Introduction to Vibration

Introduction to Vibration : Introduction to Vibration Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Whole Body Vibration Health and Safety Training

Contents : Contents Introduction to HAVs and WBVs Toolbox Talk on Vibration Describe the Legal Limits and Action Levels HAVs and WBV How Vibration is Measured and Managed Implications for You and Your Employees

Toolbox Talk : Toolbox Talk Vibration can cause long-term painful damage to your hands and fingers - and that shocks and jolts from driving certain types of vehicles can cause severe back pain?

What is HAVS? : What is HAVS? A circulation disorder that can have an affect on the blood vessels, nerves and muscles of the hand, wrist and forearm. Can be severely disabling. Often known as Vibration White Finger Also causes Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Damage from HAVS can include the inability to do fine work and cold can trigger painful finger blanching attacks.

Why talk about HAVS? : Why talk about HAVS? 2 Million workers at Risk from exposure to high levels of vibration 460,000 are estimated to be working in construction 242,000 cases of HAVS are reported every year

What are the Symptoms? : What are the Symptoms? Tingling and numbness in the fingers. In the cold fingers go blue, red then white and can be painful. You don’t feel things properly with your fingers. Pain or tingling in your hands or forearms at night that can stop you sleeping. Loss of strength in you arms and hands.

What are the Symptoms? : What are the Symptoms? Stage 1 PAIN and NUMBNESS Rare case of Tissue necrosis

What are the Symptoms? : What are the Symptoms? BURNING AGONISING PAIN!

What effects do these symptoms have? : pain, distress and sleep disturbance; inability to do fine work reduced ability to work in cold or damp conditions (ie most outdoor work) reduced grip strength These effects can severely limit the jobs you are able to do, as well as many family and social activities. What effects do these symptoms have?

Who is at Risk? : Who is at Risk? Users of breakers and pokers, sanders and angle grinders. Users of needle guns. Users of drills and jigsaws. Users of Chainsaws, Stihl saws, etc

Some Common Vibrating Tools : Some Common Vibrating Tools chainsaws; concrete breakers/road breakers; cutoff saws (for stone etc); hammer drills; handheld grinders; impact wrenches; jigsaws; needle scalers; pedestal grinders; polishers; power hammers and chisels; powered lawn mowers; powered sanders; scabblers; strimmers/brush cutters.

Who is at Risk? : Who is at Risk? Those with circulation problems that reduce blood flow to the hands and feet, etc. Workers in cold and damp condition. Work in cramped conditions

How Can I Prevent it? : How Can I Prevent it? Ask for low vibration tools. Try a different approach to your job. Use the right tool for the job. Keep blades and cutting edges sharp.

How can I Prevent it? : How can I Prevent it? Check the tool has been properly maintained. Reduce the amount of time you use the tool. Keep the handles warm.

How can I Prevent it? : How can I Prevent it? Improve your blood circulation by: Keeping warm, wear gloves etc. Giving up smoking. Smoking drastically impairs blood flow through the body. Massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks.

What can my employer do? : Develop a Safety Management Policy to manage the hazards and minimize the risks. Select and Purchase Low Vibration equipment Implement a preventative and scheduled maintenance programme Replace worn tools. What can my employer do?

What can my employer do? : What can my employer do? Elimination Substitution Isolation Engineering control Administrative controls Health surveillance Personal protective equipment Rotation of work activities

What else Can I Do? : What else Can I Do? Learn to Recognise the signs of HAVS. Stop work and report any symptoms to your supervisor immediately. Use any control measures provided, i.e gloves etc, that your employer has provided. Ask for advice from your safety department or safety rep.

HAVs Remember : HAVs Remember Once you have had an attack of HAVS, you will always be at risk. Tell your supervisor as soon as you suspect any symptoms and report these in the accident book.

Exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV) : Exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV) Hand Arm Vibration EAV 2.5 m/s2 A(8) ELV 5 m/s2 A(8)

Slide 21 : Exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV)

HAVs - What to do Now. : HAVs - What to do Now. Make a list of your equipment Check the handbook (Make, Model, Vibration risks, Vibration information) Make a list of employees who use equipment and duration of use Discuss vibration issues (equipment that is known to cause problems) Record information

Risks – a rough grouping : Risks – a rough grouping High Risk – Hammer action tool 1 hour per day; Rotary tools 4 hours a day Medium Risk – Hammer action tool 15 minutes a day; rotary tools 1 hour a day.

