Posted By Peter MacDonald Hi Has anyone out there specific informtion or experience of measuring whole body vibration exposure to machine operators carrying out concrete break out using excavators and mechanical hammers. There seems to be no published data by the main players in the industry such as Leihber/Cat/Rammer et al. We're looking to carry out in-house monitoring but it looks like a daunting task. Many machines with different interchangeable attachments are available and the conditions of work can change daily. For example I would imagine that exposure to the operator while the machine is on concrete is differnt from when it's sitting on made up ground, or tarmac, or sand, etc. Any pointers? Peter

Posted By JPM Good morning NIKKI I have carried out such an assessment on a twenty tonne (or was it thirty?)excavator with a very large hammer attached and breaking out concrete. Some points Your are correct potentailly every task is differnt, therefore there is no point in me telling you the exposure levels from our operation!, however, surprizingly the exposure level was very "LOW" this was a new machine, the whole machine is designed with anti vibration features especially the seat!(as I think most are) I have attended a number of industry seminars and working groups where Vibration has been discussed, the general train of thought amonst the alledged experts is that the HSE are set to take a passive approach to the enforcing of whole body vibration because of the complexity associated with it. You should consider attending a training course to enable you to carry out vibration monitoring, I recommend the following person / company as a first class training provider. Chris Gilbert contact: chris.gilbert@acousticassociates.co.uk In the meantime you could consider employing a consultant, once again Acoustic associates could help. PS. I have absolutley no tie with acoustic associates, I have attended thier course and was suitably impressed!

Posted By Nikki JPM Have I missed something? Is there some reason that you are shouting (capitals in text is shouting!) my name? I just offered Peter info on where he could find a vibration calculator. Did I say something wrong? PS I'd have replied to you personally but you've witheld that facility!

Posted By Pete Lavin Boy! Have you two guy's had a bad day? Go home, It's Friday.