Hand-Arm Vibration Procedure

Transcription

1 r West Lothian Council Hand-Arm Vibration Procedure Occupational Health & Safety 26 September 2003 Revised by OH&S May 2005 Revised August 2006 Revised April 2007

2 CONTENTS APPENDIX2 16 APPENDIX3 18 APPENDIX4 21 PURCHASE OF HAND-ARM VIBRATING EQUIPMENT 18 APPENDIX 1 15 ABBREVIATIONS AND EXPLANATION OF TERMS 15 MEASURING HAND-ARM VIBRATION 16 APPENDIX INTRODUCTION 3 2. WHAT IS HAND-ARM VIBRATION 3 3. EFFECTS OF VIBRATION INJURY IN THE HANDS 4 4. IDENTIFYING HAZARDOUS WORK AND ASSESSING RISK 4 5. VIBRATION MEASUREMENT AND VIBRATION EXPOSURE 5 6. STRATEGY TO REDUCE VIBRATION 6 7. MINIMISING VIBRATION EXPOSURE 8 8. PURCHASE OF NEW EQUIPMENT AND USE OF HIRE EQUIPMENT RE-TESTING MACHINES INFORMATION FROM MACHINERY SUPPLIERS DISPOSAL OF ASSETS WITH VIBRATION RISKS RECORDS CONTROL MEASURES 12 HEALTH SURVEILLANCE 21 HEALTH SURVEILLANCE HAND ARM VIBRATION 25 HEALTH RISKS FROM HAND-ARM VIBRATION 31 HEALTH RECORDS 36 INITIAL SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE 42 HAV CHART 44 WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 2 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM PROCEDURE HAND-ARM VIBRATION ADVICE FOR EMPLOYEES 31 MANUFACTURERISUPPLIER VIBRATION LEVEL QUESTIONNAIRE 28 DISPOSAL OF EQUIPMENT FORM 35 SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE 37 POINTS CHART 45 ACTION FOLLOWING DIAGNOSIS OF HAND-ARM VIBRATION STAGE 39 WEEKLY OCCUPATIONAL VIBRATION EXPOSURE RECORD 40 APPENDIX 7 31 APPENDIX 8 35 APPENDIX 9 36 APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX APPENDIX6 28 HAND-ARM VIBRATION PROCEDURE

3 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Without effective controls employees regularly using high vibration equipment could suffer from long term harm known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or more commonly Vibration White Finger (VWF) which is a prescribed industrial disease and reportable under the RIDDOR Regulations If employees are at risk, employers and equipment manufacturers must consider what action is needed to reduce the risk so far as is reasonably practicable. This will meet the requirements of general legislation including the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 as well as The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations Regular exposure to high vibration levels may cause various kinds of injury to the hands, arms and body including impaired blood circulation damage to the nerves, muscles and soft tissue. 1.4 This procedure document is intended to help managers and others decide where there might be a risk and what kind of action might help to reduce it, such as: elimination of the risk altogether; substitution through tool selection and engineering control; evaluation of the levels of risk; exposure management through work processes; prioritising action required according to risk; provision of personal protective equipment; introduction of control measures such as purchasing requirements; information instruction and training monitoring through exposure levels, management of control programme and health surveillance 1.5 The subject of vibration is surrounded with technical information and terms but as far as possible, a non-technical language has been used in this document. A list of commonly used terms is provided for easy reference in Appendix WHAT IS HAND-ARM VIBRATION? Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a general term embracing various kinds of damage, including: Vascular disorders generally known as vibration-induced white finger (VWF) causing impaired blood circulation and blanching of affected fingers and parts of the hand; Neurological and musculoskeletal damage leading to numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands, reduced grip strength and dexterity, and reduced sensitivity both of touch and to temperature. WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 3 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

4 3. EFFECTS OF VIBRATION INJURY IN THE HANDS 3.1 Transient tingling of the fingers while using vibration tools is a normal response and not due to an underlying medical cause. In the first stages of vibration injury, the employee may notice a tingling sensation of pins and needles in the fingers out-with using the vibration tools. This is most noticeable at the end of a working day and may be accompanied by numbness. With continued exposure, the person may suffer periodic attacks in which the fingers change colour when exposed to the cold. In mild cases, the whiteness and numbness only affect the tips of the fingers. If the condition becomes more severe, the whole finger down to the knuckles becomes white. This phase is followed by an intense red flush (sometimes preceded by a dusky bluish phase) signalling the return of blood circulation to the fingers and is usually accompanied by uncomfortable throbbing. 3.2 In more severe forms, attacks occur frequently in cold weather. They are likely to take place not only at work, but also during activities such as gardening, car washing, fishing, or watching outdoor sports. The attacks may last up to an hour, causing considerable pain and loss of manual dexterity, resulting in clumsiness and reduced grip strength. As the condition worsens, attacks can occur in even warm surroundings. 4. IDENTIFYING HAZARDOUS WORK AND ASSESSING RISK Common tools and processes likely to create hazardous levels of vibration are listed below. They will not always cause injury because the risk also depends on many other factors (see factors contributing to risk below). 4.1 Powered percussive metal working Powered hammers used for: riveting; hammering; clinching and flanging; tools 4.2 Percussive tools used percussive hammers; vibratory compactors; concrete breakers. in stone working, quarrying, construction etc. 4.3 Pokers sanders drills used in: - demolition; - road construction etc. 4.4 Grinders and rotary pedestal grinders; hand-held portable grinders; flex-driven grinders and polishers; rotary burring tools. other tools 4.5 Timber and wood machining chainsaws; tools WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 4 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

