The Merchant Shipping and Fishing Vessels (Control of Vibration at Work) Regulations 2007

Elimination or control of exposure to vibration in the workplace U.K.

7.—(1) The employer shall ensure that the risks arising from exposure to mechanical vibration which are identified by the risk assessment are either—

(a) eliminated at their source; or

(b) reduced to a level which is as low as is reasonably practicable,

having regard to the principles in regulation 5 of the General Duties Regulations.

(2) Where it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate risk at source pursuant to paragraph (1) and an exposure action value is likely to be exceeded, the employer shall reduce exposure to as low as is reasonably practicable under paragraph (1) by establishing and implementing a programme of organisational and technical measures appropriate to the activity, which may in particular include—

(a) implementing alternative working methods that require less exposure to vibration;

(b) use of appropriate work equipment of appropriate ergonomic design which, taking account of the work to be done, produces the least possible vibration;

(c) providing equipment which reduces the risk of injuries caused by vibration;

(d) implementing appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems;

(e) altering the design and layout of workplaces and work stations;

(f) providing adequate information and training to workers to ensure that work equipment is used correctly and safely in order to reduce exposure to mechanical vibration to as low as is reasonably practicable.

(g) imposing limits on the duration and intensity of exposure to mechanical vibration;

(h) altering work schedules and rest periods;

(i) providing clothing to protect exposed workers from cold and damp; and

(j) providing personal protective equipment against hand-arm vibration.

(3) The employer shall take into account the results of any health surveillance required by regulation 9 in applying the organisational and technical measures required by this regulation.

(4) Subject to regulation 12, the employer shall ensure that workers are not exposed to mechanical vibration exceeding the daily exposure limit value specified in regulation 5(1)(a) or 5(2)(a).

(5) Subject to regulation 12, following implementation of the organisational and technical measures taken in accordance with paragraph (2) the employer shall assess the effectiveness of such measures and if the daily exposure limit value is exceeded shall—

(a) identify the reasons why the limit has been exceeded;

(b) take such action as is necessary to reduce exposure to vibration below the exposure limit value; and

(c) amend the measures taken in accordance with paragraph (2) to ensure that the limit is not exceeded again.

(6) Except in an emergency, vibration in accommodation and rest spaces shall be reduced to a level compatible with their purpose and use.

(7) The employer shall adapt measures which are taken in accordance with this regulation to workers who are particularly sensitive to vibration.

(8) Paragraphs (4) and (5) shall not apply until 6 July 2010 where work equipment is used which—

(a) was first provided to workers prior to 6 July 2007; and

(b) despite the latest technical advances and organisational measures does not permit compliance with the exposure limit values;

but in such case, the employer shall take such measures provided for in these Regulations so as to limit the exposure to mechanical vibration so far as reasonably practicable.