Vibration Assessment

Vibration exposure in the UK is principally controlled through the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005).  This requires the undertaking of a thorough risk assessment and sets out a number of legally enforceable limits which all employers must meet.

We undertake both hand-arm and whole body vibration risk assessments to evaluate the situation and provide cost effective advice to manage the risk.

Hand Arm Vibration

Use of manually operated electric and pneumatic tools normally results in exposure to vibration.  Excessive hand-arm vibration can result in a number of deliberating symptoms including the commonly known affects referred to as vibration white finger or Raynaud’s disease.

These preventable aliments can be avoided by implementing a range of control measures including the introduction of alternative production processes, use of vibration damped tools, modifying working practises and ensuring operators receive appropriate information, instruction and training.

Whole body vibration

Regular long term whole body vibration exposure is associated with back pain along with other factors such as poor posture and heavy lifting.

Whole body vibration risks are frequently associated with the use of vehicles which are driven regularly for much of the work period such as fork lift trucks or heavy plant and machinery.

Further information can be gained from the Health and Safety Executive’s website; www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/