Protect your operators from Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
- Greenplant
- Aug 4
- 2 min read
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome is a widespread industrial disease that can lead to serious, permanent injury and disability. It is caused by regular exposure to vibration, particularly from hand guided tools and vibrating hand tools.
Manufacturers identify vibration levels in units of metres per second squared (m/s²); the greater the figure, the greater the risk to the user.
The longer the user is exposed to vibration, the greater the risk. The Health and Safety Executive has identified a threshold value of 5m/s² averaged over an eight hour day as the maximum acceptable amount without preventative measures and health surveillance. The appropriate vibration levels used for high, medium and low levels are:
High Risk Red: Equipment vibration levels over 10 m/s², needs to be assessed
Medium Risk Amber: Equipment vibration medium 5-10 m/s², 2 Hours maximum daily use without assessment
Low Risk Green: Equipment vibration less than 5 m/s², 8 Hours maximum use
Usage Time v Trigger Time
Vibration exposure affects the operative when they are actually working under load. Most operatives over-estimate the actual trigger time against working time. For example, if it took four hours to break up an area, that may only equate to one hour trigger time and three hours moving materials.
Ways of Assessing and Reducing Risk:
Keep warm and dry, and exercise your fingers to improve blood circulation
Let the machine do the work; don’t force it
Don’t grip the handle too tightly
Always use sharp or new accessories, vibration may be increased if the accessories are blunt
Always follow the instructions supplied with the equipment and use the right accessory for the tool
Report any change in the equipment’s performance immediately
If you have any questions regarding vibration please ask one of our friendly team
We are committed to advising and assisting all our customers on the impact of vibration. We will ensure that whenever possible we only supply equipment that is ‘best in class’ with the lowest amount of vibration. Operators will therefore be exposed to the smallest possible level of vibration. All of our equipment that is subject to vibration has been clearly marked with the appropriate sticker and confirmation of the exact vibration levels are available via e-mail at mail@greenplant.ltd.uk or by telephone.
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