Construction Vibration Monitoring

Party wall monitoring during demolition, piling and construction works

Air Quality / Dust Monitoring

MetOne ES-642 & DM30 Dustsens Dust Monitors for long or short term monitoring on construction sites

Noise Monitoring

Class 1 Noise Monitors for long or short term monitoring on construction sites

Building Vibration Monitoring

Accurately pinpoint and diagnose the source of vibration entering a building

Machine Condition Monitoring

Vibration analysis of all rotating machinery such as motors, gearboxes, pumps and fans

Thermal Imaging Services

Surveys on distribution boards, switchgear, control panels, motors & gearboxes

HAND ARM VIBRATION AT WORK

HAND ARM & WHOLE BODY VIBRATION SURVEYS

Are your employees regularly using vibrating equipment or machinery in their daily work?

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) occurs when vibrations are transmitted into the hands and arms of employees while they operate hand-held machinery and power tools. This exposure can happen in various work environments, including construction sites, manufacturing units, forestry operations, and even maintenance tasks. The severity of exposure can vary significantly based on the type of equipment used, the duration of use, and the working conditions.

The Serious Impacts of Extended Exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration

Prolonged or repeated exposure to high levels of hand-arm vibration can lead to severe health issues collectively known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Vibration White Finger (VWF). These conditions can cause detrimental effects on the nervous system, joints, muscles, blood vessels, and connective tissues of the hands and forearms. Symptoms may include numbness, tingling, loss of strength, and in severe cases, the permanent loss of circulation, which can lead to debilitating conditions that severely impact quality of life and work capability.

The Importance of Annual HAVS Assessments

To comply with workplace safety regulations, it is a legal requirement for employers to conduct thorough assessments to identify and implement effective measures aimed at minimizing risks associated with hand-arm vibration exposure. Regular annual HAVS assessments are highly recommended not just for compliance, but also for safeguarding employee health. Employers should prioritize control measures designed to reduce vibration exposure and ensure that their staff receive proper information and training regarding the risks associated with HAV.

Early Detection: A Key to Prevention

At Vibration Monitoring Services, we specialize in conducting comprehensive hand-arm and whole-body vibration surveys that accurately determine personal exposure levels. Our assessments take into account a variety of factors, including the condition of the equipment being used, the specific working processes in place, and the overall work environment. By analysing this data, we can effectively evaluate the potential health risks and provide concrete recommendations for risk mitigation.

If you suspect that you or your employees are at risk of suffering from HAV, we are here to assist you. Our expert team can provide recommendations on equipment use, exposure limits, and additional measures that can help reduce associated risks.

Expert Testing for Hand Arm Vibration

Recognizing the critical importance of early detection, our experienced engineers are equipped to perform detailed hand-arm vibration testing. Upon completion of our evaluations, we provide comprehensive reports that utilize a straightforward traffic light system, clearly indicating how long a specific piece of equipment can be used safely and detailing any necessary recommendations for reducing vibration exposure.

We can also perform personal exposure monitoring, offering daily vibration evaluations for individual employees throughout their workday. Our monitoring systems can include alarms that activate at medium and high-risk levels, guided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations as outlined in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. This proactive approach helps to ensure employees are aware of their exposure levels and can take appropriate action when necessary.

Contact our Vibration Experts

For more information regarding our Hand Arm Vibration Surveys or Whole Body Vibration assessments, or if you need guidance on managing vibration exposure at your workplace, please do not hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable team. Contact us today at: 0208 108 0440. Together, we can create a safer, healthier working environment for you and your employees.

What the Law Says:

The Vibration Regulations require you to:

Make sure that risks from vibration are controlled;
Provide information, instruction, and training to employees on the risk and the actions being taken to control risk; and
Provide suitable health surveillance.

The Vibration Regulations include an exposure action value (EAV) and an exposure limit value (ELV) based on a combination of the vibration at the grip point(s) on the equipment or work-piece and the time spent gripping it. The exposure action and limit values are:

A daily EAV of 2.5 m/s2 A(8) that represents a clear risk requiring management; and
A daily ELV of 5 m/s2 A(8) that represents a high risk above which employees should not be exposed.

Click here for the HSE Hand-Arm Vibration at Work Brief Guide