5 brush cutters (clearing saws); hand-held or hand-fed circular saws; electrical screwdrivers; mowers and shears; hardwood cutting machines; barking machines; strimmers. 4.6 Other processes and tools drain suction machines; nut runners; concrete vibro-thickeners; concrete levelling vibro-tables; buffers/polishers. This list is not comprehensive. It is safer to regard regular prolonged use of any high-vibration tool or machine as suspect, especially if it causes tingling or numbness in the user s fingers after about 5 to 10 minutes of continuous operation. 4.7 Factors Contributing to Risk The primary cause of HAVS is work that involves holding vibrating tools or work pieces. Vibration with a frequency ranging from about 2 to 1500 Hertz (Hz) is considered potentially damaging, but is more hazardous for individuals when they are exposed to vibration in the lower ranges from about 5 to 20 Hz. (this information was contained within the Health and Safety Executive document HS(G)88), now superseded by The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations The risk depends on the magnitude of vibration; the frequency and how long people are exposed, as well as the individuals personal susceptibility Several other factors also affect the severity of the risk, although there is still only limited scientific information on their importance and the way they interact. These include: grip, push and other forces used to guide the equipment; exposure pattern - length and frequency of work, as well as rest periods; how much of the hand is exposed to vibration; factors affecting blood circulation, such as temperature, smoking, medication and illness; individual susceptibility. 5. VIBRATION MEASUREMENT AND VIBRATION EXPOSURE 5.1 Various methods have been developed to measure vibration giving the results as the displacement, velocity or acceleration of vibrating surfaces. Manufacturers usually give the root mean square (RMS) value, which is measured in metres per second squared (m/s 2). The Regulations refer to a daily exposure period of 8 hours shown as A(8). 5.2 Machine manufacturers can provide data on vibration levels. The vibration data needs to be reasonably representative of what is likely when the tools are being used for the jobs assessed. Experience has shown that manufactures do not always WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 5 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

6 provide realistic measurement data of the vibration produced by their machines when the tools are being used for the jobs assessed. 5.3 The vibration dose received by a worker over a typical working day depends on the duration of exposure and vibration magnitude. Magnitude is the terminology used to described the degree of oscillation and can be regarded as the intensity or strength of the vibration being generated. To allow different exposure patterns to be compared, the dose is adjusted or normalised to a standard reference period of 8 hours, however long the actual exposure period lasts. 5.4 Appendix 2 describes the process enlisted to measure vibration. Appendix 14 includes a chart that can be used when calculating exposure, or as a guide when purchasing equipment. Appendix 15 provides a means of calculating multiple exposures to different machinery by the use of a points system. 6. STRATEGY TO REDUCE VIBRATION 6.1 Where the work of the Service Area exposes employees to risks involving vibrating equipment then a strategy to reduce the levels of vibration so far as is reasonably practicable must be developed. 6.2 An effective strategy is best developed by: identifying chief sources of vibration then ranking them in terms of their contribution to the hazard; identifying and evaluating potential solutions in terms of practicability and cost; allocating priorities and establishing an action programme; defining management responsibility and allocating adequate resources; implementing the programme and monitoring progress; returning the Action Programme with timescales to the Vibration Review Group for monitoring. 6.3 Methods to assist in this programme include: Risk I Vibration Assessments; Hand-Arm Vibration Action Values. WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 6 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

7 The following levels are recommended and should be considered at all times when using and purchasing equipment. A(8) RMS Value Action Required Less than A(8) 1.0 m/s 2 Monitor and review if it is believed that this level could_be_increased. Above A(8) 1.0 m/s 2 First Action Level Vibration assessment required. Review safe systems of work to minimise exposure so far as is reasonably practicable. Information, instruction and training for employee/representatives. Daily Exposure Action Value At or Above A(8) 2.5 m/s 2 Manufacturers must provide information on levels of vibration exposure.. Employees must undergo health surveillance programme if they are regularly exposed at this level. Records of assessments and control measures to be maintained. Immediate implementation of control measures, increased medical surveillance. Daily Exposure Limit Value No equipment is to be used above this level A(8) 5.0 m/s 2 If exceeded identify the reason why and take measure so that it is not exceeded again. 6.4 Where any vibrating equipment is regularly used, supervisors must remain alert for symptoms displayed by employees, which should be considered for action, once reported. If this indicates that an injury is being caused, preventative and health surveillance programmes will need to be initiated. 6.5 Where an employee is exposed to a vibration risk, details of this risk must be incorporated within the Service Area s risk assessment process. This may incorporate (if indicated by the appropriate action levels) a full assessment of the vibration levels associated with certain types of machinery. A competent person with specialist equipment and knowledge must conduct these assessments. 6.6 When deciding the risk rating for the use of hand held vibration tools, many factors will need to be taken into consideration (see Factors Contributing to Risk Paragraph 4.7). However, the following may be used as a simple guide: RISK HAV Levels in (A8) m/s 2 Low Less than 1.0 Medium Between 1.0 and 2.5 High Between 2.5 and Once a risk category has been established, these assessments must be reviewed on a regular basis. The following timescales should be used as a guide: WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 7 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

