“Every person working with vibrating tools is at risk”
It does not matter how little or often a worker uses an electric or pneumatic tool, continued exposure and usage of said tool will gradually add up over time. By our human nature, we commonly underestimate how much these tools are used and can affect us. Only by conducting workplace and individual worker assessments will demonstrate the true extent of vibrating tool use.
Below is a great resource to read through from HSE, it gives details on your responsibility as an employer to meet with The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations:
HSE Resource
What terminology must I familiarise myself with?
When it comes to monitoring and measuring the use of vibrating tools for employees, we need to understand the terminology that helps dictate the risks of HAVS. The two terms we need to understand are Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV).
Exposure Action Value (EAV) – The EAV is the daily exposure of vibration for all employees.
Exposure Limit Value (ELV) – ELV is the maximum daily exposure on a single day.
A greater exposure to either of these, means a greater risk of HAVS to the employee.
How can I measure the EAV and ELV levels to reduce risk of HAVS?
There are two options when it comes to measuring EAV and ELV; you can request an assessment from your appointed health and safety adviser. You can find one the OSHCR website here.
Alternatively, you can also look to use the HSE vibration exposure calculator, to help give you an indication of what your workforce is exposed to, linked at the bottom of the page.
What are the maximum exposure levels for the EAV and ELV?
The unit of measure for exposure levels is classed as ‘exposure points’ and measured with the unit m/s2 A(8).
For an accurate assessment speak to your appointed health and safety adviser. HERE
Have a Go At Your Own Calculations
You can make a start and get a good idea of what your workforce is exposed to by using the HSE vibration exposure calculator found here:-
https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/calculator-guide.htm
You are not supposed to be an expert – just have a go and it will help your understanding of where the issues in your workforce exposure to vibration is arising.
HSE Vibration Exposure Calculator
Using such a device for two hours per day sends the readings off the scale!
So you can get something of an idea of which tools cause the most vibration. It may be that your workforce could be using better or different tools to complete the work and so reduce the risk of HAVS (this can be cheaper than the risk and cost of several civil claims!). A short helpful read can be found here:
https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/hand-tools-qa.htm
If you think you may be displaying symptoms of HAVS, please get in touch today.
Starting from only £35*, we can help you:
- Identify the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome
- Provide recommendations for appropriate action
- Help you comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
- Deliver convenient and effective assessments that will be carried out on-site.