HAVi ACTIVIQ is a game changing new solution from HAVi Technologies. Coming from over 16 years of working with companies to help them comply with the vibration regulations, this solution enables you to make Better Decisions, Faster.
With over 50 years of combined experience in the management of HAVs, our team can support you in every aspect of your journey. Here is a selection of the questions we typically get asked.
Is it necessary to continuously monitor workers exposure?
ANSWER
No. There is no legal requirement for continual monitoring of vibration exposure. To do so is probably not a good use of yours or your employees’ time, unless there are very specific circumstances, (eg. The task creates very high vibration exposure).
HAVi ADVICE
HAVi recommends sample monitoring each operative and each tool for a period of 4 weeks once per year.
What you must do is find out what your workers are being exposed to through a vibration risk assessment. This will involve you understanding how long workers use particular tools for throughout a typical day or week. The HAVi System helps you do this. Once you know the exposure levels and whether it is likely to exceed the EAV or ELV, you can then focus on taking practical steps to reduce the risk.
Is simply staying beneath the Exposure level (EAV/ELV) sufficient for compliance?
ANSWER
If your workers’ exposure is below the limit does not mean you have complied with the law, or done enough to protect workers health. A fundamental requirement as stated in the regulations is that exposure is reduced to ‘as low as reasonably practicable’.
HAVi ADVICE
If the exposure to your workers is getting near the ELV (exposure limit value) 400pts a day. You should be looking at doing the work in a different way! Job rotation for example, other mechanical processes etc. Restricting exposure to just below the ELV will still result workers developing HAVS.
When is it advisable to have on going monitoring of workers?
ANSWER
If a workers’ task involves using high vibration tools and the ELV can be reached quickly, monitoring continually would be advisable. Setting a stop limit of 100pts before they must change their task would be sensible. The HAVi Integrated Solution can be used to do this accurately.
HAVi ADVICE
If a worker following medical advice, must have restrictions placed on their exposure, continual monitoring would ensure this lower level was never exceeded. (this must be recorded & archived).
Does the HAVi+ (and other commercially available trigger-timers) measure the actual vibration magnitude of the tool?
ANSWER
No, the HAVi+ unit measures Trigger Time and uses a pre-configured vibration magnitude to calculate and aggregate accurate HAVs exposure. This is in line with the legal requirements of CVWR 2005 and in line with HSE guidance.
There is nothing wrong with these devices, but you would be ill advised to issue such a device to every worker or attached to every tool. Continual monitoring of vibration exposure is NOT a requirement of the regulations and the HSE does not think it a sensible thing to do on a routine basis.
HAVi ADVICE
All commercial devices sold are designed to perform the function of trigger time recorders. We advise on using the HAVi as part of your risk assessment to build accurate data. High risk areas or workers with a medical diagnosis may need continual monitoring.
Our insurance company expects us to keep exposure records – Why?
ANSWER
Your insurance company should be able to tell you why it expects you to make and keep these records. Your insurance company will be rightly concerned about its liability should you workers develop ill-health. You will need to demonstrate that you have minimised risk and prevented ill-health by means of your risk assessment & evidence of practical actions you are taking.
HAVi ADVICE
The HAVi Integrated Solution keeps all records and risk assessments as a permanent record. This paperless system is being used by many of the UKs leading companies to reduce their insurance premiums.
HAVi is the only HAVS specialist to provide an ATEX certified fully integrated solution for measuring exposure to hand arm vibration in hazardous conditions. HAVi ATEX products are available now.
Tool Advisor is a resource for all businesses, who want to be sure that they are benefiting from the latest, most pertinent and independently generated data available anywhere.
Regardless of the size of your business; if you have choices to make regarding the types of tools your employees require on a wide range of jobs; our data will be invaluable.
The following articles may link to external third party websites and, if so, are shown as the source.
A response to the HSE’s latest guidance on Measuring and Monitoring employee’s exposure to vibration
On the 14th December 2023, The HSE published updated guidance on the steps you must take to protect employees from the risks of Hand Arm Vibration.
Since joining our established and passionate team in 2020, Gregg Cole has been focussed on building on the prior success of the business, helping staff to excel whilst catapulting the business forward through product development.
Tool Advisor is a resource for all businesses, who want to be sure that they are benefiting from the latest, most pertinent and independently generated data available anywhere.
Regardless of the size of your business; if you have choices to make regarding the types of tools your employees require on a wide range of jobs; our data will be invaluable.
LATEST NEWS
The latest industry news from the web. If its relevant, it's here! Covering industries where HAVS can be an issue along with the latest guidelines.
A response to the HSE’s latest guidance on Measuring and Monitoring employee’s exposure to vibration
On the 14th December 2023, The HSE published updated guidance on the steps you must take to protect employees from the risks of Hand Arm Vibration.
Since joining our established and passionate team in 2020, Gregg Cole has been focussed on building on the prior success of the business, helping staff to excel whilst catapulting the business forward through product development.
