Kerb handling - an integrated approach to tackling a heavy problem

1. Kerb handling - an integrated approach to tackling a heavy problem Nick Patience HSE Construction Sector Occupational Health Unit

2. Laying kerbs and paving • How can manufacturers and hire companies work with contractors to control risks associated with laying kerbs and paving?

3. Occupational Health Some figures: • 2 million people in GB suffered work related ill health in 2004/5 • Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the biggest cause of occupational ill health in GB • 56,000 Work Related MSD cases in construction per annum • Around 45% of MSDs involve the back

4. What are the risks involved in kerb laying? • Manual Handling – back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders • Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome – Vibration White finger • Dust – Silicosis and other respiratory problems • Noise – Noise induced hearing loss

5. Kerbs – bad practice • Not the way to do it! • Poor posture • Heavy weight • Alternatives readily available

6. Kerbs What alternatives are available? • Plastic kerbs • Hollow kerbs • Shorter lengths cut in factory or yard • Slip formed kerbs • Handling aids

7. Kerb handling – good practice • Mechanical grab – or vacuum lifters - vehicle mounted

8. Paving handling good practice – vacuum lifters

9. Noise induced hearing loss • 87,000 people in GB affected by NIHL • For construction the statistics are unreliable and there is huge variation in estimates • General acceptance that construction has more than double the rate for the all industry average for NIHL

10. Noise induced hearing loss • Too much noise exposure, whatever the source can result in hearing damage which is irreversible. • Exposure to loud noises even for a short time can cause a temporary loss of hearing but you will recover slowly over a few hours. • Repeated exposure to loud noise can result in permanent damage.

11. Noise – what HSE is asking contractors to do • Ask suppliers about likely noise levels under the particular conditions in which they operate the machinery, as well as under standard test conditions. • Select the correct abrasive wheel, tool bit etc and keep sharp or replace as necessary.

12. Noise – selecting hearing protection • make sure the protectors give enough protection - aim at least to get below 85 dB at the ear; • think about how they will be worn with other protective equipment (e.g. hard hats, dust masks and eye protection); • provide a range of protectors so that employees can choose ones which suit them.

13. Compatible PPE?

14. Vibration • Repeated exposure to vibration causes damage to nerves and blood vessels • Effects start in fingers but damage is progressive and irreversible - can extend to hands, arms, shoulders and neck • Symptoms: • Tingling and numbness • Blanching then painful flushing • Loss of strength

15. Vibration • Tool selection can make a substantial difference to the vibration level but the tool must be suitable for the task and used correctly. • maintenance (e.g. servicing grinders, sharpening drills and chisels) • selection of consumables (abrasive discs, chisels, drills, etc.) • correct operation and operator training • maximum daily trigger times or maximum daily work done with the tool

16. Silica Dust • In the past silicosis was a common industrial disease • In 1897 the pneumatic hammer drill was known as a “widow-maker”. • The introduction of sandblasting in 1904 led to countless cases of silicosis • Sandblasters were said to survive an average of 10 years.

17. Notice chalked up in a foundry in Coventry (1934)

18. Cutting kerbs and paving produces dust that: • cannot always be seen; • can damage lungs and cause health problems; • may affect others standing near to the cutting process; So • damp down or extract the dust; • always wear breathing protection; • Or better still - 'avoid the cut'.

20. Dust Solutions • Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is normally needed to reduce exposures to an acceptable level. • Hire equipment only from reputable companies that you know maintain their equipment well. • Use equipment fitted with water suppression to minimise the amount of dust created.

21. Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) • RPE is needed and must be compatible with hearing protection. • Powered or air-fed RPE is more comfortable to wear. • Select RPE that suits the wearer, the job and the work environment. • Decide the level of protection from air sampling data. Otherwise, use RPE with an assigned protection factor (APF) of at least 40. • Provide RPE that includes eye and face protection. • Make sure all RPE is properly fit-tested - get advice from your supplier. • Replace RPE filters as recommended by the supplier. • Keep RPE clean.

22. Summary • Manual Handling – provide mechanical handling aids. • Noise – ensure tools are well maintained and provide hearing protection. • Hand Arm Vibration - ensure tools are well maintained and provide good quality vibration data. • Dust - provide tools with extraction or water suppression and respiratory protection.