Health and Safety
EU Directive 2002/44/EC
Vibration on the Human Body
Whilst the negative effects of vibration on hand-arm and whole body have been understood for some years, legal regulations and enforcement are relatively new, being embodied in Directive 2002/44/EC of the European Parliament. There will now be a legal obligation for employers to ensure that the exposure of their staff to vibration is understood and that the requirements of the Directive are met. The obligations defined under the new EU Directive represent more legal responsibility for employers in both military and civil working work-places. Moreover, research has shown that tackling the issues associated with vibration emanating from equipment or vehicles can improve the performance of the operators and reduce sickness levels both in the short and long term. We are experts in dealing with the requirements of the new Directive and provide professional and cost effective solutions.
UK Response to EC Directive
The Directive came into force on 6 th July 2005, from which time all employers have a period of five years for full implementation as it relates to equipment or vehicles issued to staff before 6 th July 2007. New equipment or vehicles from 6 th July 2005 must be fully compliant. Key to the implementation of the Directive is the assessment of two levels of vibration exposure, defined as Action Values and Limit Values. Each of these parameters requires attention by the employer, with the Limit Value defining the ultimate limits to which personnel may be exposed. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) are tasked with policing all aspects of the Directive within the UK and we are experienced in understanding the process associated with policing implementation.
SST Customer Services
At Cranfield, we have the background and experience to fully characterise the vibration environments in which personnel are required to operate. We have a logical and low-risk approach to implementing the requirements of the Directive, involving the characterisation of operational regimes to demonstrate compliance. We can also undertake similar evaluations with respect to other environments, including acoustic noise, for both personnel and equipment.
We have a team of highly qualified professional engineers and trials technicians, who are experienced with working with military and civilian customers on a confidential basis.
Our services include:
- Risk assessments
- Evaluation reports
- Equipment/vehicle surveys
- Compliance recommendations
- Operational reviews and analysis
- Implementation plans
What's Involved?
We conduct risk assessments, trials and evaluations to determine the vibration profiles experienced by the employee in the working environment.
Based on measured and appropriately weighted data, environment descriptions are formulated for personnel in order to determine areas of concern. These environment descriptions are then compared to the action and limit values defined by the regulations.
Full and comprehensive reports then indicate when health surveillance will be necessary or when work should cease pending corrective action. We normally provide detailed risk registers for the staff involved.
The comprehensive experience of our staff enables us to offer guidance for reducing exposure to vibration in order to avoid health problems or possible litigation costs in the future.
Land, sea and air vehicles are all sources of vibration, giving rise to quantifiable levels of exposure. The histogram shown below illustrates how crew vibration of an off-road land vehicle compares to the Directive action and limit values. Clearly in this case, corrective action is necessary and our extensive experience can be brought to bear on this problem.
Cost of Non-Compliance
Exposure to vibration poses significant health risks and loss of effectiveness of personnel engaged in operational tasks. These issues have direct implications in terms of personnel performance and efficiency and, therefore, the financial performance of a business.
There are also potential litigation issues should health be adversely affected by exposure to excessive vibration.
Independent & Qualified Appraisal
We are experienced with operating under strict confidentiality agreements. We are impartial and independent, offering a range of services delivered by a qualified team of professional engineers and trials technicians.
For further information, please contact us on +44 (0) 1234 754542 or send an email.
