Vibration can occur in a range of everyday things we do, driving our cars, drying our hair, using an electric toothbrush! However the Health and Safety Executive are more concerned with the vibration that is emitted from hand held power tools and pieces of plant in that they can cause serious health problems for people who use them on a daily basis. The danger arises depending on how often and for how long someone is using the equipment.
The damage vibration can cause to people is known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which can be in the form of Vibration White Finger or Carpel Tunnel Syndrome.
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) can also be common in people who use heavy plant during their work e.g. ride-on mowers, diggers etc.
Once HAVS or WBV has been diagnosed, it is irreversible.
You should not have to put up with using vibrating equipment at work all day everyday. Reducing the amount of exposure time to vibrating equipment, implementing job rotation, using protective gloves, can reduce the risk of HAVS
Onset of HAVS – carpel tunnel syndrome, Vibration White Finger
Onset of WBV –back pain
Important factors, which can lead to these hazards, are the level of vibration that equipment gives off and how long people are exposed to the vibration, on a daily basis and over a number of years.
Other effects vibration at work can cause are the feelings people get when they have finished using the equipment. Tingling in the fingertips and pins and needles can last for several hours after the equipment has been used. Someone who is exposed to vibrating equipment during their work is also likely to suffer with painful fingers at the beginning and end of the day and may struggle with everyday things like buttoning up shirts or handling small objects. Exposure to the cold will also effect the function of the fingers and they may get painful when they start to warm up again.
Vibration is measured in meters per second squared (m/s2). Calculations are worked out over an average 8-hour working day (A (8)). The main requirements apply where vibration exposure is likely to be at or above the action level below:
Exposure Action Value - 2.5m/s2 A (8). It is at this level where employers should introduce technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure. Exposure Limit Value - 5.0m/s2 A (8). This level should not be exceeded. |
The regulations place responsibilities on employers who provide equipment that emits vibration at the workplace. However, both management and workers need to be involved to make sure the employer can fulfil their duties.
Decide whether you think you might have a problem with vibration.
Do employees complain of tingling and numbness in their hands/arms after using vibrating equipment?
Do employees hold work pieces, which vibrate while being processed by powered machinery such as pedestal grinders?
Do employees regularly use hand-held or hand-guided power tools such as:
| Concrete breakers, concrete pokers; Sanders, grinders, disc cutters; Hammer drills; Chipping hammers; Chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers, Powered mowers; Scabblers or needle guns |
Do employees operate hammer action tools for more than 15 minutes at a time or rotary and other action tools for more than 1 hour a day
You assessment must ascertain whether vibration exposure is likely to reach the action or limit values and provide enough information on the measurements and what action you are going to take. A competent person must do the job i.e. knows the HSE’s guidance on assessment and how to apply it in your workplace. The essential qualification is for the person to do the job properly and know their limits. However some training may be needed for using the measuring equipment.
You must:
Keep a record of the assessment until you have a new one made; Tell the workers affected; Where the assessment shows exposure is at or above the action value you should let workers know there is a hazard when using the equipment and how to keep the risks to a minimum; Reduce the exposure as far as is reasonably practicable. |
Where exposure needs to be controlled, there are a number of precautions that managers can take such as:
Setting up a tools selection procedure Display exposure times on equipment Operating a maintenance program for equipment Implement job rotation – share exposure, mix with non-vibrating tasks Provide anti-vibration, anti-impact gloves (may not help reduce exposure) Provide gloves for when working outside with vibrating equipment. |
New pieces of equipment come with manufacturers details on the amount of vibration the equipment gives off. It is advisable not to follow these guidelines, as they are only guidelines and the equipment may be giving off more vibration than stated.
The regulations state that employees who are working with vibrating equipment should be given the provision of clothing, which protects them from cold and damp conditions. They do not state the use of anti-vibration, anti-impact gloves, and although these may not help in the long run, they may have some effect in simply keeping employees hands warm.
Make sure the equipment you provide is in good condition. Regularly check the equipment for the vibration it is giving off. If equipment gives off vibration, which exceeds the limit value cease using the equipment and use an alternative piece until a replacement can be sought.
Programmes to help monitor the exposure to vibration will only work where there is co-operation between employer and employee. To help your employer meet their requirements you must:
Use the protective equipment provided when using vibrating equipment; Follow the guidance on how long you can use equipment for safely Attend health surveillance appointments Report any defects to your manager/supervisor Monitor yourself and report to your manager if you think you are suffering symptoms after using vibrating equipment Consult a doctor if you think there is something wrong with your fingers/hands/arms. |
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