Hand Arm Vibration Meter PCE-HAV 100

Measuring Instrument

Data Analysis

So that the hand-arm vibration meter always obtained correct measurement results as specified and the user could rely on a correct indication and analysis of the exposure values, the tester should be recalibrated regularly. The cycles of this calibration are stored in the in-house ISO manual. However, calibration is important not only because it is recorded in the ISO calibration inventory. In the case of hand-arm vibrations it goes about vibrations that have a very negative impact on the human body. Therefore, special care is required when this type of testing equipment is applied.

The employees who regularly work on the hand-operated vibrating machines may experience the damages, which are referred to as vibration-related illnesses (circulatory disorders, nervous disorders, bone damage, joint damage).
The regular measurement of hand-arm vibrations by means of the vibration meter is the proven method to prove that the limits or trigger values of the vibration exposures are not exceeded.

If the limits happen to be exceeded or if there are any signs of problems on the hands or arms of the employees, the countermeasures must be taken directly. If the exposure limit value and / or trigger value are exceeded, following the Ordinance on occupational medical care, a compulsory occupational medical check-up must be carried out.

Based on the results obtained after the analysis carried out by means of the results on the hand arm vibration meter, it is clear, in which workplaces the employees are exposed to too high exposures. Now ask yourself the question:
"What is to be done now – what measures can be taken to reduce the vibrations?"

In reality, it is not a simple task at all, because as a rule, the best way to reduce the vibrations would be to do reduce them in the structural design at the manufacturer of the respective machine or the implement. So, first of all, the manufacturers should make affords to develop the machines and systems that cause only slight hand arm vibrations.

What can you do on site? The most obvious measures for the occupational health and safety specialists are obvious:
- control of the work time / introduction of time regimes on the machines with high exposures
(vibrating hand machines)
- immediate replacement of machines with excessive exposure levels
- reduction of vibrations due to the increased maintenance and cyclic change of certain parts of the work equipment
- training of the employees on operation and service life of the machine
- protective clothing wearing (especially in case of hand arm vibrations, the main load occurs on the
employee's hands. Therefore, working gloves should be worn. Also, in this area there are various models that significantly reduce vibrations)
- cold hands avoidance
- engagement of professionals in vibration protection