The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Posted on: June 2, 2011
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 came into force on 6th July 2005 and covers two aspects; Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) and Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) as part of the UK response to European Legislation as outlines in “The Physical Agents Directive (Vibration) 2002”
It is estimated that in excess of 5 million people per year are exposed to Vibration in the workplace, with 2 million of these being exposed to levels that could cause serious health effects. Exposure to dangerous levels of vibration is preventable, but in most cases the damage caused from excessive exposure in permanent.
Hand-arm vibration (HAVs) comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant and permanent ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints).
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat or feet of employees who drive mobile machines (for example fork lift trucks, tractors, lorries and off road vehicles), or other work vehicles, over rough and uneven surfaces as a main part of their job. Large shocks and jolts may cause health risks including chronic back-pain.
Vibration is usually calculated via a sensor or sensors, positioned on the tool or its handle (for Hand Arm Vibration) and on a seat / foot panel (for Whole Body Vibration), which calculates the accelerations along the three principal axes (x, y & z), with vibration-exposure limits determined by averaging exposure over an eight-hour period (A8).
The regulations require employers to ensure their staff are not exposed to a daily ‘exposure action value’ above 2.5m/s2 (A8), or an overall exposure limit value of 5 m/s2 (A8) for Hand-Arm Vibration and a daily ‘exposure action value’ above 0.5 m/s2(A8), or an overall exposure limit value of 1.15 m/s2 (A8) for Whole Body Vibration.
Since 2005, companies have been able to allow their employees to use older equipment that may cause vibration above the level prescribed by the Regulations, but older equipment must now be modified or replaced if it does not comply. The regulations allowed a transitional period for work exposure limits up to July 2010 for work equipment already in use prior to July 2007.
Environmental Compliance’s workplace safety consultants can assist companies in meeting the requirements of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 by providing testing and risk assessment services to all industry sectors, whether it be hand-arm or whole body vibration. If you are unsure of your requirements or have an issue to discuss, please call 01443 841760 and one of our consultants will be more than happy to discuss your requirements and undertake a no obligation site visit.