HAVS Vibration Assessment

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is the collective term covering a number of potentially serious injuries, of which vibration white finger (VWF) is the most commonly recognised.

There are a number of factors that contribute to the development of HAVS, and steps should be taken to reduce the risk where elimination is not possible.

Southern Power Tools work with industry to provide a complete and independent assessment of Hand Arm Vibration levels within the workplace, in accordance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations

The main purposes of the Hand Arm Vibration assessment is to identify where there is a risk and to determine employees’ daily vibration exposures to establish if the operators are likely to be exposed at or above the Exposure Action Value (EAV) and / or the Exposure Limit Value (ELV).

The employee exposure to HAVS is measured by monitoring vibration values that are representative of the typical vibration for a tool or process throughout the operators daily working period. From the data collected in the study, the usage time prior to reaching both the exposure action value and exposure limit value is calculated.

The said values are reviewed and a report submitted – listing the vibration test results, EAV, ELV and Exposure points per hour.

For a competitive price Southern Power Tools offers a tool audit, where trained engineers will undertake vibration testing to ISO standard 5349-2 (2001) on a sample of tools used on the site (minimum of one of each tool type). Each tool is monitored for vibration utilising all consumables used by the tool, free running and in use. The data is recorded and submitted on a report which lists the vibration test results, Exposure Action and Limit Values, which can be used in a Vibration Exposure action plan.

The “Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005” came into force in 2005 and aims to protect workers from risks to health from vibration.

The regulations introduce action and limit values for hand-arm and whole-body vibration. These regulations require the employer to carry out a number of tasks to assess the vibration risk to their employees and to introduce a number of controls to eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration.

Unless managed in line with these current regulations and EU standards, employers may put themselves and their employees at great risk to Hand Arm Vibration.

The regulations specify two levels for Hand Arm Vibration. The daily exposure limit value (ELV) is the maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to on any single day. The daily exposure action value (EAV) is the level of daily exposure to vibration above which an employer is required to take certain actions to reduce exposure.

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.

After completing the report, Southern Power Tools is able to offer a range of additional services which can assist with the on-going management of HAVS and general vibration reduction.

The following options are offered:

• Assistance in applying the test results for operators who use multiple tools and component combinations.
• The creation of a jointly agreed action plan focusing on reducing vibration exposure. Using Southern Power Tools extensive Tool and Abrasive knowledge to help reduce vibration exposure.
• Bespoke HAVS awareness training and advice for your employees.

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Training to in-house trainers to enable them to provide accurate, up to date Abrasive training to their staff.

This course is designed to make attendees aware of HAVS and provide advice on how to reduce the risks.