CONSTRUCTION & BIM
FEELING THE STRAIN
Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at occupational hygiene and environmental expert Casella, shares expert advice on implementing control measures to protect workers at risk of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
The Health & Safety Executive’s (HSE) latest prosecution and £120,000 fine of a manufacturer that failed to appropriately assess and control the risks around employees’ exposure to vibration highlights the continued issues around safeguarding workers. Managing risks associated with vibration is essential for keeping workers safe, avoiding costly fines, and maintaining a strong reputation.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005) are in place to protect workers. Under the legislation, employers are responsible for protecting their employees’ occupational health and identifying measures that will eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to HAV. These responsibilities extend to estimating the number of times that employees are exposed to HAV and keeping regular records of this.
Handheld portable power tools are the main pieces of equipment responsible for transmitting vibration into a worker’s arms and hands. These can include sanders, grinders, air chisels and impact wrenches. When using the tools is a regular and frequent part of a person’s job, they risk suffering permanent damage to their health.
HAVS can result in Vibration White Finger, a painful and permanent numbness and tingling in the hands and arms. Symptoms of HAVS also include being unable to feel objects and surfaces adequately, loss of strength in the hands, and fingers going white at the tips. Fingers will become red and painful upon recovery on the fingertips, especially in the cold and wet. Evidence has found a correlation between HAVS and Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, which is where pressure on a nerve in the wrist causes pain and numbness in the hands and fingers.
46 | TOMORROW’S FM Prevention
There are several preventative measures that can be taken by employers to reduce HAVS risks. These include sourcing an alternative method of work that reduces vibration, such as using different machinery. Those in charge of tool purchasing should only consider tools that have been designed to reduce the risk of vibration to hands and arms while still being suitable for intended use.
Businesses should compare vibration emission information for different brands and models and ask for information on any training required for safe operation. After purchase, vibrating tools must be kept in good working order. Monitoring equipment such as the Casella HAVex Vibration Meter can accurately measure the levels of vibration transmitted to the hand from power tools’ other vibration sources. This provides a real-world vibration level for the equipment used and allows for a calculation of exposure and maximum permissible trigger times. Vibration levels from equipment can act as an indicator to take it out of service for maintenance, helping to keep employees safe. The HAVex also allows for measurements to be downloaded for analysis and storage, ensuring that data is readily available to demonstrate compliance.
Workers must also be trained on how to use the tools correctly and how to reduce the risk of HAVS. Employers should also encourage workers to report any symptoms of HAVS.
Ultimately, control of the exposure is key. Limiting and controlling exposure to vibrating instruments is always the first course of action. While employers run the risk of reputational damage, fines, and compensation claims if HAVS is found to be unmonitored and uncompensated, it’s the health of workers that must be a priority for employers.
www.casellasolutions.com
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56
