Posted By GeoffB4 Is there any printed literature available providing 'trigger ratios' for equipment such as strimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, stone saws etc? I'm trying to find out, for example, if someone was using a strimmer for two hours, how long typically would he/she be actively using the strimmer over that time as distinct from the equipment idling and/or the operative resting.

Posted By GeoffB4 Thanks Frank but done all that.

Posted By SteveD-M Geoff drop me an email I have a table that may help. Have you checked the manufacturers instructions (Before anyone asks Yes I know that some don't put the right measurements down ...but it's a start...)

Posted By Ron Hunter Geoff, I'm not aware of any benchmark figures either, however I would have to suggest that part of your risk management strategy should involve a bit of "time and motion study" of the people involved. The important thing is to get everyone educated and onboard from the outset, otherwise you'll get seriously skewed data. Operatives will most often grossly exagerrate trigger times in an attempt to justify their time. From local experience, quoted figures of "4 hours a day" can actually equate to as little as half an hour HAVs exposure. Do your toolbox talks first. From the equipment you list, strimmers are usually the biggest problem -these often have high vibration figures (far in excess of those quoted by the supplier), they tend to be over-used (where other mechanised options are available) and frequently abused by less-skilled operatives. Bring back the scythe!

Posted By GeoffB4 Just what I was looking for. I knew it was somewhere. Many thanks Zman,