Health and Safety Executive Health and Safety Executive Control of vibration at work Dr David Smeatham Noise and Vibration Specialist Inspector, Manchester.

HAND-ARM VIBRATION There are few circumstances where control is not reasonably practicable. Control often leads to better quality and increased productivity Investment for the future

What is HAVS? Vascular Neurological Regular long term exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) disrupts blood circulation

Who is at risk?

Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 Assess Control Information, Instruction and training Check (including health surveillance) Employers have a duties to: There are few circumstances where control is not reasonably practicable.

RISK ASSESSMENT The purpose of assessment is to enable management of risk An assessment is adequate if it provides enough information to enable you to take the most appropriate action. Helps to target the highest exposure processes (biggest gain)

Rules of thumb High riskMedium risk More than 1 hour More than 2 hour More than 15 minutes

How do I estimate vibration exposure? Need vibration emission from the tool(s) Also time of exposure Combine to obtain daily exposure A(8) in m/s 2

Getting realistic vibration data Ask your supplier Databases Trade associations, consultancies, government Measurements (ISO 5349 parts 1 and 2)

Points 100 points -Action value- 400 points -Limit value-

Limit and action values If A(8) is greater than 5.0 m/s² (ELV) Take immediate action to reduce exposure below ELV Identify why ELV is exceeded Amend protection and prevention measures (2007 or 2010) If A(8) greater than 2.5 m/s² (EAV) Establish a programme of risk control measures Introduce a programme of health surveillance for those who remain above the EAV Info & training (July 2005)

Hierarchy of control Elimination Substitution Engineering control Exposure management Information, instruction and training

Elimination

Elimination by design Pile cropping C(DM) Eliminating the need for fettling

Substitution Is it the best tool for the job? (suitability and efficiency) Ask the tool users Is it low vibration? –Use manufacturers’ data Implement purchasing / hiring policy Choose the right powered hand-tool

Engineering control Vibration reduction Better ergonomics Increased productivity

Exposure management Specify maximum exposure times May need job rotation Need to take account of –Productivity – what are you asking the workers to do? –Communication –Supervision –Bonus!

Things you should always do Keep warm and dry –(assume anti-vibration gloves offer no protection) Avoid Smoking Provide training –Risks/symptoms –Control measures –Correct tool use (grip/feed force) Keep equipment well maintained –Tools –Attachments

Health surveillance Workers exposed to greater than the action value (100 points) Tiered approach Top tier is a self administered questionnaire Referrals to competent person

Summary Start with a fit for purpose assessment of the risk. –Simple risk assessment –Target high risk processes for control Refine risk assessment Update and maintain control Information, instruction and training Health surveillance HAVS is a preventable disease

Whole Body Vibration

Who is at risk? Very little need for concern about WBV in road vehicles Some concern for industrial trucks –particularly if used on inappropriate surfaces Main concern in off-road machinery: –agriculture, construction, quarrying, mining, forestry, small fast boats, etc.

Control Driver –Drive slowly and avoid rough ground –Provide training (seat and cab adjustment) Vehicle –Right vehicle for the right job –Maintenance (tyre pressures, seats) Site –Traffic management –Maintain surfaces

Holistic approach to lower back pain Many issues with the nature of low back pain: –High prevalence in the general population –Many causative and influencing factors Ergonomics Manual handling etc –Symptoms not always synonymous with damage –No dose-response relationship

Any questions? Thanks for listening