Advice needed : Radio issue

[Pokemon Postmon]

A quick question about music in the office. What are our rights in regards to having a radio playing? I'm not asking about licence issues, but rather if one person decides that they don't like the music, are they within their rights to have the music turned off when the majority of staff would prefer to listen to it at a reasonable level.
This problem has just occured at our small unit and I'm just concerned that some staff may find themselves getting in trouble over this. Personally, I'm not bothered one way or the other but could do without the atmosphere being created at work caused by such a stupid squabble over personal tastes. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Ta!

[POSTMAN]

What has the teacher said about it?

[Pokemon Postmon]

Manager was not there today, but the acting supervisor turned it off. As it was close to our time to leave the office not much was done about it. He should be in tomorrow so I was hoping for some guidance so we can respond appropriately.
TBH there are other issues at work here that has led to this but I don't want to bring them up just yet. Just a general rule of thumb would be fine.

[DGP1]

If one person wants it off then that's the way it has to be, much easier that way for all concerned.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

If one person wants it off then that's the way it has to be, much easier that way for all concerned.

This could be especially true if there is a "hearing impaired" person present, if the music level is making it difficult for them to hear instructions it may be deemed against the various Equality acts, perhaps if they are wearing a hearing aid as well the type (analogue/digital) may have a bearing.

Also what about noise levels and the various laws and directives. I believe the upper limit is an average of 85 decibels which is not a lot - a Car travelling at 65mph from 50 ft away is 77db, a working food blender is 90db

[Pokemon Postmon]

Fair enough but this has arisen because of a tit-for-tat situation between some members who have fallen out. Is it right that the majority should suffer due to actions of a handful of staff? Well, if that's the way it has to be then so be it. Shame as the radio/hifi was paid for by the staff via sports+social contributions and now, down to the behaviour of 3/4 staff.....

[Glygan]

Gets even worse when 2 radios are playing on different stations.

[mazza111]

I suffer from neuralgia, and when I was having one of my attacks, there was one person in the office who would turn it up full blast and then go out and have a smoke. I'd turn it down, he'd turn it up and go elsewhere in the office. So while it was at an acceptable level, I could handle it. But it got so bad that I could hardly hear callers on the phone, even though the windows were closed etc. So maybe there's some sort of health condition that warrants the music being off/turned down low.

[fishtank]

If one person wants it off then that's the way it has to be, much easier that way for all concerned.

Really?
That's rather childish and not very democratic.
We love our radio,the volume is strictly controlled as it's a proper system controlled from the callers office and it makes the office a much more enjoyable place to be.
It's not my favourite channel but i would much rather listen to that than the constant whistlers and random noise makers.

[doorstepped]

democracy rules.

except when you live in Russia, North Korea or work for RM

[DGP1]

If one person wants it off then that's the way it has to be, much easier that way for all concerned.

Really?
That's rather childish and not very democratic.
We love our radio,the volume is strictly controlled as it's a proper system controlled from the callers office and it makes the office a much more enjoyable place to be.
It's not my favourite channel but i would much rather listen to that than the constant whistlers and random noise makers.

But then RM has never been a democracy. I personally don't care if the radio is blasting or it's silent because I can zone it out these days but it just winds some people up and other do go out of their way to do the winding.............so if people are going to be childish then they lose all their toys.

[clashcityrocker]

Has any office got a karaoke machine?

[fishtank]

Has any office got a karaoke machine?

Yes but it's 40p a cup.

[DGP1]

Has any office got a karaoke machine?

Banned from my office someone said it was cruel and unusual punishment, can't understand that

[Pokemon Postmon]

Firstly, thanks for the replies so far everyone. I think an update is needed....
This morning it was business as usual. The radio was playing and not a complaint made. The manager made a very brief appearance, had a chat with at least one member involved and then naffed off without letting the rest of know anything!!! Daft, eh?!
Somehow I doubt if that's the end of it but we shall see. I agree with Fishtank on this as it's all rather childish. I realise that the health reasons mentioned above are worth considering but these are not the problem here. It's all down to some staff having a major falling out and just trying to get each other's backs up. I just don't want it to escalate to the point where someone oversteps the mark and strays into B+H territory.
Again, cheers and I'll keep you posted if there are any other developments....and since I know one member is going to contact our area rep over this, I expect there will be.