Hand-Arm Vibration Risk Management

The Regulations on risk management.

Regulation 6 places a duty upon employers to either eliminate risk of exposure to vibration or to reduce this to as low a level as is "reasonably practicable".

Where it isn't reasonably practical to eliminate risk then employers are required to reduce exposure by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures appropriate to the activity. The measures taken shall include consideration of:

• alternative working methods which reduce exposure to vibration;
• choice of work equipment of appropriate ergonmomic design which, taking account of the work to be done, produces the least amount of vibration;
• the provision of auxiliary equipment which reduces the risk of injuries caused by vibration;
• appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems;
• the design and layout of workplaces, work stations and rest facilities;
• suitable and sufficient information and training for employees, such that work equipment may be used correctly and safely, in order to minimise their exposure to vibration;
• limitation of the duration and magnitude of exposure to vibration;
• appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods;
• the provision of clothing to protect employees from cold and damp.

HSE guidance on risk management

The guidance lists the following actions as risk controls:

• looking for alternative work methods which eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration;
• mechanising or automating the work;
• making sure that equipment selected or allocated for tasks is suitable and can do the work efficiently. Equipment that is unsuitable, too small or not powerful enough is likely to take much longer to complete the task and expose employees to vibration for longer than is necessary;
• selecting the lowest vibration tool that is suitable and can do the work efficiently;
• limiting the lowest vibration tool that is suitable and can do the work efficiently;
• checking with suppliers that their equipment is suitable and will be effective for the work, compare vibration emission information for different brands/models of equipment, ask for vibration information for the way the equipment is to be used, and ask for information on any training requirements for safe operation;
• encouraging employees to try the different models and brands of equipment and take account of their opinions before choosing which to buy;
• finding out about the equipment’s vibration reduction features and how to use and maintain the equipment to make these features effective;
• making sure the organisation has a policy on purchasing suitable equipment, taking account of vibration emission, efficiency and any specific requirements;
• training purchasing staff on the issues relating to vibration so that they can deal effectively with equipment suppliers;
• improving the design of workstations to minimise loads on employees’ hands, wrists and arms caused by poor posture;
• using devices such as jigs and suspension systems to reduce the need to grip heavy tools tightly;
• introducing appropriate maintenance programmes for equipment to prevent avoidable increases in vibration;
• prohibiting the use of blunt or damaged concrete breakerand chipping hammer chisels and replacing consumable items such as grinding wheels, so that equipment is efficient and keeps employee exposure as short as possible.
• limiting the time that employees are exposed to vibration;
• planning work to avoid individuals being exposed to vibration for long, continuous periods – several shorter periods are preferable;
• where tools require continual or frequent use, introduce employee rotas to limit exposure times;
• providing employees with protective clothing when necessary to keep them warm and dry. This will encourage good blood circulation which should help protect them from developing vibration white finger.

Employers are encouraged to take the following steps to ensure that the above steps are working:

• checking regularly that the programme of controls that have been introduced is being carried out by managers and employees;
• talking regularly to managers, supervisors, employees and trade union safety representative or employee representative about whether there are any vibration problems with the equipment or the way it is being used;
• checking the results of health surveillance and discuss with the health service provider whether the controls appear to be effective or need to be changed.

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