Atlas Copco and Reactec help Harringtons Builders ensure safe HAV levels

24 January, 2019

The device measures and records hand-arm vibration levels, alerting the user to overexposure, and as a result preventing against the possibility of White Finger. Atlas Copco tools are designed with a focus in reducing the vibration levels, making the equipment safer for the end user.

Due to these risks, it is important to take precautionary actions when working with handheld tools. Scott Carr, health and safety manager at Harringtons Builders Plc, explained that part of the issue he had when considering the risk of hand-arm vibration levels was the lack of recorded vibration ratings for the tools they were using, as they were fairly old. This, he concluded, meant that they posed a danger to the operator, as the vibration levels could not be measured properly. This led to a purchase of multiple Atlas Copco handheld tools, namely TEX 09 PE hammers, as new equipment ensured more reliability due to the condition and quality of the tools, as well as providing vibration ratings.

The data gathered from the past three months at Harringtons Builders Plc indicated that only seven people had overexposed while working, and only one of those had overexposed by more than 10%. Carr was able to act on these results quickly and efficiently, communicating with the employees who had been overexposed – there has since been no overexposure of these individuals.

Much of the data suggested that the TEX 09 PE programmed vibration levels were only slightly lower than what was measured by the Havwear device. Some of the data collected showed much higher vibration levels than programmed, suggesting that the TEX was being used incorrectly. Scott stated; “I believe that the difference in vibration levels is due to operator excessive pressures. I will further investigate this once we have had a chance to collate more information.”

Overall, Carr believes that Havwear has improved health & safety measures at Harringtons Builders Plc.

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