HAND ARM VIBRATION
provide written documentation to identify any vibration hazard associated with the use of their equipment and tools and guidance for use.
“WHERE POSSIBLE INCORPORATE ANTI-
VIBRATION FEATURES INTO DESIGNS.”
HAV AND HAV NOTS
Paul Igo, Technical Director at The
Preparation Group shares tip on how to prevent against the harmful effects of vibration.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS is a significant and prominent health issue, relating to the exposure of vibration associated with continued or over use of power tools. Both the design of the tool and its application can contribute to a vibration hazard. Employees are at risk if they regularly use equipment such as Hand Grinders, Mechanical Breakers and Saw Cutters as well as walk behind equipment not benefitting from anti-vibration features.
The Control of Vibration at Work regulations came into effect in 2005 and yet 12 years on there is still confusion for equipment operators, especially in the construction industry. By law, employers must assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to hand-arm vibration to protect employees from risks to their health. Employees trained to use equipment are also duty-bound to adhere to the recommendations on technical data and monitor their activities during use. The regulations set out Exposure Action Values (EVAs) and Exposure Limit Values (ELVs), measured as vibration magnitude (m/s2
) and an exposure duration (in hours
and/or minutes). Information and guidance is available on the HSE website.
Manufacturers of equipment and tools have a legal obligation to conduct tests and where possible incorporate anti-vibration features into designs. They must also
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However, most items are tested in “ideal conditions” and what is often not considered, is whether the equipment and tools are being used in the correct environment and are suitable for the task, or whether the correct accessories have been fitted. When these factors are considered, a seemingly harmless hand grinder with a low exposure value, determined suitable for continued usage, can become a real vibration hazard and a danger to the operator. It is important to understand the capabilities of the selected equipment and the recommended accessories and match these to the intended task, acknowledging the surface conditions and composition.
Training is imperative to ensure employees understand: • Guidelines for use • Conditions for use • Length of use • Which accessories to select • Tool capabilities • Effective equipment maintenance controls
If these factors aren’t considered, a low exposure classified item can present a serious hazard. If there is any doubt, tests should be conducted on site to evaluate record or recommend alternative methods, equipment, tools and accessories or controls put in place.
There are many features that can be incorporated into equipment and tooling designs to reduce or eliminate the risk of HAV. The Preparation Group’s range of equipment and tools have been designed to reduce Hand Arm Vibration exposure. For example, trolley-mounted systems like the Anti-Vibration Breaker & Tile Lifter and 180 Grinder are designed so that the impact of vibration is ‘absorbed’ by both the trolley and the handle configuration, increasing operator comfort and reducing fatigue. For comparison, a standard Mechanical Breaker measures 8.5m/s2
r.m.s
which is high risk and therefore can only be used for up to 45 minutes in 15 minute bursts, whereas the Anti-Vibration Breaker & Tile Lifter measures 4.00m/s2 used for up to three hours.
r.m.s and can be
Another critical consideration is PPE such as anti-vibration gloves, specially designed to reduce the effects of impact and vibration whist allowing the dexterity needed when using power tools. If there is any doubt, a reputable tool manufacturer or supplier will offer technical advice on the correct selection of equipment, tools and accessories, along with technical documents and guidance.
www.thepreparationgroup.com www.tomorrowshs.com
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