Manufacturers' vibration data needs careful interpretation:
▼ Standardised laboratory tests provide data which helps identify equipment that might
have lower vibration levels in use at work. However, vibration levels at work can vary
widely and may be much higher than laboratory data quoted in instruction books.
▼ For some types of equipment, the range in manufacturers' laboratory data can be
wide (eg more than 10 m/s2). But if the range is narrow (eg within 1 m/s2) the
differences are unlikely to be meaningful when the equipment is used at work.
▼ Even equipment with vibration reported as `less than 2.5 m/s2' (based on laboratory
tests) may not be without risk and may have a vibration hazard warning because
levels at work can be much higher.
▼ Vibration controls may reduce the equipment's efficiency - if it is less efficient it may
have to be used for longer, wiping out any advantage.
To make best use of this data you should:
▼ check equipment manufacturers' literature for standardised laboratory test vibration
levels and warnings of vibration hazard;
▼ shortlist the equipment within 50% of the lowest levels for further consideration
(eg if the lowest level is 4 m/s2, the shortlist should include equipment with levels
between 4 and 6 m/s2). Such a shortlist will usually include the equipment with the
lowest vibration at work;
▼ seek information on vibration levels at work for your shortlisted equipment. Discuss
with potential suppliers the ways you will use the equipment and ask them for
vibration data for these types of use - it is best to compare vibration levels
measured during work similar to that you intend to do;
▼ check with your trade association to see if they know of any data that meets your
needs;
▼ check whether any vibration controls have reduced the equipment's efficiency;
▼ arrange for independent tests to be carried out, perhaps through your trade
association, if you are still in doubt about vibration performance.
7
Examples of how companies have applied purchasing policies to reduce risk are included
in HSG170 Vibration solutions. Further advice on the use of vibration data to determine risk
is in HSG88 Hand-arm vibration (see page 13).