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Market Report: Health & Safety pt2 Hand arm vibration, noise & dust Latest products: HAV Marcrist blade can cut exposure Marcrist International’s Mi850 diamond blade is claimed to cut faster than conventional products. It therefore follows that, if an operator’s working time is reduced, so is his exposure to HAV. The blade combines real diamond for speed, and synthetic diamond for durability. It features M-shaped segments that are designed to give cooler running. The Mi850 is claimed to be a truly general-purpose product, and that the one blade can cut concrete, brick, asphalt, abrasives, block paviors, wood and steel. T
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890888 Fairport focuses on ease of use Fairport Engineering has spent eight months developing new plate compactors and hydraulic breakers for low HAV. The new LHAV320 plate has been designed to allow extended usage times and manoeuvrability. “With all the talk about lower and lower vibration figures, the importance of usability is often ignored. That is why we designed the LHAV320 as a low-weight machine for easy handling,” contends Sales Manager, John Eyre. The LHAV320 weighs 50kg, well within what is considered a reasonable two-man lift, says the company. The vibration level is claimed to be 3.2m/s2 and included with the machine is a water tank and a full protection frame. A cast base option is available and Fairport is proud of the machine’s modern styling. The company’s latest low-vibration hydraulic breakers will be launched next month at SED. The range currently consists of 11.5kg, 16kg, 20kg and 25kg models. All but the smallest are available with low-vibration handles of the pivoting handle type, which can also be retrofitted to standard Fairport breakers. Fairport claims this engineering solution gives the operator greater control, whilst the weight of the tool is used more efficiently to deliver higher performance. T
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7921 Partner’s environmental approach Partner Dimas UK says that it prioritises customers’ health and safety, and improving the environment in which they operate. The Partner K750 power cutter has been designed and manufactured to improve conditions both for the operator and the workplace. New vibration dampening results in a machine with handle vibrations measured at 4.7 m/s2, in accordance with EN 1454, says the company. Other Health & Safety features and benefits are said to include a 70% reduction in emissions, with significantly less harmful exhaust gases, plus improved fuel economy, reducing consumption by 20%. A new exhaust muffler gives quieter running, and an integrated wet cutting kit suppresses dust. The Dimas FS400CS low-vibration petrol floor saw has been fitted with an anti-vibration modification that is said to give a vibration value of 3m/s2. The machine has a simple to use raising and lowering fall system utilising a gas cylinder for smoothness and precision. It can accept blades of 350mm, 400mm and 450mm diameter. T
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3956850 Kanga’s Kid targets HAV Kanga Loaders says that, by using attachments mounted on its Kanga Kid stand-on mini skid steer loader, the risk of HAV can be eliminated. Implements such as a rock breaker can be fitted to the machine’s universal attachment plate and, by utilising the power from the hydraulic system, concrete and other hard surfaces can be broken up. The company says that, as there is no direct contact between the operator and the breaker, there are no HAV issues and maximum productivity can be maintained throughout the working day. The Kid has an operating width of 820mm, enabling it to fit through standard doorways and allowing the machine to be manoeuvred easily into the required working location. Many other attachments can be fitted to the machine for a wide range of construction and grounds care tasks. Productive approach from Belle Belle claims to be producing equipment that combines low HAV levels with high productivity. Machines are tested to BS 5349 using EN500-4 standards, with HAV measured in the three primary axes and the product guided with both hands throughout. Three tests are made and the average is taken to produce a vector sum figure. The PCX 350-500 plate series incorporate comfort grip handles, an anti-vibration frame structure, a tuned vibrator system and high-performance isolators. Belle says independent tests show vibration levels of 2.26–2.50m/s2 and maximum usage times in excess of 8 hours. The lightweight PCLX machines have readings between 2.35–2.48m/s2, also enabling use for more than 8 hours. The Compact X floor saw also features a fixed-frame structure and has a claimed 5.52m/s2 vibration level, giving a maximum usage time of 2 hours 4 minutes. T
