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yulkok  
#1 Posted : 14 October 2015 14:01:55(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
yulkok

Is there an agreed standard for what is classed a low, medium and high vibration when colour coding vibratory tools as an immediate visual guide for employees? Looking on the web there appears to be a difference between various plant hire companies. Regards Yul
RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 14 October 2015 14:14:32(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

Good question - I'm not aware of any industry standard. I think it is down to the manufacturer/supplier to devise their own stats based on their testing regime. The problem here equipment will vibrate differently according to its use which encourages manufacturers to be 'economical' with the facts. Not dissimilar to vehicle manufacturers performance figures - they can be taken with a pinch of salt.
Ron Hunter  
#3 Posted : 15 October 2015 15:35:40(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Ron Hunter

Not aware of agreed standard, but would hope Hire Association members have a common practice. I've always applied: Green = all day Amber= less than all day (check the label or other info supplied)) Red = Less than 1 hour (check ditto). All of which is fine until you use multiple tools - then the employer has to start doing real sums!
graemecollard  
#4 Posted : 15 October 2015 16:16:47(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
graemecollard

Good advice and apt warning re: proper sums from Ron Hunter. Wise words too from RayRapp regarding manufacturer's data. We have carried out a large tool testing program after HSE contact regarding a (Historic) HAVS case reported under RIDDOR. Our in use test data varies hugely from the manufacturer's, from +30% to an order of magnitude. We now use vibration tests to inform maintenance requirements and operator training need.
avocetboy  
#5 Posted : 15 October 2015 16:43:32(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
avocetboy

If these are air tools, you can fit a "tool timer" to the hose and this records actual trigger time. This then records the "actual" time that the operator is subjected to the vibration. This is generally significantly less than it would appear. We used this method to ensure our operatives using nail guns were working within exposure limits
bob youel  
#6 Posted : 18 October 2015 10:53:16(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bob youel

some good replies here as usual -- there is no formal 'across the board' standard at this time as far as I am aware however the law and the HSE guides give U the info U need to set up your system** and hire companies especially have come a very long way in improvment since the mid/late 90's. However U need a system to ensure that what tools U get are suitable and should not simply rely on others as things may come back and bite U **[I used the traffic light system based on actual field measurement and legal guidance not measurement supplied by others especially manufacturers]
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