The purpose of this standard is to provide the Tool and Equipment Hire manager with the required skills and knowledge to ensure the company complies with legislation for both internal and external users of equipment likely to cause HAVs (Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome)
Scope:
Safety Management – Hand Arm Vibration Management Essentials
Be aware of:
The medical Conditions
- significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints).
- vibration white finger, carpal tunnel syndrome
Understand and implement:
Legislation
- The Health and Safety at Work Act Section 6 places broad responsibilities for the safety of the products Hire & Rental operations hire out. This includes (so far as reasonably practicable) pre-hire testing and inspection to ensure continued safety, and the provision of information.
- Obligation to communicate the risks to employees
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
- Prescribed industrial disease - Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
Obligations to manage
use for more than 15 minutes per day of typical hire items: hand-held or hand guided power tools and machines - concrete breakers, concrete pokers; sanders, grinders, disc cutters; hammer drills; chipping hammers; chainsaws, brush cutters, hedge trimmers; powered mowers; scabblers or needle guns
Poorly maintained equipment -
- Risk Assessment approach – effective controls to eliminate or reduce HAVs
Eliminate if possible
Reduce exposure for technicians and Hire Desk operatives
HSE hand arm vibration exposure calculator
Manufacturer; supplier and trade association leaflets, equipment vibration risk classifications (High, medium, low advice stickers); advice notes - i.e HAE 2150 HAV
Product return from hire inspections and maintenance or disposal
- Provide training to employees and AIG )advice, information & guidance) to both employees and customers
- Health Surveillance and record management - employees
|