Posted By Maria O'Malley Task:Manual polishing operation carried out on linishing belts and buffing mops. The components each weigh about 1 kg and take 10 minutes to polish. A number of operators perform this task continuously throughout the day. Health surveillance is in place. What do I need to consider to produce a suitable and sufficient risk assessment with regards to hand arm vibration?

Posted By Jim Walker Don't forget the manual handling implications of standing in front of a machine with a load, presumabably with outstretched arms. The fact that it is only 1kg does not mean you need a proper MH assessment.

Posted By Jane Blunt Dear Maria This sounds quite similar to polishing for metallography. My experience in that field showed that there was also a chance of people developing upper limb disorders, specifically of the shoulder and elbow, probably related to having to put downward pressure on the sample for extended periods of time. The chance of this occurring was strongly related to the height of the polishing wheel in relation to their height. (A technician who worked with one shoulder raised in order to push down on the sample was very badly affected - this was solved by lowering the wheel). Have a look at HSG60, Work related upper limb disorders, 0 7176 0475 6. Regards Jane