Earlsmere are the UK's leading provider for vibration and noise management solutions to all industry sectors, with a range of innovative products and services designed to control, manage and reduce Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV), Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and Noise exposure. We offer a full on-site testing service. The testing service is carried out using methods detailed in ISO 5349 and can cover both Hand-Arm and Whole-Body vibration. Upon completion of the testing, a full and detailed report is provided. Earlsmere are proud to have a number of highly skilled and dedicated test engineers, which helps us to provide a professional and personalised service matched by no other.

What is it?
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a widespread recognised industrial disease affecting tens of thousands of workers. It is a disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints, of the hand wrist and arm. Its best known effect is vibration-induced white finger’ (VWF).

Effects
The effects of excessive exposure to Hand Arm Vibration can result in various patterns of diseases casually known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome, more commonly known as ‘Vibration White Finger’. This can affect nerves, joints, muscles, blood vessels or connective tissues of the hand and forearm.

Tingling ’whiteness’ or numbness in the fingers. (blood vessels and nerves)  This may not be noticeable at the end of a working day, and in mild cases may affect only the tips of the fingers. As the condition becomes more severe, the whole finger down to the knuckles may become white.  Feeling may also be lost.

Fingers Change colour (Blood vessels) With continued exposure the person may suffer periodic attacks in which the fingers change colour when exposed to the cold. Initially the fingers rapidly become pale and feeling is lost. This phase is followed by an intense red flush (sometimes preceded by a dusky bluish phase) signalling the return of blood circulation to the fingers and is usually accompanied by uncomfortable throbbing.

Loss of manual dexterity (Nerves & Muscles) In more severe forms; attacks may occur frequently in cold weather, not only at work, but during leisure activities, such as gardening, car washing or even watching outdoor sports; and may last up to an hour causing considerable pain and loss of manual dexterity and reduced grip strength.

Muscle Fatigue & reduced hand grip strength (Muscles).

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (Muscles and nerves) Carpal tunnel syndrome affects the nerves and muscles of the wrist and hand and can be due to conditional twisting of the wrist. It can be caused by Hand-Arm Vibration, although it can be brought on through other causes.

As the condition worsens, the attacks can occur even in warm surroundings and may affect the persons sleeping habits. Pain and stiffness in the hands and joints of the wrists, elbows and shoulder can occur.

Who is at risk?
Those who use powered hand held tools on a regular basis whether it be a chainsaw or power hammer or chisel. The associated risks remain the same. Any Vibrating tool or process, which causes tingling or numbness after 5 to 10 minutes of continuous use is suspect.

Individuals most at risk are those whose jobs require regular and frequent use of vibrating tools and equipment. Such jobs are found in a wide range of industries, including: 

• Road and railway construction and maintenance
• Concrete Products
• Construction
• Forestry/Gardening
• Foundries
• Light and Heavy Engineering
• Mining and Quarrying
• Metal Working
• Stone Masonry
• Wood Work
• Public Services
• Public Utilities

There are hundreds of tools which can expose operators to hand-arm vibration, and hence put them at risk of developing HAVS. Higher-risk processes include drilling, compacting, riveting, caulking, hammering, grinding and polishing, and cutting metal or stone.

Are you prepared?
With an increasing amount of legislation concerning human exposure to vibration many companies are faced with the challenge to determine which information is correct and up to date which can be somewhat confusing. To successfully protect your workforce from the effects of Hand Arm Vibration it is vital that you the employer has in place effective Hand Arm Vibration Management Systems Measure, Monitor and crucially prevent any risks associated with Hand Arm Vibration. As an employer you are legally obliged to provide training on health risks and the safe use of equipment to ensure that your workforce is fully aware of the problems associated with Hand Arm Vibrations

How we can help
We can carry out onsite testing and assessment of all your plant, tools and equipment. We can also implement a tailor made Hand Arm Vibration Management systems to suit your requirements which will also help you fully comply with all legislation.

Useful Fact
Current Legislation (directive 2002/44/EC) gives instructions relating to the level at which action must be taken (EAV – 2.5m/s²) and a max daily limit (ELV – 5m/s²).

It should be noted that any worker already identified as needing to work to lower levels will already have a programme in place.

What is it?
Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is caused from Vibrations passing through the body via machinery. Whole Body Vibration (WBV) is a widespread recognised industrial problem affecting many workers, in many industries, but particularly in construction, agriculture, forestry and transport, where vibration exposure from use of vehicles or plant in these industries is, is regular, prolonged and frequent. It is a disorder which can affect the lower back, spine and possibly the neck and shoulders. WBV has been associated with these disorders, but may not be the whole cause of such disorders, as the symptoms can be due to other causes associated with posture, and manual handling.

