Hand-arm vibration - Stage 4: Control risk

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 aim to make sure that people do not have their health damaged by vibration - so you should concentrate your efforts on controlling the risks from exposure to vibration.

Where your risk assessment shows that employees are likely to be exposed to hand-arm vibration at or above the exposure action value (EAV), you must put in place a programme of vibration control and look for a safer process, equipment and/or working method that will reduce exposure. You should also keep up to date with good practice.

Limit the use of high-vibration tools wherever possible - is there a reasonably practicable alternative method with no (or less) vibration exposure?

Whatever the level of exposure, if you can reduce the risks from vibration, you should. However, where vibration exposure is below the EAV, the risk of damage to health is generally lower, so you will only be expected to take actions that are relatively simple and inexpensive.

• Case study: Reducing exposure to vibration COH12

Selecting work equipment

Your choice of tool can make a substantial difference to the vibration level but the tool must be suitable for the task and used correctly. Equipment that is unsuitable (eg too small or not powerful enough) is likely to take much longer to complete the task and expose employees to vibration for a longer period.

Example: If you usually use a tungsten-tipped bit, which requires rotary and hammer action to cut large holes in brickwork, consider using a diamond-tipped hole-cutting tool bit with a rotary action instead.

Find out about the equipment's vibration reduction features and how to use and maintain it so that the features remain effective. This should help to prevent unnecessarily high vibration levels and ensure efficient operation.

When choosing power tools and hand-guided machines:

• check that equipment is generally suitable for the job (safety, size, power, efficiency, ergonomics, cost, user acceptability etc);
• select the lowest vibration tool that is suitable and can do the work efficiently (eg breakers with handle suspension);
• check that declared vibration emission is not high compared with similar machines;
• read information on likely vibration emission in use (eg from manufacturer, hire company, databases); and
• read available information from the manufacturer or elsewhere on controlling vibration risks through:
  • maintenance (eg servicing grinders, sharpening drills and chisels);
  • selecting consumables (abrasive discs, chisels, drills, etc);
  • correct operation and operator training; and
  • maximum daily trigger times or maximum daily work done with the tool.

Example: If a breaker has vibration-isolating handles, check how the machine should be used to ensure that reduced vibration levels are achieved in practice, and make sure that operators are properly trained.

Equipment purchase and/or hire policy

When work equipment is worn out, make sure replacements are suitable, efficient and produce less vibration.

Discuss your requirements with a range of suppliers. Check 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 you plan to use the equipment; and
• ask for information on any training requirements for safe operation.

Ask workers to try the different models of equipment and take account of their opinions before deciding which to buy.

Make sure your organisation has a policy for purchasing suitable equipment, taking account of vibration emission, efficiency and your specific requirements. Train purchasing staff on vibration so that they can deal with equipment suppliers effectively.

Maintain tools and equipment

Power tools and other work equipment should be serviced and maintained in accordance with maintenance schedules and manufacturer's instructions.

Maintenance includes:

• keeping cutting tools sharp;
• dressing abrasive wheels correctly;
• replacing worn parts;
• carrying out balance checks and corrections as necessary;
• checking and replacement of defective vibration dampers, bearings and gears;
• sharpening chainsaw teeth and keeping the correct chain tension; and
• tuning and adjustment of engines.