Non binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive

3.3 RISK CONTROLSTo control risk you must remove or reduceexposure to hand-arm vibration. It may also bepossible to take actions that reduce the likelihoodof developing injury. It is likely that effectivecontrol will be based on a combination of severalmethods.In this chapter we look at the engineering,management and other methods that should beconsidered when looking for control solutions.3.3.1 Substitution of other working methodsIt may be possible to fi nd alternative work methodsthat eliminate or reduce exposure to vibration. Thismay involve mechanisation or automation of tasks, orsubstitution of alternative work processes. To keep upto-dateon the methods available you should checkregularly with:✓ your trade association;✓ other industry contacts;✓ equipment suppliers;✓ trade journals.Careful selection of consumables (e.g. abrasives forgrinders and sanders) or tool accessories (such as drillbits, chisels and saw blades) can affect vibration exposure.Some manufacturers supply accessories designedto reduce vibration exposure.To keep up-to-date on the tools, consumables andaccessories available you should check regularly with:• equipment suppliers;• your trade association;• other industry contacts;• trade journals.3.3.3 Purchasing policyMake sure your purchasing department has a policy onpurchasing suitable equipment, that takes into accountboth vibration emission, and your operating requirements.Power tool manufacturers (and importers, suppliers andtool hire fi rms) should be able to help you select the mostsuitable and safest tools for your particular needs. Theyshould provide useful information and advice about toolvibration, selection and management. They have dutiesto reduce risks from vibration to a minimum and to helpyou with information on managing vibration risks thatthey have been unable to eliminate by design.PART I Guide to good practice on Hand-Arm Vibration – CHAPTER 3 REMOVING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE3.3.2 Equipment selectionYou should make sure that equipment selected or allocatedfor tasks is suitable and can do the work effi ciently.Equipment which is unsuitable or of insuffi cient capacityis likely to take much longer to complete the task and exposeworkers to vibration for longer than is necessary.Anyone supplying power tools for use in Europemust comply with the Machinery Directive (Directive2006/42/EC repealing Directive 98/37/EC), whichrequires them to provide information on:• the vibration emission (as reported in the instructionhandbook);• the uncertainty of measurement.The supplier may also be able to offer technical supportor advice on:• any applications of the equipment that are believedto increase the risk of hand-arm vibration injury;• how to use the equipment safely and any trainingrequirements for this;• any training (to operators, maintenance staffetc.) recommended to control hand-arm vibrationexposures;• how to use the equipment for specifi c tasks;25