Altum Scientific
Environmental Monitoring Services
Noise,Vibration and Occupational Air Monitoring
Mechanical Vibration at Work
Hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure assessment
based on ISO 5349-1.
HAV is caused by the use of work equipment and work processes that transmit vibration ino hands and arms of employees. It can be caused by hand held power tools such as hammers drills, sanders, grinders, concrete breakers: hand guided equipment such as powered lawnmowers, chainsaws, edge trimmers; or by holding materials being processed by machines such as bench-mounted grinders, pedestal grinders etc.
Long-term, regular exposure to HAV is known to lead to potentially permanent and debilitating health effects known as hand-arm vibration syndrome HAWS, such as vibration white finger and carpal tunnel syndrom.
According to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 where employees are or are likely to be exposed to risk to their safety or health arising from exposure to mechanical vibration during their work an employer shall make suitable and appropriate assessment of the risk arising from such exposure.
To make an assessment on exposure level of employees to HAV it can be nesesery to carry on HAV exposure assessment.
Whole-body vibration WBV exposure assessment
based on ISO 2631-1.
WBV is caused by vibration transmitted through the seat or the feet by workplace machines and vehicles. It can be caused by off-road vehicles, e.g. tractors, when driven over rough surfaces; by excavators when excavating difficult ground; and by standing close to powerful, fixed machines.
Regular, long-term exposure to high levels of WBV is linked to lower back pain. Those likely to be more sensitive to WBV include pregnant women, people with neck or back problems.
According to Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007 where employees are or are likely to be exposed to risk to their safety or health arising from exposure to mechanical vibration during their work an employer shall make suitable and appropriate assessment of the risk arising from such exposure.
To make an assessment on exposure level of employees to HAV it can be nesesery to carry on HBV exposure assessment.