8 ... LOW RISK MEDIUM RISK HIGH RISK If you have reason to believe the circumstances have changed significantly Atleasteverytwoyears Continuous review (minimum every year) When individuals are using more exposure must NOT be than calculated Exposure can be calculated by using the one vibration their total using Appendix 14. chart in Appendix 15. points source 7. MINIMISING VIBRATION EXPOSURE There is a hierarchy of measures to reduce the vibration energy directed into the workers hands. These include the following. Note - the energy should be reduced so far as is reasonably practicable. 7.1 Elimination and Substitution Elimination and Substitution are basically aimed at avoiding or minimising the need for operations and tools exposing employees to hazardous vibration. This also eliminates the need for various control measures, i.e. assessment, health surveillance etc, and always be first option. should the Eliminate the hazard altogether if it is not absolutely necessary e.g. purchase of pre-fabricated elements thus preventing the need for hand working. Where elimination at source is not reasonably practicable and the Exposure Action Value is likely to be reached or exceeded, exposure must be reduced to as low a level as is reasonably practicable; Substitution for less hazardous processes e.g. automated or mechanised processes. 7.2 Process Design Examples include: using finishes for building surfaces that avoid the use of scabbling tools to produce a decorative effect (i.e. tools that chisel); maximising the use of off-site pre-fabrication to produce components of higher quality by mechanised methods, thus reducing on site cutting and patching to fit; conducting the work in a warm environment whenever possible. If using equipment in a cold area, appropriate warm and dry protective clothing should be provided and worn (gloves can be used to keep hands warm but should not be relied upon to provide protection from vibration); choosing grinding wheels carefully and ensuring that a trained and competent person mounts them. Residual imbalance in the grinding wheel can be a major cause of high vibration in portable grinders and the initial imbalance can persist throughout the lives of the wheels; training employees in operating techniques that minimise the need to grip tools and work pieces tightly; avoiding uninterrupted vibration exposure over long periods. It is better for work to be arranged so that periods of exposure are broken by periods of work which do not involve vibration. WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 8 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

9 7.3 Workstation Design Improve the design of workstations to minimise loads on employees hands, wrists and arms cause by poor posture Use devices such as jigs and suspension systems to reduce the need to grip heavy tools tightly 7.4 Product Design Examples: many manufacturers of hand-held or hand-guided machines now market one or more low-vibration design(s) incorporating vibration-isolating handles. The correct equipment should be selected for the task involved taking into consideration the duration and level of exposure; arrangements to reduce the grip, push and other forces which the worker must apply, for example, supports for tools and work pieces, and good ergonomic design of processes and equipment; proper selection of tools for the task; using tools with heated handles if possible; avoiding pneumatic exhausts, which discharge towards the worker s hands (a flexible hose to lead the exhaust away might also help with noise control); arrangements should be considered to allow employees to warm up before starting work, and if necessary to help then keep warm, such as a shelter for outdoor employees to use in work breaks. 7.5 Reducing the Period of Exposure Job rotation within the work team can help to keep individual vibration exposures down, e.g. one person using the equipment and the other person doing work which does not expose them to the vibration hazard. After a period of time the workers could alternate their duties. Employees must also be encouraged to only use the equipment when absolutely necessary and to remove themselves from the hazard whenever possible e.g. switching off the equipment or laying it down between jobs. Careful planning and supervision of the employee s activities will be needed to make these controls effective. 7.6 Maintenance Regular servicing of equipment will help keep vibration levels down to the minimum necessary for efficient operation. Equipment suppliers must be asked to provide maintenance schedules. Maintenance schedules must be implemented and records kept (see Appendix 9). Maintenance should only be undertaken by competent persons. Proof of maintenance and compliance with maintenance schedules for hired equipment is required. Prior to contracts for hire being agreed the Risk and Insurance Officer should be consulted regarding the hire terms The following measures also help keep down vibration exposures: keeping cutting I chipping tools sharp; dressing grinding wheels correctly by following manufacturer s recommendations; WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 9 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

