Rank: Forum user 
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Another issues with our catering supplier, I have noticed that the noise levels in the potwash was excessive above the upper action level in particular when the polisher was in operation. When I requested a risk assessment it was commented that this was never an issue anywhere else however they are happy to comply and preform a risk assessment.
I am keen to see if anyone else has noted high levels of noise in catering potwashes?
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Rank: Super forum user 
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lombard4408 wrote: I have noticed that the noise levels in the potwash was excessive above the upper action level in particular when the polisher was in operation. When I requested a risk assessment it was commented that this was never an issue anywhere else however they are happy to comply and preform a risk assessment. ?
If noise is considered above the action levels then an assessment of risk MUST be carried out - this is the case even if using the 2m rule!
http://www.legislation.g...5/1643/regulation/5/made
"5.—(1) An employer who carries out work which is liable to expose any employees to noise at or above a lower exposure action value shall make a suitable and sufficient assessment of the risk from that noise to the health and safety of those employees, and the risk assessment shall identify the measures which need to be taken to meet the requirements of these Regulations."
HOWEVER - exposure levels relate to just that exposure.
86bB for 10 minutes will not necessarily breach the exposure action levels!
What was the sound measured in was it dB(A)
you need to measure in dB(A) and time weight the result, if you have done this and exposure is above the action level then you MUST take action to protect the hearing of persons exposed!
http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/about.htm
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Which raises a question. Teh_boy mentions the good old 2m ROT guide but since we changed the limits from 85 - 90, that's not really 'accurate' any more is it? Has a new guide arisen at all? Like if you can't hear you mobile phone ringing, or something like that. Luckily I moved out of heavy industry into retail and frankly there isn't much in the way of noise, so I have let myself slide a little on that one. We do have pot washes actually and whilst spot measurements show we can reach the second level, the very short exposure times mean that we are well within safe limits. We have been operating them for decades without a problem.
Jericho
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Rank: Super forum user
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it's now teh 1.875m rule :)
It's the general principle really - if you need to raise your voice at about 2m it's probably loud enough to need assessing.
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Yes, but if you don't need to raise your voice, it could still be at 80 to 85 couldn't it. It works if you HAVE to shout, but not if you don't. That's the point.
Like the 1.875. Good answer. It was actually arm's length rather than 2m originally. They hadn't invented meters back then ; ) But it was never clear if both people had to have their arms out!!
Jericho
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Rank: Forum user
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I was getting readings of 87 Db(A) in the area this is not a TWA though, I asked the vendor to carry out an assessment ASAP as I had highlighted this to them.
Really want to get away from the old safety gone mad thing so want to make sure I am not being unreasonable.
These noise levels occur for about 4 hours daily I would think.
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Rank: Super forum user
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I would commission a proper noise survey!
Not being unreasonable!
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Lombard, are you SURE that this is over the exposure action value? Remember that the EAVs are not just about the noise level (SPL/LEQ) but about the ‘exposure’ LEPD/W – this is a combination of the noise levels AND the length of time exposed. So just because you might measure a SPL of 85 dB(A), this does not necessarily mean that the person(s) is exposed to the UEAV or for that matter the LEAV.
Use the free resources available of the HSE website, in particular the noise exposure calculator to determine the OVERALL EXPOSURE not just the noise level.
Apologies for the use of CAPS for emphasis.
And just seen that you had replied, using my little slide rule thingy, I reckon that at 87 dB(A) the UEAV would be reached in 5 hours 2 minutes and 23 seconds. It's important to get it right, to avoid unwanted expenditure, to avoid people having to wear PPE (if that is the most RP option), and lastly for the sake of your credibility.
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Rank: Forum user
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Thanks All,
Cheers for working this out canopener I will have a look on the HSE site,.
I do think as teh_boy mentioned that a noise survey is the way it might go...
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Also have a look at www.noisemeters.co.uk/apps as they have some calculating pages which produce report layout for individuals (may do others but that is all that I have looked at).
Rgds,
S
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Rank: Super forum user
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Thats the thing with pot washes - they really do tend to be noisy, however much of this noise comes from the usually stainless steel ware and the way it is handled. Are there time pressures on the staff to get these "pots" washed and ready for use by a certain time?; is it task and finish?; is it self imposed rush because it is hot and uncomfortable in the wash bay? - loads of things to consider.
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Rank: Forum user
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Agreed it is quite pressured temp etc is ok, its the cutlery polishers that are really generating the bulk of the noise
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