Vibration at Work
Ensuring safe working practices when exposed to vibration hazards at the University.
Introduction
The use of handheld tools, equipment and machinery whilst at work or during studies can pose a risk to health to staff and students. Excessive exposure can affect the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm, which can cause Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). This can impact individuals whilst at work, as well as in everyday life, causing difficulties carrying out everyday tasks.
A key to controlling this risk is through effectively managing use of higher risk equipment. The University does this by making suitable and sufficient assessment of the risks related to vibration in the workplace, complying with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations.
Arrangement
The Health Safety and Compliance Team have created the following arrangement for controlling vibration at work:
For More Information
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulation require the University to take specific action when the daily vibration exposure reaches certain action values. These action values are:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV) - The daily amount of vibration exposure, above which employers are required to act to control exposure. For hand arm vibration, the EAV is a daily exposure of 2.5 m/s2.
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV) - The maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to on any single day. For hand arm vibration, the ELV is a daily exposure of 5 m/s2. This represents a high risk, above which employees should not be exposed.
The University has identified repetitive tasks and vibration as potential job hazards within our recruitment paperwork and Occupational Health follow up. Advice is provided if these issues are identified.
Should further Occupational Health advice or assistance be required, this can be requested as a management referral by line managers.
More information can be found by following these links:
The Health and Safety Executive has produced the following guidance documents:
- L140 - Hand-arm Vibration - The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
- INDG175 - Hand-arm Vibration at Work
- HSG60 - Upper Limb Disorders in the Workplace
If any department would like any assistance or further guidance regarding the control of vibration at work, please contact the Health, Safety and Compliance Team through hsservicedesk@port.ac.uk.