10 8.1 Purchasing Equipment tuning engines. 8. PURCHASE OF NEW EQUIPMENT AND USE OF HIRE EQUIPMENT checking and replacing defective vibration dampers, bearings and gears; rubber mounts; WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 10 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM working days). Use the results to re-evaluate the time of use (this must be carried out within 10 Obtain the manufacturer s vibration levels and use the ready reckoner (see Arrange measurement of the equipment by a competent Vibration Assessor. into account other vibration equipment, which may be used by the employee. Appendix 14 to ascertain the length of time the equipment can be used for. Take Hire Equipment Hire Equipment Listed Not Listed safely used for. Hirer s List as they will already know the amount of time the equipment can be Council employees will be allowed to used those pieces of equipment listed on the specifies the name, make and model number of the equipment. The list will be produced by the Service Area and passed to the hire companies. All companies should be provided with a list of equipment acceptable for use which Hire Companies used by Council Services 8.2 Hired Equipment used Appendix 3 flowchart and requisition notes detail the purchasing procedure to be check maintenance of machines is undertaken. ensure this is undertaken. This Group will also ensure contracts are consistent, manage the delivery of re-testing machines, recommend/approve procurement and All machinery must be tested before purchase. It will be the remit of the Service to some caution as they may not necessarily be measurements of levels sustained specification should incorporate maximum vibration magnitudes and test procedures, when the equipment is put to your particular use. A suggested manufacturer requirement of the Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations. A purchasing the manufacturer/supplier prior to the demonstration/trial commencing. vibration magnitudes their products are likely to create in normal use. This is a When purchasing equipment, suppliers must provide information about the which suppliers have to satisfy. Manufacturer s data must however be looked at with Vibration Level Questionnaire is attached as Appendix 6. This must be completed by Look for deterioration or the cracking, swelling and softening (or hardening) of replacing anti-vibration mounts and suspended handles before they deteriorate.

11 8.2.4 Hire Equipment Prior to Use Do a visual check to confirm that the equipment is safe to operate eg plugs, cables etc. Obtain written evidence from the hirer of recent inspection/testing records as required by the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations Additions to List Before adding details of equipment onto the list you will require to have the equipment s vibration levels measured and a risk assessment provided. Thereafter, should the assessment be satisfactory, you can make the addition to the Hirer s List. The Hirer s List will require to by updated and the most recent version sent to the supplier must be used. 9. RE-TESTING MACHINES Existing machines will require to be monitored to ensure that the action levels have not deteriorated. Consequently, re-testing of machinery will be audited to ensure compliance with the measurement procedures. Competent assessors will undertake this task and carry out future measurements. 10. INFORMATION FROM MACHINERY SUPPLIERS 10.1 Designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers have responsibilities under Section 6 of the Health and Safety at Work Act to supply machines and equipment which, so far as is reasonably practicable, are safe and without risks to health, and to supply information about safe use. If risk of injury to the end user is to be kept to a minimum, vibration control and good ergonomic design needs to be considered at all stages of design and development. The 2.5m/s A(8) exposure action value for daily exposure should not be used as a target for this purpose because it will not eliminate risk. The aim should be to use tools that generate vibration exposures lower than the exposure action value where reasonably practicable Information on hazardous vibration can be passed to the purchaser and user in various ways, including warning labels fixed to the machine or tool, technical information in data sheets about the equipment, and in the operating and installation instructions The Supply of Machinery (Safety) Regulations require machine suppliers to provide safety information, they must also provide information on vibration levels if hand-held or hand-guided machinery is likely to subject employees to vibration levels exceeding 2.5m1s In all cases where these levels are not exceeded this must be indicated in the information provided. The Manufacturer/Supplier Vibration Level Questionnaire (Appendix 6) gives details of the information which will be requested. Appendix 9 advises on the keeping of these records. 11. DISPOSAL OF ASSETS WITH VIBRATION RISKS WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 11 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

12 11.1 Low Value Equipment Below the current value of 1000 should not be offered for sale or trade-in. This type of equipment should be rendered unusable and disposed of safety Higher Value Equipment With a current value above 1000 can be offered for sale. This, however, is at the discretion of your Head of Service after having fully appraised the equipment to make sure that the value is above If you then decide to sell the piece of equipment you must ensure that: the machine is fit for the task (i.e. is in full working order and free from defects); a disposal of equipment form is completed by the purchaser (Appendix 8). The signature must be an authorised signatory to acknowledge that they have read and understood the vibration risks associated with the equipment. The signed copy should be returned to you and retained for a period of 30 years. 12. RECORDS Appendix 9 gives details of records, which must be kept for 40 years either in a manual or electronic form. 13. CONTROL MEASURES A preventative programme will control the risk of injury where there is a regular prolonged use of tools likely to be hazardous, or where it is known that vibration exposure will exceed the exposure action value. These will not prevent the exposure only mitigate the effects. The details of the programme are given below Information, Instruction and Training If the risk indicates a risk to the health of employees who are exposed to vibration or, employees are likely to be exposed to vibration at or above the exposure action value, those employees and their representatives as well as their managers and supervisors must be trained and be provided with information on: assessment the nature of the risk, and symptoms of injury; how and why any symptoms of injury should be reported, either to someone who will arrange for them to be investigated, or as part of an established routine health surveillance programme; how the risk assessments will be undertaken and when they will be reviewed; the significant findings of the risk assessment, including measures taken, with an explanation of those findings. the safe working practices to minimise exposure to vibration. a brief outline of the systems for monitoring machine maintenance, dealing with hire equipment, buying new equipment. What the exposure limit values and action values are. Action the employer has taken to eliminate or control exposure. action the employees should take to minimise risk, including: - using working practices designed to minimise vibration; WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/201 3, Page 12 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

