Posted By AlB
Mel,

You should really be looking to get a competent person to carry out this kind of assessment as there is a lot more to it than just taking meter readings.

But if you just want to have some basic guide as to the noise level readings at the palce of work then purchase a suitable nopise meter (which will work in the frequency and noise levels you think your environment will be) and then rad the instructions.

But my advice is to get a conultant in to do it for you.

Posted By Alexander Falconer
My own viewpoint was, me being me, classed as competent to conduct the "General" company risk assessments and Identify what the significant hazards were and suggest the corrective actions to be implemented.

In this particular case would normally use a cheapo snapshot type noise meter (very often available from RS Components)

This would enable me to identify the specific hazard (Noise) if 85 dB(A)(yes, yes I know these values change pretty soon), then would require a further assessment under its own specific regulations, etc, etc and the consideration of identifying the competent person (a consultant, unless you were already competent to do so).

Said consultant/competent person would conduct full assessment (at great expense) and recommend actions of which require to be implemented, etc, etc

All in favour, say aye!