Hand And Arm Vibration Manchester

Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment in Manchester

In July 2024, Sysco Environmental were invited to a facility in Manchester where our team carried out a hand-arm vibration assessment. This was part of a broader effort to ensure compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. The main focus was on evaluating the level of exposure workers faced in their daily tasks, particularly in the deburr area, where power tools are frequently used.

The report highlighted that employees are exposed to varying degrees of vibration depending on the tools they operate. A couple of tools, such as the Mirka Buffer and 3M Xtract Buffer, were found to exceed the safe exposure limits when used for prolonged periods. To mitigate risks, recommendations were made, including regular maintenance of tools, training for workers on minimising exposure, and using tools with advanced vibration-reduction features.

In a nutshell, the assessment shed light on the importance of staying vigilant about hand-arm vibration risks. It proposed simple yet effective measures to reduce workers' exposure, helping the facility maintain a safer working environment while adhering to safety regulations.

Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment for a Manufacturing Site in Manchester

Sysco Environmental Ltd carried out a hand-arm vibration assessment at a manufacturing site in Manchester. During the assessment, various tools were evaluated across different departments, including the De-Burring, Snecma, Saw Area, Packing, Band Saw Area, and the 6B Room. Each tool's usage was observed and measured during typical work operations, providing a realistic picture of vibration exposure.

The findings revealed that certain tools, such as air-powered sanders and grinders in the De-Burring area, significantly contributed to high vibration levels. For example, using the air-powered random orbital sander for just 20 minutes resulted in 52 exposure points, quickly approaching the recommended daily limit of 100 points. Other tools in different areas, like the band saw and etcher, had much lower vibration levels, posing less risk to employees.

By following these recommendations, the manufacturing site can significantly reduce the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), ensure compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, and promote a safer, healthier working environment for all employees.