Occupational exposure to vibratory tools and equipment can cause permanent and debilitating ill-health, affecting individuals' dexterity and circulation. Our vibration experts have a proven track record in successfully delivering vibration at work tests, sometimes referred to as hand-arm (HAV) and whole-body vibration (WBV) assessments to make certain employees are protected and you comply with regulations.
What is hand-arm vibration (HAV)?
Hand-arm vibration is mechanical vibration transmitted into the hands and arms of employees during working activities. Exposure can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) or carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). HAVS can lead to finger bleeding, pins and needles, along with loss of sensation and dexterity.
What is whole-body vibration (WBV)?
Whole-body vibration is the shaking or jolting of the human body through a supporting surface such as a seat or the floor. The primary health risk of exposure to whole-body vibration is that it can cause or aggravate back pain. Other reported effects include digestive and circulatory disruption.
Our WBV and HAVS assessment capabilities
Element can make sure you are successfully delivering vibration at work risk assessments. All assessments are undertaken in accordance with relevant UK HSE guidance L140 'hand-arm vibration' and L141 'whole-body vibration' along with recognized standards BS EN ISO 5349 and BS EN 14253.
Our occupational hygienists help employers understand how they are affected by the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, which covers both hand-arm and whole-body vibration issues at work.
Element also provides a service for monitoring vibration in the ground that enables proactive control of vibration while works are ongoing. The service ensures the protection of customers' properties from potential structural damage because of the activities being carried out. Also, vibration/noise from wet/dry wells at customer properties are measured using more sensitive techniques.
The Element advantage
Our team of BOHS M104 / W503 qualified occupational hygienists (by the British Occupational Hygiene Society's Faculty of Occupational Hygiene) has over 20 years of experience in conducting both hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration assessments. They have worked in various of industries, including metal fabrication, construction, quarries, and a diverse set of manufacturing and engineering companies.
Element offers work tests and assessments to help you implement vibration control measures in the workplace.
For more information about our hand-arm or whole-body vibration assessments in the workplace, contact us today.
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