud.
3. Do not use a voice that is too loud
4. Do not talk in excess.
5. Do not use the extremes of your vocal range, such as screaming or whispering
6. Try not to overuse your voice.
7. Avoid cradling the phone when talking

 

Chapter III – Musculoskeletal Hygiene

Music related musculoskeletal problems can happen when the students are not aware of the symptoms. Our instructors put students first, taking into account of their capabilities and limitations. The Faculty aims to make sure that exercises , instruments, equipment, information and the environment of the class fist each student.

 

To understand better how to keep a good musculoskeletal hygiene in class, you must understand that the areas affected are in your muscles, tendons, and nerves. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, thoracic outlet syndrome, and tension neck syndrome are examples of poor musculoskeletal hygiene and are very common to musicians.

Symptoms of musculoskeletal problems are characterized by pain, swelling, numbness, and loss of mobility. They can present itself in the neck, shoulders, elbows, knees, wrists, hands, fingers, thumbs, feet, and toes. Musicians are at especially high risk of these kinds of injuries.

If you have any of these symptoms please report them to your instructor or to the Administration Office in Campus. The Faculty and Staff will take them as seriously as any other injury that comes through the door.

Many parts of your body can be affected. For instance, the fingers, wrists and hands can be affected by poor posture when playing your instrument, or when handling a amplifier or a keyboard.

Preventing playing related musculoskeletal problems like the ones mention above is one of our main objectives so, we observe the following guideline to prevent these issues.

• Good Posture before you grab your instrument.
• Correct Way to hold your instrument ( follow your instructors guidance )
• Follow Instructor guidelines
• Take breaks
• Do not play if you have any pain.