DFS Furniture plc
HAND & ARM VIBRATION (HAV) MONITORING & ASSESSMENTS
Swipe
To endorse the company’s ethical conduct, safety, and environmental management ethos, SI Environmental Ltd were requested to undertake hand & arm vibration (HAV) monitoring & assessments at four manufacturing locations, throughout areas of the facilities where powered hand tools were commonly used. The purpose of the HAV monitoring & assessments was to provide DFS with quantitative hand & arm vibration exposure data for formal risk assessments and compliance with prescribed legal control limits, as set out in ‘The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005’.
Hand-arm vibration can cause a range of conditions collectively known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), as well as specific diseases such as carpal tunnel syndrome. HAVS (also known as vibration white finger and dead finger) is an industrial injury triggered by continuous use of vibrating hand-held tools. HAVS is a widespread recognised industrial disease affecting tens of thousands of workers. It is a disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand wrist and arm. Its best-known effect is vibration-induced white finger (VWF).
The HAV monitoring & assessments were achieved by identifying approximately 15 commonly used powered hand tools which could present a HAV syndrome risk at each facility. Each identified tool was fitted with a triaxial accelerometer at the handle of the tool, as close as possible to the thumb and forefinger, or the heel of the hand, using anti-vibration tie wraps and a mechanical tie wrap tensioner to ensure a tight fit (see pneumatic wire clip gun opposite).
To assess the total vibration entering the hand, measurements were taken simultaneously along the three orthogonal axes, x, y, and z, over representative periods of time and under representative conditions as agreed with the operatives whilst using the tools.
HAV exposure risk is not only the vibration intensity provided by the tool, but also the frequency and time spent each day operating the tool [Vibration intensity (m.s-2) x trigger time (minutes)]. Careful observation and timing of duration(s) of exposure was also carried out using mobile phones with stopwatch functionality.
A comprehensive report was written identifying the level of HAVS risk for each tool / combination of tools, requirements for improved HAVS control, and legislative compliance with ‘The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005’. Whilst the assessments indicted low risk levels, DFS are using the report as the basis to continually monitor risk, improve controls where possible, ensuring risk levels are as low as reasonably practicable.
Carl Renshaw & Steven Edwards were the occupational hygienists attending site to carry out this service. Steven and Carl have many years’ experience and hold the following qualifications:
Mr Carl Renshaw
► MSc (Occupational Hygiene) University of Manchester
► IOSH, Hand-Arm Vibration Risk Assessment & Management
► ‘Institute of Acoustics’ Certificate of Competence in Workplace Noise Assessment
► ‘PCert2’ General Principles of Workplace Control (BEBOH 1995)
► Certificate of Competence in Workplace Control (BEBOH 1996)
► Certified Competent Persons Certificate (CCP)
► O.H. Module M103 Control of Hazardous Substances with credit (BOHS 2012)
► NEBOSH National Diploma in Occupational Health & Safety
► City & Guilds (C&G) Environmental Engineers Certificate
Mr Steven Edwards
► MSc (Applied Acoustics) University of Derby
► BOHS W501-Measurement of Hazardous Substances