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84606 Earthquakes inspire Makita Makita’s Advanced Vibration Technology (AVT) is derived from the science of earthquake engineering. It dampens mechanical vibration created by the piston action inside breakers, hammer drills and reciprocating saws, using dynamic vibration absorbers. The HM1810 AVT 30kg breaker has a claimed tri-axial vibration rating of 9.5m/s2, yet delivers 63 joules of energy and 1,100 blows/minute for greater productivity. The tool has already been supplied to Hire Center and Speedy, amongst others. The HR4011C AVT 6kg demolition hammer produces 9.5 joules of power and can create a 40mm hole in concrete, yet in hammer mode it has a tri-axial vibration rating of 7.5m/s2, and in drilling mode 9m/s2. Makita’s JR3070CT AVT reciprocating saw, which can cut 130mm in steel piping, has a quoted single-axis rating of 9m/s2. T
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211678 High-torque Stihl auger Stihl’s BT 121 one-man auger has a specially designed handle frame that is said to reduce vibration by up to two-thirds compared with its predecessor. The product’s two-stroke engine is configured to produce high torque to enable it to drill holes of up to 20cm diameter, for planting or for installing fence posts. The tool incorporates Stihl’s QuickStop brake, which activates if the drill jams and prevents the user from losing control. All controls are located on the multi-function handle for ease of adjustment. A range of earth drills from 4-20cm diameter are available, together with other accessories. T
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137574 Universal offers remote control solution Universal Hydraulic System Ltd, which is owned by Dingo Mini Diggers Pty Ltd Australia, distributes the K9, described as an hydraulic power pack on wheels. Using attachments mounted on the machine removes the need for hand-held tools and eliminates HAV risks. More than 300 implements are available, including 72 custom-built for the K9. It delivers 3500psi at 234 bar through two separate hydraulic circuits for maximum power. For particularly challenging situations, a remote controlled version is available, enabling users to operate the machine from a safe distance. Further developments from JCB JCB’s solutions for HAV include micro excavators with dipper-mounted breakers, and hand-held breakers driven by an hydraulic power pack. The company introduced anti-vibration breakers with sprung handles in 1989. The second-generation HM range was launched in 2001, consisting of 22kg, 25kg and 29kg models, and they have since been developed further to reduce HAV without affecting performance. Modifications include increased use of plastic handles and covers, carefully designed springs for dampening the handles, and a plastic sleeve and spring bush in the nose of the breaker. JCB says it is participating in the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) forum on HAV, which aims to implement testing that represents real life working conditions. JCB is currently testing its products to provide data supporting the initiative. All JCB’s breakers, as well as its petrol and diesel power packs, are also said to meet the latest noise regulations. Countax Echo range fully tested Countax Ltd, which distributes Echo power tools in the UK, has published the results of HAV tests undertaken on its full product range. The assessments were conducted by the Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre and were made in three orthogonal directions using an accelerometer attached directly to the handle of the tools, as close as possible to the operator’s hand. The measured vibration in all three directions is presented in the report. Countax says that the findings clearly show the vibration levels measured on each tool with a low frequency weighting filter applied, which quantifies the relative importance of different frequencies and corresponds to the way vibration is imparted into the hands. The company says that the results highlight several products with particularly low vibration levels. The 42.7cc two-stroke SRM-4000U brushcutter produced a vibration level of 2.1m/s2, and the HC-30ES gave a figure of 4.7m/s2. T
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4055574 DeWalt’s hard hitter DeWalt’s D25730K is a 9kg version of its D25701K 7kg hammer drill, which is designed for demolition applications and can also drill solid holes of up to 52mm and cores of up to 150mm in diameter. It has a claimed tri-axial vibration level of 11.4m/s2, and HAV is said to be reduced by active vibration controls (AVC) incorporated in the tool. One is a spring-loaded weight that counterbalances the movement of the hammer mechanism. The second is a floating rear handle that is spring loaded and linked between the top and the bottom by a steel rod. DeWalt says that, no matter where the rear handle is pressed, the whole structure is completely dampened against vibration. Power comes from a 1500W motor, which delivers 18J of impact energy. A two-step manual clutch system is incorporated, offering low and high torque settings. T
