Hand Arm Vibration

For information on how to assess and identify "vibration risks" and health effects please contact Michele Lake the Occupational Health Practitioner.

 

If anyone uses hand-held power tools, they should identify, assess and prevent or control the risks from vibration.

  • Have workers had information and training so they know what the risks are from hand-arm vibration (HAV) on site, and what they need to do to avoid those risks?
  • Have you identified and assessed risks to workers from prolonged use of vibrating tools such as concrete breakers, angle grinders or hammer drills?
  • Has exposure to HAV been reduced as much as possible by selecting suitable work methods and plant?
  • Are reduced-vibration tools used wherever possible?
  • Have vibrating tools been properly maintained?
  • Have you arranged health surveillance for people exposed to high levels of hand-arm vibration, especially when exposed for long periods?

 

The manufacturer or supplier's information should indicate if there is a vibration problem. Go back to the manufacturer or supplier if the information is not clear. Where possible choose low vibration tools.

Assessment

The information from the manufacturer or supplier, the amount of time the tools are used and discussions with the people using the tools should reveal the tools most likely to present a risk.

In addition, make sure workers using vibrating tools know about the risks and what they need to do to minimise them.

Prevention

Can the job be done in another way which does not involve using hand-held power tools (for example, by using a hydraulic breaker to break a concrete beam rather than spending long periods using hand-held breakers)?

Control

Maintain equipment so that it is properly balanced, has no loose or worn out parts and blades / cutters are sharp etc. Use the power tool and attachment which will do the job properly in the shortest time.

To protect against vibration, workers should keep their hands warm to get a good flow of blood into the fingers by:

  • Wearing gloves.
  • Having hot food or drinks.
  • Massaging the fingers.
  • Not smoking (as this can cause narrowing of the blood vessels).

Further information

HSE Hand Arm Vibration Here