Slide 24 : Orbital Sander The orbital sander is the ideal tool for a really fine finish on flat wood and metal surfaces. Noise level – 110dB Weight – 3kg Voltage – 110v 16amp supply Power – 300W Hand arm vibration 3.0m/s – maximum usage 333 minutes per person per 8 hour shift Information courtesy of Alide Plant Services Ltd

Slide 25 : Jigsaw Suitable for cutting straight lines or curves in wood, plastic or sheet metal. Noise level – 85dB Weight – 3kg voltage – 110v 16amp supply Power – 660W Hand arm vibration 2.5m/s – maximum usage 480 minutes per person per 8 hour shift

Slide 26 : Alligator Saw An ideal on site general purpose saw, for cutting timber, joists and fence posts. Blades charged extra. Noise level – 84dB Weight – 5kg Voltage – 110v 16amp supply Power – 1020W Hand arm vibration 4.4m/s – maximum 168 minutes per person per 8 hour shift

The Calculations - : The Calculations - Machine Vibration Daily Exposure More than 1 tool

HSE online Calculator : HSE online Calculator http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/hav.xls

Whole Body Vibration : Whole Body Vibration Whole-body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat or feet of employees who drive mobile machines, or other work vehicles, over rough and uneven surfaces as a main part of their job. Large shocks and jolts may cause health risks as well as Back-pain.

What is WBV? : What is WBV? The same circulatory disorder that harms the fingers and wrists but this time it affects the Internal Organs (Heart, Liver, Kidneys, etc) as well as the Skeleton (Back, Legs and Shoulders)

Who is at Risk? : Drivers of Mobile plant. Fork lift Rough terrain Tractors Lawnmowers Dumpers Rollers, etc. Who is at Risk?

What can my employer do? : Same as HAVs – manage the exposure via their policy. Selection, Maintenance, Fit for Purpose Training etc. Good adjustable seating Know the tasks and hazards involved Minimise exposure – rotation Health surveillance What can my employer do?

What Can I as an employee Do? : What Can I as an employee Do? Keep warm and use the equipment carefully Follow instructions Maintain a good healthy diet – do not be over weight Recognise the symptoms of WBV and report them early Anecdotal evidence points to: Overweight People are often more affected by WBVs Underweight People are often more affected by HAVs There are reasons for this.

Coronary Heart Disease - : Coronary Heart Disease - Did you know there's an association between the presence of diagonal earlobe crease and coronary artery disease. The presence of bilateral ELC is associated with CAD and coronary risk factors. Earlobe Creases – Possible Indicator of High Risk Factor of Coronary Heart Disease

Legal duties : Legal duties assess the vibration risk If exposed above the daily EAV - introduce a programme of controls provide health surveillance If exposed above the daily ELV - take immediate action to reduce their exposure below the limit value; provide information and training on health risks and the actions taken to control; consult your workforce reps on controls incl health surveillance; record of your risk assessment and control actions; keep health records for employees under health surveillance; review and update your risk assessment regularly.

Exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV) : Exposure action value (EAV) and exposure limit value (ELV) Whole Body Vibration EAV of 0.5m/s2 A(8) ELV 1.15/ms2 A(8) Same Rules Apply.

Legislation : Legislation Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 Safe plant, Systems, Use, Handling, Transportation, Information, Training, Supervision, etc. Management of Health and Safety at Work 1999 Risk Assessment and Control Provision and Use of Work Equipment 1998 Selection and Use, Ergonomics Safe People, Safe Materials, Safe Equipment and Safe Working Environment.

You are in Charge : You are in Charge As creator of the hazards, risks and dangers – You must provide evidence that you can and do manage it. Take Charge and Control

Homework : Homework Update your policy with your vibration management system. Make a list of your vibration tools and equipment Make a list of exposed employees Identify if you have a vibration problem If you do Fix it.