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Executive Report: Controlled approach The HSE’s latest initiative is further encouraging employers to adopt practical solutions that minimise the risk of HAV. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a programme to protect workers against damage from exposure to excessive noise or hand arm vibration (HAV). Until March 2007, it will focus chiefly on the latter, and during April 2007 to March 2008 on noise. By focusing on known examples of best practice, it aims to contribute to measurable long-term injury reduction in target industries like construction, heavy steel fabrication and foundries. HSE will use a combination of inspection activity and communications to ensure the control of exposure by the application of good practice. It wants to work closely with employers to promote solutions, but points out that where reasonable, practicable controls already exist for certain tasks or procedures, employers should be adopting appropriate actions now. Alternative processes The HSE’s web site (www.hse.gov.uk/vibration) now provides information on alternative processes to reduce use of vibrating equipment and which should be reasonably practicable. Examples include the use of machine mounted breakers rather than hand-held equipment to demolish concrete, grit blasting rather than scabbling, and using jig-mounted drilling machinery. Advice is also given on risk management where use of vibrating machinery is unavoidable, including equipment selection and maintenance, and practices such as job rotation. Speaking at the programme launch in London, Bruce Appleton, an HSE Specialist Inspector, emphasised the fact that, while inspection will be an on-going feature, in the longer-term collaborative work and encouragement of good practice were vital components. A practical view of HAV control was offered by John Davis, Senior Occupational Hygienist at Devonport Royal Dockyard Ltd. Among the largest marine engineering complexes in Europe, its workforce uses many machines and processes. He described how, finding it difficult to obtain reliable tri-axial vibration data reflecting real-life usage, and not wanting to rely on correction factors to convert dominant or single-axis figures, he had initially embarked on a programme of measuring equipment vibration – a difficult task prone to error owing to many variables. Methods of control He had eventually concluded that focusing on measurement was not an end in itself. Some equipment, such as caulking guns, would give consistently high readings meaning that workers would inevitably reach the daily exposure action value sooner. Therefore, it was more sensible to concentrate on the activity and methods of control, rather than vibration figures alone. Attention is paid to finding alternative processes, different tools, servicing regimes and assessment of trigger times – the length of time for which hand-held equipment is actually in operation. Health surveillance is also important to monitor workers’ exposure. George Bond, Director of Metal and Waste Recycling Ltd, gave an employer’s perspective of the benefits of actually involving workers in the Health & Safety management process. He explained how an initial confidential survey showed that most staff felt safety was not given a high priority and that they would benefit from more training. However, the key to effective training, he believed, lay in involving the entire workforce and encouraging them to identify and implement new policies. Each section of the company’s Health & Safety policy is managed by a volunteer who then presents it to their peers in small groups. The first two groups then explain the strategy to at least one new group, so that everyone understands it. In this way, the initiative is managed by the workforce. Procedures are in place to undertake risk assessments and to measure improvements. The results are higher safety standards, raised morale and greater productivity. Peter and Elaine Houldridge of Hull-based Complete Hire Services (CHS) explained how their company is assisting customers with HAV risk management. Equipment for the fleet was selected for low vibration, with suppliers quizzed regarding servicing, training and whole life costs. 30% of customers are businesses with fewer than ten employees and limited resources in terms of time and money. CHS, therefore, offered training for managers and operators that was easily understood. Equipment is tagged with a vibration ‘points’ value for 15 minutes’ usage time. This makes its easier to add up daily exposure levels within permissible limits, especially in cases where different tools are used throughout the day. Records are kept and a copy is retained by the employee, enabling them to log their HAV exposure throughout their career. Brian Coles, the HSE’s Noise and Vibration Policy Adviser, emphasised the importance of worker involvement. Their input, he said, is vital because they are the people who actually use the equipment. They might be able to suggest improvements and alternatives, but only if they are encouraged to do so. • Following the success of our HAV Conference last October, EHN is holding a second event on Thursday, 12 October at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The 2006 Conference will consider the complete hierarchy of risk assessment, beginning with the possible adoption of processes eliminating HAV risks altogether. Planned with the full support of the HSE, the Conference will discuss how hirers are educating their own, and their customers’ staff about HAV risks, and will highlight equipment that can be hired to provide practical solutions. For more details, contact Alex Brain on 01249 700770 or at alex@executivehireshow.com • Executive Hire News › Archives › August 2006 › Executive Report › Controlled approach
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