Vibration risk assessment:​ evaluation of exposures to vibration, control and measurement strategies

Pitts, Paul

Affiliations

¹Health and Safety Executive, Harpur Hill, Buxton, SK17 9JN, UK

Abstract

Long-term exposure to hand-arm vibration from powered machinery is known to present a risk of damage to the hand and arm.

In Great Britain, the actions required of employers controlling vibration exposure and providing health surveillance are defined in Regulations based on European Directive 2002/44/EC. Assessment of hand-arm vibration risk is an important part of the process of controlling risk. However, assessment does not need to be onerous, or complicated; it needs to be suitable and sufficient so that it leads to the appropriate control of exposure.

This paper discusses the requirements for evaluation of risk and how the appropriate level of assessment will produce timely, suitable and effective control actions.

Cited Works (2)

Year	Entry
2001	Mechanical Vibration: Measurement and Evaluation of Human Exposure to Hand-Transmitted Vibration, II: Practical Guidance for Measurement At the Workplace. ISO Standard ISO 5349-2. [ISO Standard thesis]. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization; 2001.
2001	Mechanical Vibration: Measurement and Evaluation of Human Exposure to Hand-Transmitted Vibration, I: General Requirements. ISO Standard ISO 5349-1. [ISO Standard thesis]. Geneva, Switzerland: International Organization for Standardization; 2001.