A person wearing PPE carrying out a hand/arm vibration assessment

Investment strengthens our workplace noise and hand-arm vibration assessment service

Following its launch in 2022, we’ve invested in our workplace noise and hand-arm vibration (HAV) service, to further strengthen our assessment provision to clients.

As part of this we’ve purchased new state-of-the-art equipment, including a Casella CEL-620B noise meter with full octave band analysis, and a HAVex Tri-axial vibration meter and accelerometer.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a serious and disabling condition caused by exposure of the hands and arms to vibration when using handheld tools.

It can cause a permanent and painful numbness and tingling in the hands and arms, as well as painful joints and muscle weakening. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), nearly two million people are at risk of developing the condition.

Accurate assessments of employees’ personal daily exposure levels are required by both the Control of Noise at Work and Control of Vibration at Work Regulations, and are essential when considering suitable control measures and health surveillance.

Our team of experts are fully qualified and experienced in carrying out both noise at work and hand-arm vibration assessments using the latest measuring equipment. The service includes:

• Measurement of maximum and overall average noise levels at typical working positions and calculation of employee exposure levels
• Comprehensive report identifying areas for improvement and action plan
• Employee awareness training, including the selection and correct fitting and use of appropriate personal hearing protection

Ian Dandy, Health and Safety Consultant at Aegis, said: “HAVS is a potentially serious health condition – and the damaging effects of both noise and vibration are irreversible. Both can have a detrimental effect on quality of life.

“Fortunately, it is something that can be controlled and prevented, an integral part of which is making sure the exposure levels of workers are accurately and routinely measured, and effective control measures implemented.

“Carrying out suitable and sufficient exposure assessments not only ensures protection of employees and legal compliance, but also reduces potential costly compensation claims.

“This investment is a sign of our commitment towards providing the highest standards of workplace assessments to our clients and highlights the importance of accurate measurements and exposure assessments.

“We encourage companies to prioritise these risks and if they’re unsure as to whether or not they’re meeting the regulations, to speak to us today.”

For more information on our service and the many other ways in which Aegis can help your company meet health and safety requirements, get in touch with our team of experts today.