13 - maintaining - making - reporting - co-operating good blood circulation; sure tools are properly maintained; defects and problems with equipment and obtaining replacements where necessary; with their employer with regard to the risk assessment controls all employees exposed to risks from hand arm vibration must be provided with the information leaflet provided within Appendix 7; details of the health surveillance programme in place. The collective results of any health surveillance undertaken without identifying individuals. Training records must be kept detailing training given and who/when persons were trained (see Appendix 9 for more details). Information, instruction and training must be updated in light of significant changes in the type of work carried out or the working methods used. Employees responsible for the maintenance of equipment must be competent which includes suitable training for the maintenance required Maintaining Blood Circulation Keeping the hands and body warm helps to maintain good blood flow to the fingers and reduce the risk of injury. Where employees have to work in cold areas, specific measures might include: wearing gloves; facilities to dry wet gloves/clothing; using tools with heated handles; arrangements to allow workers to warm up before starting work, and if necessary to help them keep warn, e.g. shelter for outdoor workers to use in work breaks; wearing warm, weatherproof clothing for work in cold or wet areas; avoid or cut down smoking; massage and exercise fingers during work breaks. WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 13 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

14 level of protection afforded therefore PPE should be not be ruled out and may be selected gloves might even increase the vibration transmitted to the wearer s hands. little or no protection against vibration at the most damaging frequencies, and poorly vibration reduction they can give is limited by practical restrictions on the thickness Various sorts of protective gloves with special soft linings intended to provide reducing the amount of vibration reaching the worker s hands. The amount of and softness of the lining, particularly at low frequencies. They will usually provide vibration-isolation are commercially available, but they are not usually effective in Gloves, however, are useful for their ability to keep hands warm and provide physical protection. Although this is the present situation new technology could change the WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/201 3, Page 14 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM lowered and not increased. tool when wearing the gloves must be made and proof obtained that the risk is vibration gloves are reducing the amount of vibration re-assessment of the use of the considered in the future in light of technological advances. To ensure that anti 13.3 Wearing Appropriate PPE (Anti-Vibration Gloves)

15 APPENDIX I ABBREVIATIONS AND EXPLANATION OF TERMS ahw A(8) EAV ELV Frequency Frequency Weighted HAV HAVS a = Acceleration. hw = Hand; this is the level of acceleration experienced in the hand (frequency weighted) Total vibration dose calculated for a standard eight hour day Level at which control measures must be instigated. Exposure Action Value. Level of vibration which must not be exceeded in any one day. Exposure Limit Value. The number of oscillations in a given time and is measured in Hertz. This is a filter that allows greater emphasis to be taken of the most hazardous vibration frequencies Hand-Arm Vibration. This is the level of vibration that is transmitted to the hands and arms when holding or guiding vibrating equipment. Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome. This is the generic term for the damage caused to the hands such as impaired blood circulation, nerve and muscle damage, after excessive exposure to HAV. This may also be known as dead hand, dead finger or vibration white finger. Hz Hertz. Measurement to indicate frequency m/s 2 Metres per second squared. This is a measure of acceleration of an object, i.e. the rate of change in speed. Magnitude RMS Vibration Dose, or Vibration Total Value, or RSS The degree of oscillation Root mean square. This is an average of all acceleration levels on all the measured axes. This is a common measure of damage potential and is measured in rn/s 2 This is the total level of vibration that is experienced by the employee. (Most likely to be calculated as an A(8) level) It is calculated using all three axes by taking the square rout of the sum off all the vibration levels once each axes has been squared. Also known as Rout Sum of Squares (RSS) WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 15 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

16 units of metres per second squared (mis 2). Exposure to hand-transmitted vibration is quantified in terms of the acceleration of the What Is Measured surface in contact with the hand. The acceleration of the surface is normally expressed in accordance with European Standard BS EN ISO /2. This appendix gives advice on measurement of hand-transmitted vibration exposure, in MEASURING HAND-ARM VIBRATION WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/201 3, Page 16 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM The vibration magnitude can be found both from manufacturer s information (see out by a competent person with specialist equipment and knowledge (see Risk and Vibration Appendix 9). Assessments). Records must be kept of vibration risk assessments and surveys (see Information from Machinery Suppliers) as well as from actual vibration assessments carried Measuring vibration magnitude magnitude of each operation. cycle of operations, each element of the cycle must be identified and measured. Having identified the operations, which make up a daily work pattern, measure the average vibration each operation, measure the vibration magnitude. Where a task is repetitive, consisting of a assessments, identify all operations involving hand contact with vibrating surfaces. For Any daily job consists of a series of operations. For hand-transmitted vibration Identifying discrete operations measuring the vibration magnitude for each operation identified; identifying a series of discrete operations which make up the employee s normal working assessing typical daily exposure time for each operation; calculating partial vibration exposure for each operation; calculating 8 hour vibration exposure for the subject. The measurement of vibration exposure can be divided into five stages: pattern; Measurement Process to measurements of vibration magnitude. frequency motion. To allow for this frequency dependence, a frequency weighting is applied being transmitted from the vibrating surface. Low-frequency motion, from about 5 to 20 Hertz (cycles per second or Hz) is thought to be potentially more damaging than higher The extent of damage caused to the hand and arm depends on the frequency of the energy APPENDIX 2

