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It has been a couple of years since we included a Focus on the subject of Hand Arm Vibration. At that time new regulations were being finalised, ready for introduction in 2005, with full implementation coming in over the following five years.
So it is no surprise that HAV has become a hot topic, particularly with regards to the availability of information about vibration levels so it is a good time to return to the subject, and particularly a couple of recent stories on the availability of vibration data.
New Group
Concerns raised by Loughborough University about the growing problem of hand-arm vibration syndrome in the construction industry have led to the formation of a new national industry body.
The Major Hire Companies Group (MHCG) has been launched following calls from the University’s Dr David Edwards. Dr Edwards, a leading expert in hand-arm vibration syndrome, felt that more needed to be done to ensure the health, safety and welfare of thousands of manual workers.
The role of the newly formed MHCG is to agree and publish guidance on minimising workers’ exposure to vibration from hand-operated equipment. Members of the MHCG include: A-Plant, Brandon Tool Hire, GAP, Hewden, Hire Station, HSS, Martin Plant Hire, and Speedy Hire.
Several additional equipment hire and lease companies have also indicated an interest in joining the group.
Mick Norton, current Off-highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre (OPERC) President and spokesman for the MHCG, commented: “The group will work towards creating a safer system of work for our customers and all hire companies will be able to share in the results and findings once our guidance is published. Our first step is to establish a standard system for measuring an operator’s exposure to hand-arm vibration, when operating hand-held or hand-guided power tools. The system must be easy to both apply and manage for anyone within the supply chain, whether they are manufacturers, hire companies or end-users.” He went on to explain that the group will not focus solely upon analysis and standards, training guidance and other resources are equally important and once produced, these should also be freely available for all.
Dr Edwards, who is based in Loughborough University’s Department of Civil and Building Engineering, said: “We have a great opportunity here to make a real difference to the health, safety and welfare of thousands of manual workers, so understandably, this is a very exciting and much welcomed development in the Department’s research in this field.”
Dr Edwards added that it is not the ambition of the MHCG to compete with other trade associations or detract, in any way, from the good work already undertaken by other industry groups. The MHCG wants to make a positive contribution to the ongoing work in this area.
During its first meeting in October, MHCG members agreed that all equipment manufacturers should have their tools independently tested and that such data should be made available to industry, free of charge. The MHCG also agreed to share information or best practice documentation produced by the group to any interested party. A new guidance document has been commissioned and will be produced in collaboration between the MHCG, OPERC and Loughborough University.
Future challenges for the group include tackling complex issues relating to hand-arm vibration training and education; optimising the publication of vibration data; maximising dissemination of vibration research findings throughout the hire industry; and applying the use of innovative technologies to mitigate the risks associated with using power tools.
Add-on Effect
Beyond its direct involvement in MHCG the Off-highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre has been researching another factor that has an effect on HAV.
Reputable manufacturers have redesigned many of their tools to be low vibration whilst maintaining high performance. Tool ergonomics too have improved considerably and professionals within the industry are more educated about the risks posed and how these can be reduced. On the OPERC/ Loughborough University’s HAVTEC register over 5,400 users now regularly use real life ‘independent’ data measured using ISO 5349. Although this is now the most widely populated database of independent/free to use data, leading scientists within the centre are concerned that many users do not fully understand the implications of appendage choice.
Dr David Edwards, Loughborough University states that “We have to consider the tool user. A DIY person needs to operate tools safely but if they only drill one hole to hang a picture frame on a weekend, then their risk of developing HAVS is minimal. Under such circumstances, a low cost appendage will be the choice of product to purchase.” He continued “However, if you are a construction contractor, who uses power tools regularly, then the choice of appendage is quintessentially important.”
Research produced by HAVTEC has revealed that when a cheap drill bit (that does not conform to recognised manufacturing standards) is fitted to a high quality drill, higher vibration magnitude values are often recorded, rapid burn out of the bit can be observed, holes produced can be notably bigger than the appendage diameter and the hole itself can take longer to drill. It is no surprise therefore, that some distributors of such products either refuse to have their bits independently tested or refuse to release data once tested.
On a recent trip to the Heller Factory in Germany, a delegation of leading scientists and industry leaders observed the production of drill bits that conformed to the PGM mark. Essentially, the PGM mark ensures that the drill bits are manufactured using state-of-the-art technology and that a quality assurance system is in place during and post production. It also ensures that the cutting edge diameter and symmetry of cutting tip (in relation to the drill bit axis) and concentricity of the shaft lie within narrow specifications. Currently, the quality of the steel itself is not monitored within the PGM certificate but the whole process of certification is independent to the manufacturer thus giving greater confidence that at the very least, a minimum standard of conformance has been guaranteed.
Dr Edwards warns that “If cost is your main consideration then consider that research has shown that a cheap appendage can take twice as long to complete a task. The intangible costs of lost production, reduced safety and poor quality far and above outweigh the initial cost of a cheap product particularly for the professional construction practitioner.”
Mr Barry Robinson, MBE, OPERC Chief Examiner continued “The research work into tool appendages is equally as important as the work on the tool itself. Observing, discovering and reporting upon good and bad practices alike for the benefit of all who use vibrating power tools are important aspects of HAVTEC. At our present rate, the vast majority of leading manufacturers will have been independently tested and recorded onto the HAVTEC register by the middle of 2007.”
Websites:
Off-highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre
www.operc.com
Major Contractors Group
www.mcg.org.uk
Loughborough University
www.lboro.ac.uk
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