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HAND ARM VIBRATION


In any workplace where employees are exposed to HAV, employers must provide access to a competent occupational physician; receive proper feedback from the physician about each individual, including information about any new or worsening cases of HAVS; regularly monitor the use of machines in the workplace; and report any confirmed cases of HAVS or carpal tunnel syndrome through the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR).


TAKING ACTION TO REDUCE HAV EXPOSURE Typically, employers will place stickers on tools explaining how long they can be used for, using the results from the HSE calculator. An alternative is to use tool timers, which measure how long the tool has been used for and sound an audible alert when the limit is reached.


Beyond this, there are several ways to control HAV exposure levels in the workplace. These can be broadly divided into two categories – changing work practices, and changing tools and equipment.


Changing work practices can involve using alternative, non-vibrating methods where possible; mechanising or automating tasks; using jigs, clamps or rigs; and/or rotating work involving vibrating tools between several workers.


Other best practices that are simple to adopt include not holding vibrating tools too tightly during use; using lower speed settings; ensuring these tools are properly


stored and maintained; and checking them before use. These should all be covered as part of an effective training programme.


“DAMAGE IS IRREVERSIBLE, YET ENTIRELY PREVENTABLE.”


In terms of changing equipment, simple switches, such as replacing an orbital sander with a rotary machine, can have a big effect on reducing vibrations. For sanding tools, using a faster-acting abrasive will reduce the exposure time, with the added benefit of increasing productivity.


During testing, 3M found that a worker was able to grind away a strip of weld nearly twice as quickly and when using the same grinder fitted with an alternative abrasive. Despite this, the 3M abrasive recorded a significantly lower vibration level.


Using a tool with a lower vibration measurement or a SMART sensor can also help. Finally, it should be noted that HAV exposure is not limited to the workplace, because the effects are cumulative, DIY tools used outside of work, such as jigsaws and powered lawn mowers, can also contribute. Use of these tools is outside of the employer’s control, but the message should be communicated to employees.


www.3M.co.uk/safety


twitter.com/TomorrowsHS


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