Road tanker compressors create vessel pressure for discharging load contents to customers storage tanks. When the compressor is in operation we know the compressor is a noise hazard at 92 dba. The compressor is well maintained in good condition and 4 months old. The driver spends most of his time at the rear of the vehicle were the noise is 78 dba. We cant eliminate the hazard Reduce the hazard - well, its maintained and newish - drivers are instructed to (via handbook) to move to the rear of the vehicle to monitor the contents offloading and keep a safe distance from the compressor noise. Basically only go to the compressor to start and stop it. We anticipate drivers to be in the noise zone for 10 minutes each day Controls - ear muffs are supplied for this task Employers are debating the merits of health surveillance they believe it's overkill, that, enough is being done Fellow forum members I would be grateful for any other guidance or comments .

I assume that you are quoting some leq levels there and as has already been said you really need to measure and assess the exposure levels (lepd) and the peak (c weighted) level. This will help you determine where you are regarding the action levels in the regs and what if any actions including health surveillance are required. Have you considered using a dosimeter?