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HAND/ARM VIBRATION IN SAFE HANDS


Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is caused by repeated and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools, resulting in a painful and disabling disorder affecting the hand's blood vessels, nerves, and joints. In the UK, nearly 2 million workers are at risk. Affected workers may experience pain, loss of grip strength and tingling and sensation loss in their fingers, with worsening chronic effects with continued exposure. Employers, meanwhile, run the risk of reputational damage, fines and compensation claims. Earlier this year, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) fined a foundry £500,000 after several of its workers were diagnosed with HAVS.


“EARLIER THIS YEAR, THE HEALTH & SAFETY EXECUTIVE (HSE) FINED A FOUNDRY £500,000 AFTER SEVERAL OF ITS WORKERS WERE DIAGNOSED WITH HAVS.”


The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess, eliminate or reduce vibration risks to the lowest reasonably practicable level, and provide information and training for employees on the dangers and control measures. The vibration regulations include an exposure action value (EAV) and an exposure limit value (ELV) based on a combination of the vibration at the grip point(s) on the equipment or workpiece and the time spent gripping it. The exposure action and limit values are:


● A daily EAV of 2.5 m/s2 A(8) represents a clear risk requiring management.


● A daily ELV of 5 m/s2 A(8) represents a high risk above which employees should not be exposed.


Conducting a risk assessment can help identify where there might be a risk from vibration, which employees are most likely to be affected, and if and where vibration controls are needed to comply with the law.


HOW CAN EMPLOYERS PROTECT


THEIR WORKFORCE? Employers must train workers on the hazards of working with vibrating tools, including exposure sources, early signs and symptoms of HAVS, and work practices that can minimise the risks. For example, workers can be instructed to keep their hands warm and dry and avoid gripping tools too tightly. In addition, employers should provide personal protective equipment wherever required, such as heat-insulating gloves to keep hands warm and improve blood circulation.


Employers should also consider their workplace design and task structure. For example, employers can limit the


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number of hours that a worker uses a vibrating tool and re-arrange the working day to alternate vibrating and non- vibrating tool use. In addition, employees should be given a ten to fifteen-minute break from tool use every hour.


When purchasing equipment, 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. Equipment changes with wear and tear; therefore, the manufacturer's stated vibration and trigger time may increase or decrease.


Monitoring equipment such as the Casella HAVex Vibration Meter can accurately measure the levels of vibration transmitted to the hand from power tools, vehicles, machine controls and other vibration sources. This provides a baseline 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.


Ultimately, HAVS caused by exposure to vibration at work is preventable, but once evident, there is no treatment to reverse the harm to worker health. Taking control measures seriously and adopting technology to improve health and safety around vibration risk can help protect more workers and achieve compliance with legislation.


www.casellasolutions.com www.tomorrowshs.com


Tim Turney, Global Marketing Manager at occupational hygiene and environmental expert Casella, shares advice on implementing controls measures to protect workers using vibrating tools.


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