Rank: Super forum user 
|
Would it be reasonable for a principal contractor to ask to see a sub contractor's records of this and all other records relating to individual employees?
I wonder how long is the list of records expected to be produced by a sub contractor?
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
Although some companies do use a eletronic tagging system to record individuals exposures to each tool used on a daily basis this is not an exact requirement of the regs.
The minimum you may reasonably expect to see is either the risk assessments for each tool / activity, or the vibration levels associated with each tool type/make/model used which can then be used to jusity usage times or levels of health surveilance etc...
Des
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Forum user
|
Vibration in the construction indusrty still causes long term health problems each year particularly hand arm vibration.
The Principal Contrcator is wise to be cautious from both protecting themselves from litigation and protecting the individual employees from harm.
I think however that they need to consider whether they are asking for the right type of records.
The regulations are very clear that a risk assessment needs to be carried out and all the necessary precautions are taken, such as not exceeding the daily exposure limits, regular breaks, keeping warm, not smoking before or after using vibrating tools etc
I think the PC should ask about any health surveillance issues and whether there are any individuals who may be at increased risk and also what information is given to them about the risks of being exposed to vibration.
Asking for a long list won't be helpful in identifying those at risk or reducing the risk.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
descarte8 wrote:Although some companies do use a eletronic tagging system to record individuals exposures to each tool used on a daily basis this is not an exact requirement of the regs.
The minimum you may reasonably expect to see is either the risk assessments for each tool / activity, or the vibration levels associated with each tool type/make/model used which can then be used to jusity usage times or levels of health surveilance etc...
Des The problem with conducting a risk assessment based on documentary evidence is that each machine will be given a range of acceleration values (e.g. 1ms2 -10 ms2). What is difficult to identify, without monitoring, is over the duration of exposure what vary levels of acceleration did the user encounter. The variance is generally due to the type of material being worked on. The only real way to identify exposure is to monitor, though clearly if equipment is selected that has an upper limit in the manufacturers range of possible acceleration forces that will lead to exposure below the action value monitoring would not be required.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user 
|
It would be an equally reasonable response to say you don't keep records of individual exposure and offer them your relevant Risk Assessments.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
The HSE "Control the risks from hand-arm vibration" INDG175 (rev2) reprinted 01/08 states:
decide if they are likely to be exposed above the daily action value (EAV)
make a list of employees who use the vibrating equipment and which jobs they do,
note as accurately as possible how long employees' hands are actually in contact with the equipment while it is vibrating -
record the relevant information they have collected and their assessment of who is likely to be at risk.
There is more but that's it in a nutshell.
So requirement for written records but I can see that if those records are at the head office and not on site the risk assessment that should be on site should contain information as to the collection of 'trigger times' etc.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Whilst the employer may be required to maintain sufficient record of individual exposure to validate the control measures in Risk Assessments, there is no absolute requirement to divulge the names of individuals against these records.
Once the Risk Assessment and controls have been validated, individual monitoring may cease. It is then entirely up to the employer how and for how long he chooses to retain these records. Where the records are retained, the employer may also choose to remove personal data to negate any potential Data Protection issues.
I am firmly of the opinion that your client or principal contractor has no right to this level of information. Your Risk Assessments should suffice.
|
|
|
|
|
|
Rank: Super forum user
|
Ron I agree the DATA protection issue.
What I have suggested is risk assessment containing type and duration/s of using equipment with input from those involved.
Then a record of trigger times for individuals, this by the employer.
The r/a - if containing the right information re what has been done will suffice for records on site.
Trying to keep it simple.
|
|
|
|
|
|
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.