17 Assessing typical daily exposure time Vibration exposures are usually for short periods, often repeated many times during a working day. Although measurements can be averaged over complete cycles of operation (including periods when the vibration source is switched off), normally it is only possible to average over the short period that the hand is in contact with the vibrating surface. Whichever method is used for vibration measurement, the total exposure time per day must be found. Wherever possible tri-axel vibration measurements must be used. If this is not possible the guidance given in BS EN ISO 5349 Part 1 and 2 (2001, 2002) must be followed. Calculating a vibration exposure and A(8) from a single vibration source HAV The chart found in appendix 14 can be used to immediately see whether an exposure will exceed or come below the A(8) of 2.5 m/s 2 (daily exposure level) given the vibration total value for the source and the time of equipment use. WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 17 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

18 2. Requirements This Step by Step Guide details how individual service areas request the purchase of Hand Arm Vibrating (HAV) equipment i.e. tools and machinery. Introduction Step by Step Guide PURCHASE OF HAND-ARM VIBRATING EQUIPMENT Goods with an estimated value in excess of 144,459 shall be subject to EU Procurement rules (Typically 90 days). estimated the typical procurement cycle shall be around 21 days. Requisitioners are responsible for ensuring that they have allowed enough time for the procurement, and for specifying realistic delivery dates which must include any testing purposes only. Building Services are therefore responsible for obtaining the required HAV information as per appendix 6. Purchasing Services agree to Building Services obtaining equipment for trial and PurchasinqServices(westIothian.gov.uk Fax: Livingston EH54 6QG Almondvale Boulevard West Lothian House Purchasing Services suppliers (where known) and delivery timescales be advised. or posted to Purchasing Services. Purchasing Services also request that names of When making a request, specifications including quantities should be ed, faxed 4. Making a Request complex or major procurements repeat consultation between the requisitioner and Services with enough information for the procurement to be successful (although for Purchasing Services is probable). Individual service areas/requisitioners are responsible for providing Purchasing 3. Specification the correct information is collected at the time of tender/quotation request. All equipment requirements must be directed to Purchasing Services to ensure that BUILDING SERVICES ONLY 5. Timescales trial period and time limit for testing equipment for Vibration Magnitude Levels. It is WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/201 3, Page 18 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM APPENDIX 3

19 Purchasing Services in consultation with the requisitioner shall decide the most appropriate tendering procedure. Should the purchase be subject to EC Procurement rules, Purchasing Services shall advise the most appropriate procedure. 6. Purchasing Process Purchasing Services shall source goods (where applicable), obtain Manufacturers Vibration Information and seek prices by competitive tendering. On receipt of the pricing information etc. from suppliers, Purchasing Services shall provide the requisitioner with the relevant pricing information and a copy of the Manufacturers Vibration Questionnaire (appendix 6). Once a decision has been made and a supplier selected, Purchasing Services shall arrange (if required) a trial of the equipment on behalf of the requisitioner. 7. Testing It is the responsibility of the requisitioner to ensure that equipment meets acceptable Vibration Magnitude Levels. It is therefore imperative that all equipment, which may contribute to HAyS, is tested prior to purchase. If a piece of equipment is found to have unacceptable Vibration Magnitude Levels, the requisitioner must inform Purchasing Services who will contact the supplier to arrange uplift. Building Services however have the authorisation to arrange uplift directly. The requisitioner must then review the specification of the equipment required. 8. Order Process Following the decision to purchase a piece of equipment, a Purchase Order must me issued to the supplier by either; 1. PECOS (where possible) 2. Current purchase order methods i.e. FCG, Contractor +, etc. Author: Anita Bainbridge Document Version: 1.3 Issue Date: February 2005 Updated: August 2006 WLC HAV POLICY, 08/03/2013, Page 19 of 45 Created on 5/2/2007 3:50:00 PM

20 Purchasing I,, Contact I rchasin nder as appropriate. Review equipment red Purchasing Non Building Services in \.Services Dept. order to arrange uplift. I Purchasing I geup of equipment on behalf of requisitioner. Requisitioner Review I equipment reuired.j How to Purchase HAV Equipment (Seices DepL Requisitioner requires HAy equipn1ent I Requisitioner Purchasing Purch asing Requisitioner I Provide requisitioner with Contact Tender pricing information rces equ requirements and a copy of the ipmentto arrange delivery of establi sh Vibration I as per EU Manufacturers / tude Levels Procurement Vibration Building Services / estionnaire,,// (if / - supplier Requisitioner Building available) direct. J Services Contact Dept supplier I direct or contact 1s al&te Req u isioner Services either requires H equipment ; equipment specification including quantities. Requisitioner N /5 q uipm en! \ Services to arrange uplift of Requisitioner equipment Send to AElfaxorPurchasin9 der is the VML equirement No subject B:Iding to EU uirements as acceptable? note>5vice5 Procurement so FCC,! Contractor Requisitioner No se I Purchasing * Services / Is the / equipment _N KubJectto,? Requisitioner Forward Yes specification * Note: The aim should be to purchase toots with the lowest vibration magnitude available. You must be abte to justify why you have chosen a tool which has a higher magnitude.