Effects
The most commonly reported injury relating to Whole Body Vibration is back pain. Exposure to Whole Body Vibration can cause a complex distribution of oscillatory motions and forces within the body, causing unpleasant sensations which can amount in discomfort and aggravation. The longer the exposure time the greater the chance you will suffer back injury.

Whole Body Vibration can be caused by
The movement of the wheels or tracks of a vehicle or mobile machine crossing an uneven or rough surface. If the driver experiences shocks or jolts, or is thrown around in the cab by such terrain, this will contribute significantly to the levels of WBV.
Using mobile machines to excavate holes or trenches in the ground.
Using mobile machines to load materials (e.g. sand) into Lorries.
The rotation of helicopter rotor blades causing high WBV levels to be
transmitted through the airframe into the seats.
Boats travelling fast across rough seas.
Railway vehicles (especially old rolling stock).
The operation of large static compaction, hammering or punching machines, such as hammer drills and mobile crushers.
Lower back pain may be caused by prolonged exposure to WBV from the above sources, but there can be other possible contributing factors, such as:

• Poor posture whilst driving or operating plant.
• Sitting for long periods without being able to change position.
• Poorly placed controls which require the driver/ operator to stretch or twist to operate them, or driving over rough ground whilst checking over the shoulder on the operation of attached equipment.
• Manual lifting and carrying of heavy objects, especially if this is combined with the effects of WBV from driving or operating vehicles or plant.
• Repeatedly climbing into or jumping out of high or difficult access vehicle cabs.

All above factors (including WBV) can separately cause back pain. The risk will be increased, however, where a person is exposed to two or more factors together.

Who is at risk?
Some Vehicles and plant are likely to cause or aggravate back problems and involve exposure to high levels of Whole Body Vibration are

• Forklift Trucks
• Off Road Vehicles
• Tractors and Farm Vehicles and Machinery
• Heavy Construction/Maintenance Vehicles and Plant
• Excavators, Loading Shovels, Road Rollers
• Quarrying Vehicles and Plant
• Helicopters
• Fast Boats
• Railway Vehicles
• Large Static Machines used in Compaction, Hammering or Punching.

This is list is by no means comprehensive and where people regularly work where vehicles and plant such as these for prolonged periods, there is likely to be a risk of exposure to high levels of Whole Body Vibration (WBV). It is safest to regard regular prolonged use of any high vibration vehicle or plant as suspect, particularly if such devices produce (or are subject to) frequent shocks and/or jolts.

To successfully protect your workforce from the effects of Whole Body Vibration it is vital that you the employer has in place effective Whole Body Vibration Management Systems.

The following actions are suggested to help reduce the risk of WBV injury: Inform: Drivers can control their exposure to WBV when they know the risks and the steps they can take to reduce their exposure.

How we can help
If your business uses plant, machinery or vehicles that give you any cause for concern, we are able to undertake a complete assessment and test of all your vehicles within actual working conditions. We can also supply a range of Rebound products designed and proven to effectively reduce Whole Body Vibrations associated with vehicles and sit in machinery.

Useful Fact
Current Legislation (directive 2002/44/EC) give instructions relating to the level at which action must be taken (0.5 m/s2) and a maximum limit (1.15 m/s2).
It should be noted that any worker already identified as needing to work to lower levels will already have a programme in place.

What is it?
Sounds and noises are a part of everyday life; however excessive exposure to high levels of noise can be somewhat a nuisance and lead to health problems. The new noise at work regulations were introduced 8th April 2006. They are aimed at protecting the hearing of employees and state exactly what s required from the employer/employee and machine suppliers. The potential danger can be controlled effectively if the noise levels area assessed and control measures put in place.

Effect
Exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage. Damage can involve loss of hearing ability and people may also suffer a permanent sensation of ringing in the ears known as ‘tinnitus’. Hearing loss caused by over exposure to noise at work continues to be a significant occupational disease. Research estimates that 170,000 people in the UK suffer deafness, tinnitus or other hearing and ear conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.

Factors that contribute to hearing damage include

• Noise levels (given in dB[a])
• How long people are exposed to the noise, Daily and over the years.

To successfully protect your workforce form the effects of noise in the workplace it is vital that you as the employer implement noise management systems.

How we can help
We can carry out Noise assessments within the workplace and upon doing so implement a noise management system to reduce and control your risk of noise within the workplace.

General Information
Employers have a legal duty to protect the hearing of their employees.
The employer is expected to have the noise assessed with daily personal exposure levels (LEP, d) quoted to determine if the action levels are being exceeded.  Damage to hearing is irrevocable; however exposure to loud noise at work is preventable.
If people have to shout to be heard clearly by someone approximately 2 metres away, you may have a noise problem and should have this investigated as a matter of urgency.

