Page 1423 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 528

11 August 2016

Vibration

We often have to operate equipment that causes
vibration hazards. This includes using hammer action
drills when fixing wall mounted signage, or using
jackhammers to break out surfaces around ground
signs.

Although we don’t generally operate this equipment
for prolonged periods, the repeated short duration
operation can have a cumulative risk.

Vibration can cause HAVS (Hand Arm Vibration
Syndrome), which is a damage to the nerves, blood
vessels and joints of the hand, wrist or arm.

Symptoms of HAVS are:
• Tingling and numbness in fingers
• Loss of feeling in fingers
• Loss of strength in hands
• Tips of fingers going white in cold or wet
conditions (vibration white finger)

To control the risk from vibration, we are issuing anti-vibration gloves to all crews. There are to be
worn whilst using hammer action drills, jackhammers or other vibrating plant / equipment. These
gloves reduce the risk from vibration whilst maintaining the protection from mechanical hazards due to
the EN388 rating of 4242.

If you have any symptoms of HAVS or have any feedback on the use of these gloves, please contact
your line manager.