21 APPENDIX 4 HEALTH SURVEILLANCE The purpose of health surveillance is to identify where the hierarchy of control measures has been unsuccessful for anyone exposed to hand arm vibration or to identify if a person is more susceptible to the onset of symptoms than others. Pre-employment assessment will also be used to identify individuals who may be more susceptible to the health effects of vibration, and give baseline health data to identify fitness to work. The information obtained from these assessments are used to; Identify a vibration-related disease at an early stage where it is possible for regression of symptoms to be achieved. Help the employer and employee to prevent disease progression and eventual disability. Help people stay in work. Check the effectiveness of the council s vibration hierarchy of control measures. When is Health Surveillance Required? The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 requires employees to be provided with health surveillance if: - There is likely to be regular exposure above the Exposure Action Value; They are likely to be exposed occasionally above the Exposure Action Value and where the risk assessment identifies the frequency and severity of exposure may pose a risk to health; or if they are diagnosed with Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (even when exposed below the Action Value Who carries out the health surveillance programme? The council s health surveillance programme is carried out by our Occupational Health Service. It is important that employees understand that the aim of health surveillance is to protect them from developing advanced symptoms of ill health so that they can continue to work. They should be made aware of the purpose and methods of surveillance, and of action that may be required for control of the disease, such as re-deployment. During health surveillance employees will be informed of the results of each assessment and/or examination and of any implications of the findings, such as a requirement to modify or reduce vibration exposure. There should also be an opportunity to discuss such implications at the time when health assessments are made. Employers can be told of the diagnosis of HAVS and any recommended restrictions for individual employees but only if the employee gives consent however, if consent is not given the employer will be advised whether the employee is fit for work or not fit for work. Those carrying out the health surveillance will otherwise provide anonymous information for groups of employees. This information should be used to check the long term effectiveness of the control measures. What should I do if a person already suffers from a vascular or neurological disorder?

22 Individuals who suffer from relevant vascular or neurological disorders affecting the hand or arm e.g. Reynaud s Disease, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome should not be exposed to hand arm vibration at work without specific advice from Occupational Health. When should employees be given information about the hazards of hand arm vibration? New employees or those changing jobs that will be exposed for the first time should be given information about the hazards of hand arm vibration (Appendix 7) before they complete the Occupational Health Questionnaire (Appendix 13). Newly exposed employees require to receive early assessment as susceptible individuals can develop symptoms in 6 months or less. InitiallBaseline Health Surveillance New employees or those who move into jobs involving vibration exposure and for which health surveillance is required will be required to complete a questionnaire (Appendix 13). This questionnaire will be returned to Occupational Health. The information will identify possible symptoms and give their medical history. Occupational Health will review each questionnaire and decide if the person needs to undergo a full assessment with a nurse or doctor. Any advice on fitness for work with hand arm vibration should be notified from a suitably competent doctor. Ongoing Health Surveillance In order to identify employees with symptoms that require further investigation a tiered approach to health surveillance will be used. This should limit the number of cases required to be seen by specialists. 1. The simple questionnaire about symptoms must be completed (Appendix 10). A responsible person from the service should explain to the employee how the simple screening questionnaire operates. This person will be someone who has experience of the working environment and is able to gain the confidence and co-operation of employees. They require to have received training from an occupational health professional about the health surveillance procedures and the importance of confidentiality as well as being able to describe symptoms of hand arm vibration syndrome. This person will not make judgements about the cause of the symptoms. Employees who are at risk but have not reported any symptoms suggestive of hand arm vibration should annually complete the questionnaire in Appendix 10 and if after 3 years of reporting no symptoms the employee should be referred for consultation with the nurse. 2. The completed forms should be sorted and referrals made to Occupational Health for screening. All employees reporting symptoms must be referred to the occupational health nurse who will interview/examine the employee and make an informed assessment of the nature or reported symptoms but will not make a diagnosis of hand arm vibration syndrome. The only person who can make a diagnosis of hand arm vibration syndrome is a suitably competent doctor therefore the nurse may refer the employee on to the doctor. 3. Employees with hand arm vibration syndrome should be reassessed at regular intervals. The Doctor will indicate what these intervals will be. 4. Employees must be encouraged to report any symptoms if they appear in-between assessment to a supervisor, manager or the Occupational Health and Safety Team. WLC HAV Policy 01/02/07 Page 22 of 45

