Exposure to vibration at work can occur as hand-transmitted vibration (known as hand-arm vibration, HAV) or vibration transmitted through the seat or feet (known as whole-body vibration, WBV).

Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)

Operators of hand-held power tools such as pneumatic drills or those holding materials being worked by machines such as grinders may be exposed to HAV. 

Exposure may result in a range of health effects collectively known as hand-arm vibration syndrome or HAVS.  Vibration white finger would be the most well known health effect, but other effects include damage to nerves, muscles and joints in the hands and arms.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV)

Drivers of some mobile machines, including tractors, fork lift trucks and or earth-moving machinery, may be exposed to WBV.  Exposed workers may suffer from effects such as back pain, spinal deformities and venous disorders.

Regulations

In workplaces, exposure to vibration is covered by Part 5, Chapter 2 of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations, 2007 – Control of Vibration at Work.

Regulations 136 requires employers to assess the risk to workers from exposure to vibration (both HAV and WBV).

Regulation 135 gives separate exposure action values (EAV) and exposure limit values (ELV) for HAV and WBV.  Where employee exposure exceeds the action value, specific duties are imposed on the employer.  Employee exposure to vibration cannot exceed the limit value.

Assessment Process

A Nifast Consultant will visit your premises to observe the work activities and assess the risk due to vibration (HAV and WBV).  The specific tools and machines used during work will be identified, typical exposure times will be confirmed and existing controls identified.  The vibration magnitude may be sourced from reference materials (such as operator’s manuals or web-based databases) or measured directly using vibration meters (accelerometers).

Report

A detailed assessment report will be issued.  The report will provide the results of the assessment and observations made during the visit.

The workers exposure to both HAV and WBV will be compared to the exposure action values and exposure limit values.  Practical recommendations on how to reduce employee exposure will be included.

Do you need a Vibration Risk Assessment completed for your company?

• - Do your employees routinely use hand-held power tools?
• - Have any of your employees reported numbness or tingling in their fingers or hand after using power tool.
• - Do you use off-road vehicles such as tractors or earth movers?
• - Have you added new machinery to your workplace?