Guide to noise levels

• A normal conversation 50-60dB(A)
• A loud radio 65-75dB(A)
• A busy street 78-85dB(A)
• A heavy lorry about 7 metres away 95-100dB(A)
• A pig house at feeding time 110dB(A)
• A chainsaw 115-120db(A)
• A jet aircraft taking off 25 metres away 140dB(A)

Useful FactA European directive has been adopted which means that new UK noise regulations must be introduced by April 2006. For more info please follow the link to the HSE’s website http://www.hse.gov.uk/noise/index.htm

Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) Training

Health and safety law requires you the employer to protect all your employees from the risks of developing Hand Arm Vibration syndrome. In order to protect your employees you must educate and train them regarding the health risks of HAVs and you must also manage and control the risks with regards to the safe use and operation of the equipment they use. Earlsmere provide comprehensive training and awareness courses on the subjects of HAVs which are aimed at hands on operatives and management. Our Courses vary in content and can be modified to meet individual client requirements if you so wish.

Level 1 Training
Level 1 Training and awareness course for hands on operatives
Some of the topics covered are:

• What is HAVS
• Current legislation on HAVS
• What causes HAVS
• Recognize the symptoms of HAVS
• General HAVS advice
• What to do if you have HAVS
• How is Hand Arm Vibration Measured
• How to reduce the risk
• Question and answer paper

General course files and folders are issued along with certificates of attendance enabling you to record the training session on employee personnel files.
Contact us to enquire about course fees.

Level 2 Training
Level 2 Training / Awareness Course for supervisors and managers
Some of the topics covered are:

• Introduction to HAVS
• Symptoms and effects of HAVS
• Measurement and definitions of HAV
• HAV test procedure
• The daily/weekly levels
• Tool and equipment purchasing
• Vibration reduction recommendations (employer)
• Legal requirements and current legislation
• Managing Vibration exposure
• Question and answer paper

General course files and folders are issued along with certificates of attendance enabling you to record the training session on employee personnel files.
Contact us to enquire about course fees.

Whole Body Vibration (WBV) Training

Health and safety law requires you the employer to protect all your employees from the risks of developing Whole Body Vibration syndrome. In order to protect your employees you must educate and train them regarding the health risks of WBV and you must also manage and control the risks with regards to the safe use and operation of the equipment they use. Earlsmere provide comprehensive training and awareness courses on the subject of WBV which are aimed at hands on operatives and management. Our courses vary in content and can be modified to meet individual client requirements if you so wish.
Some of the topics covered are:

• What is WBVS
• Current legislation on WBVS
• What causes WBVS
• Recognize the symptoms of WBVS
• General WBVS advice
• What to do if you have WBVS
• How is Whole Body Vibration Measured
• How to reduce the risk
• Question and answer paper

General course files and folders are issued along with certificates of attendance enabling you to record the training session on employee personnel files.
Contact us to enquire about course fees.
Noise Training
Many people are exposed to harmful levels of noise at work. Unless properly protected they will suffer from noise induced hearing loss. You the employer has an obligation to ensure not only are your workforce fully protected from the effects of noise but that your workforce are fully trained and educated of the risks associated with over exposure to Noise. Earlsmere provide comprehensive training and awareness courses on the subject of noise which are aimed at both Hands on operatives and management. Our courses very in content and can be modified to meet individual client requirements if you so wish.

Some of the topics covered are:

• What is Noise
• Current legislation on Noise
• Recognize the symptoms of Noise induced hearing loss
• General Noise advice
• What to do if you think you be suffering from a noise related illness
• How is Noise Measured
• How to reduce the risk
• Question and answer paper

General course files and folders are issued along with certificates of attendance enabling you to record the training session on employee personnel files.
Contact us to enquire about course fees.

Tool Maintenance and CarePlant and equipment used in industry are by the very nature of the tasks they have to perform, subject to wear and tear. As such they require periodic maintenance to maintain optimum efficiency, or to correct any problems occurring in their operation. This maintenance is of prime importance in prolonging the life of these (usually expensive) tools and equipment and protecting those operating these tools from the hazardous effects of vibration, noise, dust ect A poorly maintained tool can significantly jeopardize the safety of the operator, and increase the likelihood of tool failure at an often critical time. Our courses very in content and can be modified to meet individual client requirements if you so wish.
Some of the topics covered are..

• What is tool maintenance
• Why is it so important
• How often should maintenance be carried out
• Maintenance procedures
• Vibration reduction measures
• Operator Safety
• Usage of correct consumables
• Daily tool check points
• Correct fuel mixtures and settings

General course files and folders are issued along with certificates of attendance enabling you to record the training session on employee personnel files.
Contact us to enquire about course fees.