RR990 - Retrofit anti-vibration devices: A study of their effectiveness and influence on hand-arm vibration exposure
This project set out to try to determine what benefits, if any, could be gained in terms of reducing vibration exposure by retrofitting different types of anti-vibration device to different hand-held machines. Four types of device were selected for laboratory investigation: anti-vibration handles, spring balances/tensioners, a vibration reducing flange and chisel sleeves.
The results from all the different devices used in this project, with the exception of the chisel sleeves, demonstrated that an end user cannot be confident that their chosen retrofit device will in fact reduce vibration to the user and in turn reduce exposure. Indeed, the exact opposite may be true. Advice to end users should emphasise the need to speak to their suppliers to determine what, if any, retrofit devices are suitable for their particular equipment.
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