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4339258 In the frame with Terex Terex Compact says that its BPC1535 and BPC1850 forward travel plate compactors have been specifically designed for low HAV levels. It claims that, in tests, the machines achieved a tri-axial vibration value of less than 2.5m/s2. The reduction is achieved through a patented isolated secondary frame to which the handle is attached. The plates have working widths of 350mm and 500mm respectively and incorporate folding handles for easy transportation. They are powered by Honda engines and additional accessories include a block paving kit, a water system, and a wheel kit for easy movement. Wacker’s Smart engineering Wacker says its aim is to eliminate all risk from vibration and noise wherever possible. Its preferred route is to ‘engineer out’ the risk, meaning that the situation is controlled by the basic design of the machinery itself, rather than by applying particular methods of operation or using personal protective equipment. The company’s Smart Control system enables workers to remotely operate trench rollers and vibratory plates. Placing the user away from the equipment means there is no HAV exposure and, because sound pressure reduces with distance from the source, the noise at the operator’s ear is also lowered. Any dust generated is similarly kept away from the user. Taking the Smart Control concept and then coupling three DPU 100-70 compaction plates has produced a manoeuvrable plate system with an operating width of 2.65m, giving high productivity. The triple set has achieved type approval for use on UK railways. T
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707200 Castellan E-Z drill passes assessment The compressed air operated E-Z Drill 210 SRA, fitted with a CP32A rock drill, can be used by an operator throughout an eight-hour working shift within CVWR vibration exposure limits. This is the claim made by the Castellan Group following an independent study of the drill, conducted by the occupational and environmental consultant, Envex, at the Heathrow Airport Terminal 5 site. The monitoring was commissioned by Castellan. “I needed to know if the E-Z Drills I was selling and hiring to customers complied with the CVWR,” states Managing Director, Colin Jailler. “The only way to do that was to get one independently tested under normal site working conditions.” The American 210 SRA is from an extensive range of equipment available in Europe through Castellan. The E-Z Drill rigs use CP rock drills mounted in a frame, supported by rubber wheels. This allows the operator to rapidly move, reposition and accurately align the drill for the next hole. The drill can also be quickly adjusted for rate of feed and retraction to suit the material being drilled. T
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281400 Good directions from MBW Models in MBW (UK)’s GPS plate compactor line-up feature a low-vibration handle arrangement to minimise vibration in the direction towards the operator. A shock mounting is said to help isolate the vibration, directing it downwards and reinforcing the compaction effect of the machines on hardcore, asphalt and other materials. Models are available with working widths from 300-450mm and they now feature transporter wheels as standard to facilitate manual handling. MBW says that similar low-vibration technology has been incorporated in its ScreeDemon concrete screeding machine. Vibration is said to be directed across the entire length of the beam on the unit, away from the operator and down towards the concrete, which also makes the machine more efficient. T
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387784 HAVS-RM training targets prevention Training provider HAVS Risk Management (HAVS-RM) says that many industry professionals do not realise their responsibilities under the CVWR, judging by the initial comments people make when first contacting the company. The organisation’s Steve Kane contends, “An alarming number of manufacturers and contractors are still unaware of their legal duties.” The company’s interactive training courses are designed to provide an introduction to the subject of vibration and to enable delegates to appreciate potential workplace hazards. Information is given on assessing risks and identifying possible solutions, as well as on basic techniques for evaluating and reducing operator exposure to vibration. All those attending receive a certificate after successfully demonstrating their knowledge by completing a questionnaire on identifying symptoms and causes, the requirements for record keeping and health surveillance, and the importance of correct tool selection. T
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5765 Standall’s steel breakthrough Standall Tools reports that it has investigated the harmonics that are set up within breaker steels during operation, with a view to finding ways in which the energy can be targeted for more effective breaking, reducing levels of both vibration and noise. A reduction of up to 30% is claimed for the company’s harmonically dampened SVR (Standall Vibration Reduction) steels, compared with a conventional attachment. The independent tests were carried out by OPERC at Loughborough University. T
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0626 Executive Hire News › Archives › April 2006 › Market Report › Latest products: HAV
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