Safe Working Procedure - Vibration

1. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration Learning Objectives: By the end of this program participants will be able to demonstrate their understanding of the control measures to be followed , as detailed in the safe working procedure, to prevent exposure to vibration in the workplace. To begin we will consider the OAC model for managing safety

2. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration

3. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration Set your work objectives to include; “...tasks/ activities are to be completed on time and in a manner that does not cause harm to the employees, customers, other non-employees, or the company/ organisation.” • Three key questions to start with are… • What can cause harm? • What are you doing about it? • Is it enough? Remember the process is simple but it is NOT to be considered simplistic.

4. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration The OAC e-learning package can be accessed free at www.confinedspaces.com; Click here to open the "Work Safety - Manage Safely" e-learning program. (Work Safety - Manage Safely) also A 5 Minute Safety Seminar (PowerPoint) is available from www.web-safety.com; Click here to link to Safety Exchange - Then open the 5 minute Safety Seminar.

5. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration Know where the harm is; Identify the key hazards associated with vibration and the outcomes of exposure. • Source of Hazards(non-exhaustive list) • Machinery & equipment, • Sound systems, • Loose panels, • Unbalanced rotating parts, • Impact tools, power press, • Engines, • Saws (chain, circular), • Grinders & drills, and • Compressed air discharges. • Outcomes of exposure(non-exhaustive list) • Hand arm vibration syndrome • Vibration white finger.

6. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration • Controlling the Hazard - Options • In priority order; • Eliminate where possible, • Use control measures, • Protect all those exposed to the hazard Insert eliminate image Insert control image Insert protective Clothing image

7. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration • Work Equipment… • Plant, equipment or machinery (purchased or hired) not to exceed 2.5m/sec2 under normal working conditions. • A phasing out programme is to be instigated for plant, equipment and machinery with high vibration levels (e.g. higher than 4m/sec2). • All plant, equipment and machinery to be regularly inspected and maintained.

8. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration • Vibration Assessments • Specialist vibration assessments to be undertaken, as necessary. • Measures to be put in place to control vibration exposure to a level lower than or equal to the statutory requirements and/ or the accepted national standards. • Maintain a register of; • Vibration sources, • Vibration levels and • Employees regularly using vibrating plant, equipment and machinery • Employees most at risk to be allocated equipment with the lowest vibration characteristics. • All relevant employees are to be instructed in the safe use of vibrating plant, equipment and machinery and the proper control measures to be applied.

9. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration • Health Surveillance • Health surveillance is to be provided to employees who regularly use vibrating plant, equipment and machinery. • Employers are to establish a health surveillance protocol. The health surveillance protocol is to consider the steps to be taken if an employee is found to be suffering from any form of hand arm vibration syndrome

10. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration Duty Holders Responsible for… Managing Director Ensuring compliance. Safety Managers Providing professional safety advice. Business Activity Managers Complying with the requirements. Employees Co-operating with the requirements.

11. Safe Working Procedure - Vibration • Documentation • Maintenance logs. • Vibration assessments. • Register of vibration exposure