Hi clane

If the average noise level is below 85dB but above 80dB then as you state, you are required to provide training and information. You are also required to make available hearing portection at above 80dB should employees wish to wear such.

It sounds as though the average across the week may be below the 'upper limit' which negates formal need to wear HP. The issue as I understand it, is the 'peak levels' of above 100dB. Peak noise levels are also given both lower and upper action levels - like weekly exposure, and are set at 135 and 137 respectively. So you would need to find out what the specific noise level is peaking at to determine if you fall outside of, or witihin the peak lower/uper values.

As ever that is my interpretaion of the regs and am happy to be corrected. I have always referred to Page 4 of INDG 362 (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.pdf ) - the notes on Peak Noise levels will likely be of most use.

((I would also keep an eye on the mental wellbeing of staff given you mentioned this is taking a hit with the noise, it may be worth looking at this further and ensuring those affected are getting the support needed (if not already of course).))

Jamie

Edited by user 29 November 2016 13:40:05(UTC)  | Reason: Additional comments

I have had this problem at the College noise coming from the motor vehicle workshop disrupting the classes going on next the the workshop and causing grief for the other groups using the workshop for instructed classes. Moving spaces is a tricky thing in education not just timetable wise but some academics are pretty precious about their teaching spaces so that in my experiance is a difficult option. What I did was invest in some good noise absorbent cieling tiles, lowered the ceiling level a bit too and it really took the noise levels right down. If you speak to some of the specialist companies they can come in and give you some quotations for different things they can do. 

I had the academics and techs fitted for personal hearing protection also as there weekly exposure limit was above the upper limit. I don't know where you are but there is a really good place in leeds that does this, they will visit for the initial hearing tests and come back to do fittings. These types of hearing protection are perfect for use in education where you can't take out all of the noise. 

Edited by user 29 November 2016 14:48:52(UTC)  | Reason: left some info out

Clane I perhaps wouldn't be looking at the noise issue in isolation.  I work for a welding/fabrication company and we have looked at our working methods to reduce exposure to vibration particularly from the use on angle grinders.  Using manufacturer's data and the HSE guidance of doubling the stated vibration magnitude, which I know isn't the most scientific method, some hand held angle grinders only gave 10 minutes before you reached the vibration action value.  For us, angle grinders were also one of our higher noise sources so by employing other techniques for cutting/shaping the metal we were able to reduce both noise and vibration exposure.