Rank: Forum user 
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Hi everyone,
my role has recently widened into a couple of areas that I'm not too familiar with, one of which is noise.
I'm not an expert but I'm pretty sure our workshop will exceed the 85dB(a)Lepd level. If we just go ahead and implement the highest level of control i.e. mandatory hearing protection, instruction and training and provide audiometry is there any requirement for us to have a workplace noise assessment carried out?
Regards
Steve
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Rank: Super forum user
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Hi Steve,
if you read the HSE ACoP L108 on noise at work (free to download) you will see that they recommend carrying out a " noise risk assessment" : which may include measuring the maximum sound pressure levels (especially Appendix 2). The hearing protection that you have supplied may provide suitable attenuation at 85 - 90db but if you have sound pressure levels significantly above this, (and many engineering workshops do) hearing could still be damaged.
PH2
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Rank: Super forum user
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Yes. You need to do a noise survey with a noise meter, determine noise levels throughout the day, or initially for an hour and extrapolate if appropriate, put the figures into the HSE calculator (go to website). You may find you are exceeding the acceptable noise levels within 3 or 4 hours!
You need to know the noise levels for folks who operate the machines, know what level or ear protection they have, but don't forget there will be staff like you who are in that work area, who don't operate machines, and who will be exposed to the noise because they don't wear protection.
Because employees have worked in the area for some time unprotected you need to arrange hearing tests for everyone, now; a mobile booth to visit the site, a doctor will do the tests and go through medical/history questionnaires. From the results he can tell you/them if there has been some damage to hearing already.
You must do all this.
JohnW
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Rank: Super forum user 
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One of the greatest benefits of a noise survey is realising where it's coming from leading you to make progress in reducing at source, containing, shielding etc such that the risk to hearing is removed or at least significantly reduced.
Another blanket imposition of PPE in the name of H&S? Surely that can be avoided with a little thought.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Agree with all the above comments so you pretty much have your answer.
To specifically answer your question the need for a noise survey/assessment is implied as you have a duty to control noise at source and not just throw PPE at the operators.
Without such a beast you cannot demonstrate the above or show what difference anything you do has made/will make.
Its all about the baseline data.
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