HAND ARM VIBRATION!

POINTS TO REMEMBER :

Jobs requiring regular and frequent use of vibrating tools and equipment such as concrete breakers, sanders, grinders and hammer drills need planning and monitoring in order to protect operatives from Hand Arm Vibrations (HAV) and carpal tunnel syndrome.

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations requires you to:

• Assess the vibration risk to your employees
• Decide if they are likely to be exposed above the daily exposure action value (EAV) – this is the daily amount of vibration exposure above which action is required to control exposure.
• Decide whether they are likely to be exposed above the daily exposure limit value (ELV) – this is the maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to in a single day.

When you have decided who is at risk, you need to decide how you can reduce the risk. Risk controls could include:

• Alternative work methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration
• Mechanise or automate the work
• Ensure the equipment selected is suitable for the task and can do the work efficiently
• Select the lowest vibration tool that is suitable and can do the work efficiently
• Limit the use of high-vibration tools wherever possible.