The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

 

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The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations came into force on 6 July 2005.

 

These Regulations introduced for the first time into UK law enforceable standards for occupational exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) and whole body vibration (WBV). The Regulations also introduced a different method of assessment of the level of exposure from that which was used under the (now defunct) guidelines issued by the British Standards Institute.

 

The Regulations affect any industry where the following are used:

  • hand-held power tools or machines which transmit vibration in into the hands (eg grinders, drills, saws, hammers, mowers, strimmers, road breakers etc)
  • mobile machinery which is driven off road or on rough ground (eg tractors, bulldozers, dumpers)
  • machinery which exposes the user to vibration or shocks (eg excavators)
  • vehicles which lack suspension systems (eg fork lift trucks)

 

The risks and consequences of HAV are well known in comparison with those related to WBV, yet current estimates are that between 20,000 and 50,000 employees are exposed to very high levels of WBV.

 

Industries most affected are:

  • agriculture
  • building construction
  • civil engineering
  • forestry
  • foundries
  • grounds management
  • heavy engineering
  • mines and quarries
  • repair and manufacture of motor vehicles
  • shipbuilding
  • utilities

 

The HSE has published a series of guides to the Regulations, two for each topic of hand arm and whole body vibration, one of which is aimed at employers and the other at employees.

 

The HSE has published an 'L' series publication entitled 'Hand Arm Vibration: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005' (L140) available from HSE Books.

 

Regulation 7 requires employers to conduct health surveillance for all employees who are likely to be exposed to vibration at, or above, an exposure action value, or if a risk assessment identifies that there are risks to an employee's health from vibration. Again, detailed guidance can be found through the HSE website and HSE books.

 

For more information, contact John Mitchell, a partner in Blake Lapthorn's Health and Safety team on 023 8085 7231; email john.mitchell@bllaw.co.uk.