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kellyrobertson  
#1 Posted : 30 April 2019 10:19:27(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
kellyrobertson

Hi all

Just new to IOSH and looking for some advice on grinders. I work for a steel manufacturing company and grinding is a daily activity for us. I have read at length the HSE guidance on reducing vibration but since grinders are a necessity to us, we must look for the lowest vibration models available. I received some information on a WEBPA 17-125 QUICK Angle Grinder which appears to have very low vibration, details below. 

Would welcome anyone's thoughts.

Thanks

Kelly

https://www.metabo.com/uk/index.php?lang=1&cl=details&aid=14_600548390&anid=14_600548390&fnc=outputSpecSheet&am=1&cnid=14_22644&listtype=list&actcontrol=oxwarticledetails&stoken=

SBH  
#2 Posted : 30 April 2019 11:25:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
SBH

Looks OK but you may also need to address time on the task - reduce if possible plus health surveillance for VWF - tingling , reduced grip, complaints from staff etc. Also review the work process to eliminate the grinder if at all possible Hope that helps a bit SBH
hilary  
#3 Posted : 30 April 2019 11:29:59(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
hilary

We purchase the Metabo Angle Grinders which are designed to be very low vibration tools.  Worth having a look at.

MaxPayne  
#4 Posted : 30 April 2019 11:30:18(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
MaxPayne

Just a note of caution about jumping straight in on the quoted lowest vibration charateristic of a particular tool; it could take twice as long to do the same job and actually increase the exposure to the user.  There's a balance to be had here and careful assessment of the task and risk needed.

Also remember that manufacturers data is often very different from actual use and exsposure gained.  Hierachy of controls to consider, elimination, subsitution, job rotation, etc.  Action and limit values as well as health surveillance to consider.

Wealth of information available now; HSE a good starter. 

Connor35037  
#5 Posted : 30 April 2019 15:29:56(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Connor35037

Vibration data from manufacturers tends to be lower as the tool is measured in laboratory conditions and is not being used "in anger" as it were.

If you want a more accurate vibration level for the grinder, ask to borrow a couple for trial purposes and bring someone in to carry out measurements under working conditions.

kellyrobertson  
#6 Posted : 01 May 2019 10:02:07(UTC)
Rank: New forum user
kellyrobertson

Thanks everyone for your replies, I think as Connor says, getting a loan of a couple of different options to try is our best bet, as you say different grinders work differently so we'll only know if we try.  

I've gone through the heirarchy of controls, but there is no possibility of elimination of grinding although we have reduced it as much as possible. I've done analysis on trigger time and even with the grinders we're currently using which are all relatively new and adding 15% added to manufacturer's figures, we're well below the ELV and most of the time below the EAV. We also have in place health surveillance.

And I'll have a look at the Metabo angle grinders Hilary.

Thanks again

Kelly

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