Hand Arm Vibration & CVD

HAVS is the collective name for a range of serious debilitating medical conditions caused by occupational exposure to vibration from hand tools, equipment and processes has become a major area of concern for the Health and Safety Executive and employees alike.

The concrete cutting industry has long been aware that our techniques and processes offer solutions to the problems associated with vibration.

The approach to controlling the risk of long-term damage to health has been to reduce exposure time.

Current legislation says the maximum vibration level for an eight-hour exposure period is 2.8m/s2 measured across a single axis. In 2005 the levels change to 2.5m/s2 averaged across all 3 axis - a significant reduction that the construction industry must take into account.

It is very important that a true and accurate measure of vibration levels is obtained to calculate permissible safe exposure times.

The measurement of vibration levels should be carried out on the actual piece of plant under site conditions at the point of contact to the operator (ie. the handle) by a trained and competent person using specialised equipment.

Clyde Valley Drilling take occupational health issues seriously and purchased state of the art measuring equipment and had a contract manager trained in its operation.

The equipment consists of an accelerometer to be fitted to the handle of the plant being measured, a vibration analysing handset and a connecting coaxial cable. The results produced are maximum vibration level in any axis (or combination of axis) and maximum exposure time based on current legislation.

By measuring vibration on site in this manner the figures obtained are far more accurate and realistic than those obtained under laboratory controlled conditions.

The investment in this system allows CVD to accurately manage the exposure to vibration of its operatives which together with a health screening programme, significantly contributes to the occupational health of our workforce.

(Please note we no longer provide HAVS measurement as a service)