Rank: Guest 
|
Posted By Con..
We have a lot of Greenkeepers who use lawnmowers, strimmers, ride-on mowers and tractors all day, every day.
There is any amount of info in vibration, white finger etc. - but, no one is comming up with solutions, PPE, controls etc.
Can anyone give me guidance on this one?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Hilary Charlton
You can buy anti-vibration gloves from Arco, I only know the South East telephone number but this is 01689 875411. These are specific for vibration tasks so should suit the job.
Hilary
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Jane Blunt Have you looked at the HSE guidance? This can be accessed from http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/vibindex.htmBe prepared for the possibility that the gloves may only help to reduce the vibration symptoms because they help to keep the hands warm. Jane
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Paul
I don't pretend to be an expert in the field of HAVS but I do work for a company that designs and manufactures pneumatic impact tools and rotary grinders.
Believe me, gloves have very little effect on reducing the effects of HAVS for any tool or equipment producing a 'significant' amount of vibration over the recommended average of 2.8m/s2. (ask any of our test engineers).
Your best bet is to follow the basics of safety management.
First and foremost, assess the risks. You will need to use specialist equipment but it's essential that you carry out 'in use' assessments of the vibration level - or get a competent safety professional to do it for you.
From there you can reduce the exposure period if necessary as required. Lower vibration tools or job rotation may be your best bet but I wouldn't rely on PPE.
As for the tractors - whole body vibration is a different dish again! Health surveillance/ assessments may be an idea if you haven't already done so.
Paul.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Martyn Hendrie
Have you looked on the HSE web site it has a number of information sources some of which are downloadable.
It also has an exposure calculator.
Regards
Martyn
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Peter J Harvey DIP2,OSH MIOSH
Agree with Paul on this, gloves will make very little difference if any in reducing vibration levels.
We started with a risk assessment (always a good first step)know what tools you have and which manufacturers, get an idea of age and ensure that they are maintained correctly, also try and get an idea from the users how long they really use them for.
Then you can gather vibration levels from the manufacturers, this will point you towards the higher risk tools where you can start your work.
A toolbox talk to the users would be worthwhile, try to ensure some job rotation and make sure that they wear normal gloves to keep their hands warm.
Then look at measuring vibration levels and follow the HSE guidance.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Con..
Has anyone experience at trying to engineer out some of the vibrations from a old equipment - would I be right in thinking that replaceing such equipment would be just as cheap?
What sort of materials are generally used to dampen vibration?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Sean Fraser There is excellent guidance available from Step Change in Safety, primarily for the Oil & Gas industry but I believe it would be equally useful for whatever industry you work in. Try the following link: http://step.steel-sci.or...main_publications_fs.htmThis give practical guidance and examples on dealing with this subject. There is also a CD with a down-loadable HAVS Tracker system but I you would need to contact Step Change direct (see their web site at http://step.steel-sci.org/ ) for more information. You don't actually need the CD though as paper examples are shown in the booklet and you could create your own version as appropriate. If you have problems with the link above, go on the main web site, select "Publications" and then "Index" and you'll find it listed alphabetically under "Hand arm vibration Syndrome" Hope that is useful to you.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Guest
|
Posted By Emma Forbes
I'm also with Paul on this one, anti vibration gloves are no better than any other gloves and should only really be used to keep hands warm and assist circulation. Some of our men use goalkeepers gloves or ski gloves and they claim that this dampens the vibration.
Ensure you are purchasing equipment to BS EN ISO 5349 (part 2) 2002. Sometimes manufacturers guidelines on vibration levels are v exaggerated so if possible, take your own readings. Stihl strimmers are proving to be v low in the vibration levels. Staff should not be exposed to risks exceeding 5m/s2 and any readings of 2.5m/s2 should be controlled.
We have a medical programme running at the moment which monitors staff at regular intervals. We go through Occupational Health.
|
|
|
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.