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On the Ready Reckoner, the exposures for combinations of vibration magnitude and exposure time are given in exposure points, but it’s important to note that exposure points change with time, twice the exposure time, twice the number of points; and exposure points can be added together, for example, where a worker is exposed to two or more different sources of vibration in a day
Some vibration meters, such as the Pulsar vB, show the Exposure Points for periods of 15 minutes, 30 minutes and one hour, with colour coded values giving you an instant visual indication as to whether your measurements are less than, at or above the EAV/ELV.
When it comes to understanding what the point values mean for your control measures, it is straightforward.
A total exposure point value of 100 or greater indicates increased risk to employees, and controls should be considered to decrease risk. A total exposure point value of 400 or greater indicates safe limits have been exceeded, employees are at significant risk of developing HAVS, and controls should be implemented immediately to reduce exposure.
As an employer, you should aim to keep all employee’s vibration exposure under 100 points to avoid the risk of HAVS.
CONTROLLING EXPOSURE The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations requires
employers to assess the risk of injury from vibratory tools in the workplace by completing a HAVS assessment.
If you complete your assessment and identify that particular job roles are at risk of vibration, then your first priority should be to reduce exposure as much as possible before putting in place actions to mitigate and reduce impacts.
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Some of the key control methods that you can use are:
• Use a Hand Arm Vibration Meter (HAV meter), such as the Pulsar vB to:
• Carry out a risk assessment from the vibration exposure from power tools.
• Set usage limits of high vibration tools. •
• Training staff on using tools correctly.
• Finding alternative means of carrying out high-risk jobs.
• Ensuring tools are well maintained.
• Following the “buy smooth” rule and using low vibration tools where appropriate.
• Encouraging staff to take regular breaks from tools.
• Encouraging good blood circulation by keeping warm.
HOW CAN PULSAR INSTRUMENTS HELP YOU? At Pulsar Instruments, our vibration meter, the Pulsar
vB, is designed to meet the needs of vibration safety standards and regulations and will help you assess the risks and monitor and tackle vibration issues in your workplace by providing accurate and valuable data that can be used to safeguard your employees and reduce the likelihood and impact of civil compensation claims.
Pulsar Instruments has also developed an Employers Guide '5 Steps to Controlling Hand Arm Vibration'. This is available to download free from Pulsar’s website.
Call: 01723 339715 Email:
sales@pulsarinstruments.com
https://pulsarinstruments.com
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Identify daily vibration exposure limits for each worker.
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