Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) Assessment

The HAV assessment measures exposure levels to determine vibration magnitudes transferred from the hand tool to the hand. Our consultants will independent advice and recommendations on control strategies, an action plan, current legislation.

FAQ

What does UK law say about vibration exposure monitoring?

In the UK, vibration exposure monitoring is governed by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. These regulations require employers to assess and manage the risks associated with exposure to vibration in the workplace. Here’s an overview of key aspects:

Risk assessment: Employers must assess the risks associated with exposure to vibration in the workplace. This involves identifying sources of vibration, estimating employees’ exposure levels, and determining whether they are likely to cause harm.
Action levels and exposure limits: The regulations set out action levels and exposure limits for both hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration. Employers must ensure that employees’ exposure levels do not exceed these limits. If exposure levels approach or exceed the action levels, employers must take action to reduce exposure.
Control measures: Employers are required to implement control measures to reduce employees’ exposure to vibration. This may involve modifying or replacing vibrating equipment, providing training on safe working practices, and implementing administrative controls such as limiting the duration of exposure.
Health surveillance: Employers must provide health surveillance for employees who are exposed to hand-arm vibration above the action levels. This involves monitoring employees’ health for signs of vibration-related health issues and providing appropriate medical assessments and advice.
Information and training: Employers must provide employees with information and training on the risks associated with vibration exposure and how to minimize them. This includes instruction on the proper use of vibrating equipment and the importance of reporting any symptoms of vibration-related health issues.

Why is vibration exposure monitoring necessary?

Vibration exposure monitoring involves assessing and measuring the level of exposure to mechanical vibration that individuals experience in their work environment. This is crucial because prolonged exposure to excessive levels of vibration can lead to health issues such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and whole-body vibration effects.

Why is Occupational Hygiene important?

Exposure to harmful substances, elevated noise levels and prolonged use of vibration tools can cause serious ill-health over the longer term. If appropriate controls are not being used then employees will be at risk of serious illness such as cancer, asthma, skin diseases , hand-arm-vibration syndrome and deafness.

What is Occupational Hygiene?

Occupational Hygiene is concerned with ‘worker health protection’. It is often described as the recognition, evaluation and control of exposure to workplace hazards. These include agents such as may include chemicals, dust, fumes, noise, radiation, vibration and extreme temperatures. chemical, physical and biological agents arising from workplace activity. The presence of these agents may affect the health and well-being of employees.

What is the duty holder responsible for?

The Duty Holder is required by law to protect its employees and others from harm. The minimum you must do is:

1.Identify what could cause injury or illness (hazards)

2.Decide how likely it is that someone could be harmed and how seriously ( the risk)

3.Take action to eliminate the hazard, or if this isn’t possible, control the risk.

Which contaminants can cause risks to workers health?

This chart highlights the possible health effects associated with different types of contaminants found in the workplace.

What does UK law say about managing risks to workers health?

The law requires employers to adequately control exposure to substances in the workplace that cause ill health. This is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH). In addition, organisations need to work within the legal limits for the amount of substances that can be present in the workplace air. There are also regulations for the control of: Noise , Vibration and Local Exhaust Ventilation. You can view a range of HSE guidance relating to Occupational Hygiene at https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/index-legal-ref.htm

What is BOHS?

BOHS is a membership organisation that promotes Occupational Hygiene as the science-based discipline for identifying, assessing and controlling exposure to harmful substances in the workplace. It is the only Occupational Hygiene organisation to be awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of its ‘ unique and pre-eminent role as the leading authority in occupational disease prevention’. BOHS is also a UK based examining board for occupational hygiene qualifications

Testimonial

AEC carry out all of our monitoring from noise assessments, to air monitoring for respirable silica and hand-arm vibration assessments for tools used across our sites. The hygienists are very knowledgeable and flexible to our shift patterns and the monitoring is always carried out in a safe manner.

NSG, Pilkington Glass

When planning our monitoring exercise, we naturally obtained a number of quotes. We selected AEC Ltd, partly on cost effectiveness but also on the pre-survey service they offered which included a free site visit to accurately assess the monitoring required. All the staff we dealt with were professional and knowledgeable. The written reports were comprehensive, timely and as well as detailing legal requirements, also offered best practice recommendations.

Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College

When planning our noise monitoring exercise, we naturally obtained a number of quotes. We selected AEC partly on cost effectiveness but also on the pre-survey service they offered which included a free site visit to accurately assess the monitoring required. All the staff we dealt with were professional and knowledgeable. The written reports were comprehensive, timely and as well as detailing legal requirements, also offered best practice recommendations.

Client of noise and exposure monitoring services. Leading UK College.