Non binding guide to good practice for implementing Directive

CHAPTER 3 AVOIDING OR REDUCING EXPOSURETo control exposure we must have a strategy that can effectively deliver reducedexposures to whole-body vibration.In this chapter welook at the process of developing a control strategy, including howto prioritise your control activities.3.1 DEVELOPING A CONTROL STRATEGYA risk assessment should enable methods for controllingexposure to be identifi ed. While you are assessing thevibration exposures, you should be thinking about thework processes that cause them. Understanding whyworkers are exposed to high vibrations and ergonomicrisks will help identify methods for reducing or eliminatingthe risks.The important stages in this management process are:You may also need to adapt your controls for workerswho are at particular risk of injury, e.g. those workerswho are more susceptible to vibration injury and showsigns of developing injury at exposures below theexposure action value.The Framework Directive provides the followinghierarchy for implementing a programme ofpreventative measures:PART II Guide to good practice on Whole-Body Vibration – CHAPTER 3 AVOIDING OR REDUCING EXPOSURE• identifying the main sources of vibration;• identifying the main sources of shock vibration;• ranking them in terms of their contribution to theexposure;• identifying and evaluating potential solutions interms of practicability and cost;• establishing targets which can be realisticallyachieved;• allocating priorities and establishing an ‘actionprogramme’;• defi ning management responsibilities and allocatingadequate resources;• implementing the programme;• monitoring progress;• evaluating the programme.The approach you take to reduce risks from wholebodyvibration will depend on the practical aspects ofyour particular processes and on the current levels ofexposure.(a) avoiding risks;(b) evaluating the risks which cannot be avoided;(c) combating the risks at source;(d) adapting the work to the individual, especiallyas regards the design of work places, thechoice of work equipment and the choice ofworking and production methods, with a view,in particular, to alleviating monotonous workand work at a predetermined work-rate and toreducing their effect on health;(e) adapting to technical progress;(f) replacing the dangerous by the non-dangerousor the less dangerous;(g) developing a coherent overall prevention policywhich covers technology, organization of work,working conditions, social relationships andthe infl uence of factors related to the workingenvironment;(h) giving collective protective measures priorityover individual protective measures;(i) giving appropriate instructions to the workers.75