23 They should not wait until their next routine assessment. trigger a further assessment by Occupational Health. A report of symptoms will Health Surveillance Results Employees with hand arm vibration syndrome should be informed of this by a health professional The Manager must consider the action they require to take to reduce the employee s exposure if the employee has been diagnosed with hand arm vibration syndrome The Manager must consider whether other employees in the same job or with similar exposure to the employee who has been diagnosed with hand arm vibration syndrome also needs health surveillance If there has been an increase in the number of employees with hand arm vibration syndrome or the disease is progressing in affected employees the risk assessment and action plan requires to be revised If the employee is declared not fit for work by the doctor a decision is required to be taken as to their future. (see Appendix 11). Health Records The number of years they must be kept are detailed in Appendix 9. The records should include: Identification details of the employee The employee s history of exposure to hand arm vibration The outcome of previous health surveillance in terms of fitness for work, and any restrictions required Symptom questionnaires if these are treated as non-confidential Medical Records The number of years they must be kept are detailed in Appendix 9. Contract of Employment A conditional contract can be offered but only if you can wait to receive the health screening results. Do not commence without a satisfactory screening result if it is a conditional contract. The wording of this conditional clause should be discussed with your HR Adviser but should indicate that the offer is conditional upon satisfactory medical screening. Interviews If you allow commencement of employment and the person answered yes to any of the questions in the health questionnaire you may be require to reduce exposure to vibration to a lower level if occupational health confirms damage is present. WLC HAV Policy 01/02/07 Page 23 of 45

24 Vibration White Finger is reportable under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Measures to reduce the individual vibration exposure must be considered where Symptoms Confirmed reasonably practicable. progression of symptoms and any functional impairment to be monitored. conduct an assessment and indicate any further action necessary. This will allow the rate of vibration exposure. An appointment must be made with the Occupational Health who will If an employee reports any symptoms, work conditions must be re-assessed to minimise circular saws in forestry or woodworking; the use of hand-held rotary tools in grinding material or in the holding of material being ground or metal being sanded or polished by rotary tools; the use of hand-held percussive metal working tools or the holding or metal being worked upon by percussive tools in or swaging; the use of hand-held powered percussive drills or hand-held demolition, or on roads or footpaths (including road the holding of material being worked upon by pounding WLc HAV Policy 01/02/07 Page 24 of 45 sanding or polishing metal; machines in she manufacture. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Work involving the use of hand-held vibrating tools Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome the use of chain saws, brush cutters or hand-held or hand-fed powered percussive hammers in mining, quarrying or construction); connection with riveting, caulking, chipping, hammering, fettling Disease Activities Health will notify Occupational Health and Safety of cases to be reported so that they can Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as the disease the job the person does must correspond to Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). There must be a written diagnosis by a Doctor stating Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or one of the work activities listed below. If it does not then it is not reportable. Occupational advise the Health and Safety Executive. Display of Any Symptoms

25 - are - have Ongoing Surveillance APPENDIX 5 OVERVIEW OF HEALTH SURVEILLANCE FOR HAND ARM VIBRATION H Does not apply Check if employees: likely to have regular exposure above the action value of A(8) 2.5m/s - are likely to be exposed occasionally above the action value where the risk assessment identifies that the frequency and severity of exposure may pose a risk to health been diagnosed with HAVS even if work exposure will be below Action Value lies Initial Baseline Health H- Surveillance

26 INITIAL BASELINE HEALTH SURVEILLANCE Service supplies employee with information leaflet on HAVS and questionnaire to check medical history & spot any possible symptoms OH analyses questionnaire and decides whether assessment is needed Not

27 /SystemiI, place for managing I \HAVS/ ONGOING SURVEILLANCE (note - 3 yearly consultations with nurse only if the previous 2 years identified no symptoms or no symptoms were reported) Nc 1*Hnitial1 [*eening F L baselinej Annual checks using Appendix yearly consultations with nurse V Employee with signs of HAVS A Completes appendix 13 and makes appointment with physician who assesses the employee and identifies any further action including frequency of reassessments If requiredby Occupational Health, manager re-assesses work conditions to minimise vibration exposure WLC HAV Policy 01/02/07 Page 27 of 45

28 APPENDIX 6 MANUFACTURER/SUPPLIER VIBRATION LEVEL QUESTIONNAIRE TEN DERER Manufacturer ISupplier (Example - Kubota) Equipment (Model No. + Name) (Example XT789 Hedge cutter) 1. Is the vibration of any handle or other surface to be held by the user likely to exceed a RMS (Root Mean Square) vibration total vakie of YES Li 2.5m1s for hand arm vibration? (as described in BS EN ISO 5349 Parti, 2001) NO 2 If the answer to question I is YES please answer the following: 2. What is the frequency-weighted RMS vibration total value? (a) (b) Under operating conditions producing the highest vibration? Detail which operation conditions: (b) Under typical operating conditions? (c) Under other standard conditions? WLc HAV Policy O1/02/D7 Page 28 of 45