Hand-Arm and Whole-Body Vibration

Your challenge

According to the Health and Safety Executive, Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) has become the most commonly reported disease under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases & Dangerous Occurrences Regulations). Over exposure of hands to high levels of vibration can lead to permanent disability of equipment operators.  

With the introduction of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (the UK implementation of the EU Physical Agents Directive) there is now a clear and direct duty on employers to assess and manage the vibration risks associated with the use of vibrating tools and equipment. This also extends to vibration risks associated with whole body vibration, typically experienced when seated or standing in areas where vibration is experienced. The operation of high vibration tools, and sitting or standing in high vibration areas for extended periods, can lead to possible injury and, in particular, damage to blood circulation. 

Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to legal action (liability for compensation, and prosecution under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974). Addressing workplace noise and vibration issues could also improve productivity, through a better working environment, and more efficient plant/operations.

How Bureau Veritas supports you

Whether an industrial plant, an offshore installation or a shipping or fishing vessel (under the Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels Control of Vibration at Work Regulations), we can help manage occupational vibration and achieve compliance.

The Acoustics and Vibration Group, a specialist team within Bureau Veritas, offers services for identifying and managing both hand-arm and whole-body vibration in the workplace and can provide cost-effective solutions to help you meet your regulatory requirements.

Our services include:

• Assessment of employee exposure to Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) and Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) 

• Compilation of hand-held equipment datasheets and associated time to achieve the regulatory exposure action values as defined in CoVAWR

• Provision of vibration management plans to enable compliance with the regulations and HSE requirements

• Workplace risk assessments

• Identification of tools or processes likely to induce HAVS

• Measures to reduce occupational vibration

• Training of local operators in assessing vibration

• VEMS (Vibration Exposure Management System)

Benefits

• Improve safety, productivity and efficiency on site, reducing the risk of HAVS and other injuries to employees

• Achieve compliance with all relevant regulatory requirements

• Support from experienced professionals, working with clients across sectors to deliver a range of noise and vibration services

• Access to Bureau Veritas VEMS (Vibration Exposure Management System) - manage your regulatory requirements for health and safety vibration across the whole company, in one place, with automatic calculations for complete peace of mind