Vibration Assessments in the Workplace:
Vibration is a physical phenomenon that occurs when an object moves back and forth rapidly. Vibration can be transmitted to the human body through contact with vibrating tools, machines, or vehicles. It can have both positive and negative effects on the health and well-being of workers. For example, vibration can be used for therapeutic purposes, such as massage or physiotherapy, but it can also cause injuries, such as back pain, joint disorders, or nerve damage.
Laws and Regulations:
In the UK, workplace vibration assessments are governed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and covers in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, which require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to vibration at work.
The Vibration Regulations introduce action and limit values for hand-arm and whole-body vibration. Hand-arm vibration is the vibration transmitted to the hands and arms when using hand-held power tools, such as drills, saws, or hammers etc. Whole-body vibration is the vibration transmitted to the body when sitting or standing on a vibrating surface, such as a vehicle seat or platform.
The action value is the level of vibration exposure above which employers should take measures to reduce the risks. The limit values are the levels of vibration exposure that should not be exceeded. The values are expressed in terms of daily exposure, averaged over an eight-hour period, and measured in meters per second squared (m/s). The table below shows the action and limit values for hand-arm and whole-body vibration.
| Type of Vibration | Exposure action value (m/s) | Exposure limit value (m/s) |
| Hand-arm | 2.5 | 5.0 |
| Whole-body | 0.5 | 1.15 |
The Vibration Regulations also allow a transitional period from exposure limit value for hand-arm and whole-body vibration to allow work activities to continue, where the use of older tools and machinery cannot keep exposures below the exposure limit value.
Why Vibrations Assessments Needs to be Completed:
Vibration assessments need to be completed to protect workers from the harmful effects of vibration and to comply with the legal requirements. Vibration can cause various health problems such as:
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), which is a condition that affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. It can cause tingling, numbness, pain, and loss of strength and dexterity. It can also affect the ability to do fine work, such as writing or using a keyboard. HAVS is also known as vibration white finger, because one of the symptoms is blanching or whitening of the fingers when exposed to the cold.
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS), is a condition that affects the median nerve that runs through the wrist. It can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the thumb, index, middle, and ring fingers. It can also affect the grip strength and the ability to perform manual tasks. CTS can be caused or aggravated by vibration exposure.
- Back pain, is a common problem that affects the spine and the muscles, ligaments, and nerves around it. It can cause discomfort, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It can also affect the quality of life and the ability to work. Back pain can be caused or worsened by whole-body vibration, especially when driving certain types of vehicles, such as tractors, trucks, or buses.
Vibration assessments can help employers to identify the sources and levels of vibration exposure in the workplace, and to take appropriate measures to reduce the risks. These measures may include:
- Selecting low-vibration tools and equipment, and ensuring they are well-maintained and serviced.
- Providing training and information to workers on how to use the tools and equipment safely and efficiently.
- Limiting the duration and frequency of vibration exposure, by providing rest breaks and job rotation.
- Providing personal protective equipment, such as gloves, anti-vibration mounts, or seats.
- Implementing health surveillance and monitoring programs, to detect and prevent any signs of vibration-related disorders.
Vibration assessments can also help workers to understand the risks of vibration exposure, and to cooperate with the employers in following the control measures and reporting any symptoms or concerns.
How can Arion help:
We can assist you with vibration assessments and other related services. We have a team of highly trained and experienced consultants who use state of the art equipment to carry out accurate and thorough vibration assessments, and provide detailed analysis of the results. We can help you comply with the current UK regulations and procedures on vibration exposure, and protect your workers from the potential risks of hand-arm and whole-body vibration. We can also provide training and information about HAV’s as well as implement health surveillance and monitoring programs. Whether you need a vibration assessment for a single tool or multiple tools. We can offer a reliable and professional solution.