The use of a road drill (pneumatic breaker) can expose

workers to hand-arm vibration and whole body vibration.

a) Identify two health effects from exposure to HAV (2)

b) Identify two health effects from exposure to WBV (2)
c) Outline factors that should be considered when
carrying out RA for workers exposed to vibration when
using the road drill (8)
d) Outline control measures to be considered to reduce
risk for above (8)

(a) Hand arm vibration syndrome

a. Tingling
b. Numbness in fingers
c. Loss of strength
d. Fingers going white (VWF)
Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
a. Pain and swollen joints
(b) Back pain, increased heart rate, blood pressure,
chronic permanent spinal damage, damage of
central nervous system, hearing loss, circulatory and
digestive problems.
(c)
a. Processes exposure to vibration
b. Which jobs and tools produce a risk?

c. Refer to machine manual to verify whether any

warning of vibration risks mentioned
d. Who is likely to be effected
e. Estimate of employees exposure
f. Identify what you need to do to comply with
legislation
(d)
a. Alternative work method use of breaker
attachment on an excavating machine
b. Equipment selection lowest vibration
i. Large hole in brickwork use a diamond tipped
hole cutting drill bit with a rotatory action
rather than tungsten tipped hole bit which
requires rotatory and hammer action
c. Work station design
i. To minimize loads on employees hands use
jigs and suspension systems to reduce the
need to grip heavy tools tightly
ii. Heavy grinder suspended from a
counterbalance system to reduce the load on
operators arms and tightness on grip
d. Maintenance program
i. Sharpen chainsaw teeth regularly
e. Work schedules
i. Limit time
ii. Shorter period
iii. Employee rota
iv. Team work

v. Warm and dry

f. clothing