Hand Arm Vibration
Introduction
AEC offer occupational hygiene consultants who can provide a competent and independent assessment of hand arm vibration levels within the workplace utilising the latest monitoring equipment, and in accordance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005).
The main purpose of any hand arm vibration assessment is to identify where there is a risk and to determine employees' daily vibration exposures with enough accuracy to establish who is likely to be exposed at or above the exposure action value and / or the exposure limit value.
Employee exposure to hand arm vibration (HAV) shall be measured as to produce vibration values that are representative of the average vibration for a tool or process throughout the operator's working period. Where tools are held in both hands, measurements would be made at both hand positions and the highest value used for determining vibration exposure. From the measurement data the amount of time a tool can be used before both the exposure action value and exposure limit value are reached can be calculated.
On completion of the hand arm vibration assessment an interpretive report will be produced including observations, a summary of monitoring results, conclusions and recommendations and advice on how to reduce employees exposure being made where necessary. AEC can then work with your organisation to help produce a management plan on how best to protect your employees against the risks from HAV.
Workers exposed regularly to excessive hand arm vibration may suffer in the long term with disturbances to finger blood flow and to the neurological and locomotor functions of the hand and arm. These complex disorders are commonly referred to as 'hand arm vibration syndrome' (HAVS).
HAVS has an impact not only during working periods but also on social and family life; periodic attacks of impaired blood circulation will take place with everyday tasks often becoming difficult. Vascular disorders, neurological disorders and bone and joint abnormalities caused by hand arm vibration are recognised occupational diseases in many European countries.
A hand arm vibration assessment should be undertaken on all vibrating tools or processes, with the aim of identifying those who are at greatest risk.
Regulations
The main body of legislation regarding Hand Arm Vibration is The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. The Vibration Regulations are designed to protect against risks to both health and safety from hand arm vibration, i.e. the risks of hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpel tunnel syndrome in those exposed, and situations where vibration may effect the ability to safely handle / operate controls.
The regulations specify two 'levels' for hand arm vibration. The daily exposure limit value (ELV) is the maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to on any single day. The daily exposure action value (EAV) is the level of daily exposure to vibration above which an employer is required to take certain actions to reduce exposure.
The daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s2 A(8) and the daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s2 A(8).
For an independent review and further information, call our commercial team on 0161 872 7111.
Case Study
AEC have undertaken a hand arm vibration assessment for a group of operatives tasked with using 'needle guns' to remove a painted coating.
An initial assessment indicated that actual trigger time for the tools being used was less than 30 minutes per day. With AECs assistance an alternative tool was sourced and tested, which allowed an extended trigger time of over three hours.
AEC worked closely with the client to produce a management plan for the activities being undertaken which best protected the employees. AEC were also able to arrange for a number of employees to undergo health surveillance to check for the early signs of HAVS and provide vibration awareness training for relevant employees.
