Health and Safety Briefing Note 2006-3

HAND-ARM VIBRATION IN THE WORKPLACE

Background

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) results mainly from the use of hand-held power tools, although other working practices can also result in symptoms occurring, and is the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves, joints and muscles of the hands and arms).

HAVS is a reportable disease under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 1995.

The risk of suffering from HAVS depends on both:

• the level of vibration to which the individual is exposed; and
• the time of exposure both in terms of hours per day and years of work.

In many cases symptoms can take a number of years to develop, although more susceptible people can demonstrate symptoms after only a few months.

Regulations

In July 2005 the new Control of Vibration at Work Regulations came into force, their aim being to protect workers from risks to health from vibration.

The regulations introduce an exposure action value of 2.5 m/s2 A(8), whereby employers should introduce measures (technical and organisational) to reduce exposure, and a limit value of 5 m/s2 A(8) which should not be exceeded.

The regulations also allow for a transitional period from the exposure limit value until 2010 to allow activities, where older tools/machinery cannot be immediately replaced, to continue.

What an employer must do

As an employer, you must assess and identify measures to eliminate or reduce risks from exposure to hand-arm vibration so that you can protect your employees from risks to their health.

Where the risks are low, the actions you take may be simple and inexpensive, but where the risks are high, you should manage them using a prioritised action plan to control exposure to hand-arm vibration.

Where required, ensure that:

• Control measures to reduce vibration are properly applied; and
• You provide information, training and health surveillance.

Review what you are doing if anything changes that may affect exposures to vibration where you work.

A current campaign of the HSE includes visiting foundries to see how they are managing hand-arm vibration under the new regulations.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/campaign/index.htm

How can Cti help

Cti understands the needs and limitations of foundries, and aims to provide workable solutions that are holistic in concept.  Design, production, quality control and management all have important roles to play in the reduction of HAV in foundries, and as such personnel in all of these areas should be made aware of their responsibility in the overall HAV reduction strategy of the foundry.

Cti environmental can provide a range of consultancy options that include:

• Internal Risk Assessment Training
• HAV Reduction and Control
• HAV Measurement Service

Chris Mills
Senior Consultant: Occupational Hygiene

7 November 2006