Dynamic Response understands that vibration within the workplace can be difficult to monitor and control. Regarding occupational noise/vibration itself, the 'Health And Safety Executive (HSE) 'Vibration At Work Whole Body (WBV), and 'Vibration At Work Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)' regulations must currently be followed by employers to ensure that employees are protected from vibration which may lead to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), numbness, white finger or other health related issues.

We can offer different types of vibration regulation services including:

• HSE Based Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Surveys/Assessments;
• HSE Based Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) Surveys/Assessments;
• HSE Based Individual Tool Testing For Maximum Duration Of Use;
• HSE Based WBV, HAV And HAVS Training For The Employer.

Health And Safety Vibration At Work Assessments

The ‘Control Of Vibration At Work Regulations 2005’ are split into two distinct categories, Whole Body Vibration (WBV), and Hand Arm Vibration (HAV). Unlike noise where ear plugs or other measures could be considered, vibration is inherrantly difficult to control or mitigate against.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) in the workplace require an assessment of vibration considering seperate action levels and maximum levels, not peak levels (unlike noise). Whereas the unit usually used for noise is decibels or dB, the unit we are required to measure for vibration at work, is the vibration in terms of m/s-2, which should be measured on the point of contact of either the body with machine, or hand with tool, or vibration surface.

Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) testing is carried out by attaching an accelerometer onto the tool or equpment requiring assessment, at the point of hand/arm contact. The accelerometer then measures the vibration in three axis, the X, Y and Z axis in relation to the operators hand/arm. Following this, we are then able to calculate the level of exposure of the operator over a typical day/week, and how long an operator should be using the tool for etc.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) testing is carried out in a similar way except a much larger accelerometer is used and is placed at the point of contact of the whole body with the tool, platform or equipment being used. For example, on a forklift truck or crane, the accelerometer my be setup at the seat base, with the operator sitting on the sensor etc.

Whilst manufacturers do sometimes provide vibration levels of equipment, this usually is not reflective of the actual vibration levels, as this is a laboratory test, and not a realistic on site, i.e. an under-load test, and can be very misleading.

An increasing number of people are making successful claims for vibration related injuries such as Hand Arm Vibration Synsdrome (HAVS) white finger, numbness of the hands or other health problems based on current or previous employment. Therefore, failure to check compliance with the noise and vibration at work regulations, could result in legal implications.

Health And Safety Vibration At Work Regulation Training

Our vibration at work assessment training is designed for employers that want, or need to check the vibration exposure of employees whilst at work, and already have the appropriate equipment.

Our packages are tailored on your specific needs but could include:

• A Site Visit And Inspection
• Health And Safety Staff Training For Multiple Employees For Monitoring Vibration
• A Discussion Of The Vibration At Work Regulations 2005 And How To Interpret/Use Them
• Training On How, Where And When To Take Vibration Measurements
• Practical Hands On Demonstrations Within Your Work Environment
• Training on how to calculate employee vibration exposure levels and what should be done/actioned
• Or Other Requirements Not Shown Above

We aim to carry out all types of occupational vibration at work testing including whole body vibration (WBV), hand arm vibration (HAV), which can lead to hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), individual tool vibration testing and more. What ever your requirements regarding vibration at work ranging from surveys and assessments to regulation training or safety equipment and personal protection equipment, please do not hesitate to contact us.