How can you reduce hand/arm vibration syndrome in the workplace?

Eliminate and reduce: Put steps in place or develop a plan to make sure vibration exposure is eliminated or reduced where necessary. For example, design out the problem; if not possible then do the work a different way; select better-vibrating tools where their use is unavoidable and maintain the tools.

How can you reduce HAVS in the workplace?

Along with using anti-vibration tools and gloves, workers can reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) by following work practices:

  1. Use a minimum strength hand grip that still allows the safe operation of the tool or process.
  2. Wear sufficient clothing, including gloves, to keep warm.

What are the control measures for vibration hazard?

Rest and rotate workers – limit the time workers are exposed to vibration for long, continuous periods. Rotate workers where tools require continual or frequent use. Gloves and warm clothing – provide protective clothing if needed to keep workers warm and dry.

What is a Tier 4 HAVS assessment?

Tier 4 involves a formal diagnosis and is carried out by a doctor qualified in occupational health. The doctor will advise you on the employee’s fitness for work. Tier 5 is optional and involves referral of the employee for certain tests for HAVS. The results may help the doctor assess fitness for work.

What regulations does the employer need to comply with for hand/arm vibration?

Hand-arm vibration The regulations introduce an: Exposure action value of 2.5 m/s2 A(8) at which level employers should introduce technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure. Exposure limit value of 5.0 m/s2 A(8) which should not be exceeded.

How long are you allowed to use a breaker for?

Most types of hand-held, hand-guided or hand-fed powered equipment can cause ill health from vibration if used incorrectly. the use of non-hammer action tools for about one hour. use of non-hammer action tools for about four hours.

How can occupational health be improved?

Improving Occupational Wellness

  1. Don’t settle, keep motivated, and work towards what you want.
  2. Increase your knowledge and skills to accomplish your goals.
  3. Find the benefits and positives in your current job.
  4. Enjoy what you do, do what you enjoy.
  5. Create connections with your co-workers.

What is the 8 hours allowable exposure to hand vibration?

For hand-arm vibration the EAV is a daily exposure of 2.5 m/s2 A(8). The actions you need to take are described in the rest of the employers’ web pages. There is also a level of vibration exposure that must not be exceeded.

How is vibration measurement conducted on a system?

Vibration analysis is a process that monitors vibration levels and investigates the patterns in vibration signals. It is commonly conducted both on the time waveforms of the vibration signal directly, as well as on the frequency spectrum, which is obtained by applying Fourier Transform on the time waveform.

How do you do a HAVS assessment?

HAVS Assessment Template

  1. Determine the work activities with vibrating tools or equipment.
  2. Identify the workers exposed to HAVS risks.
  3. Specify and take photos of the vibration sources.
  4. Indicate control of exposure and assign actions.
  5. Complete the assessment with digital signatures.

Who do you report HAVS too?

provide health surveillance. Certain cases of HAVS and all cases of vibration-related CTS must be reported to HSE in accordance with the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) – see ‘Find out more’.

When to carry out a hand arm vibration risk assessment?

exposed to similar work activities then a team vibration risk assessment can be carried out. It is important that trigger times are similar, or where this is impracticable then worst case times should be used. A Hand Arm Vibration Risk Assessment Proforma HR16E has been developed to assist managers in the carrying out of risk assessments(see

What is hand-arm vibration syndrome?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a widespread industrial disease. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimate that over 1 million people are exposed to high levels of vibration through their work. The attacks are painful and can result in the loss of the ability to grip properly.

How do managers and employees take control of hand arm vibration?

• Managers and Employees are trained in the use of the tag system and how employees can use this to take control of the risks. • Employees are to be informed of the importance of reporting early stages of symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration to their line manager. • Managers and Employees are issued with the HSE Pocket Leaflet: Hand-Arm Vibration

What is the vibration safety policy?

2.1 INTRODUCTION This policy provides standards of good management practices to minimise identify and control the risk of long-term injury to employees who are exposed to vibration at work. The policy endeavours to comply with good practice and with the following specific legislation: