Vibration toolbox talk

What it is

Vibration passed to the body from hand-held power tools, or through the seat and feet from mobile plant and vehicles. Regular exposure to hand-arm vibration can cause lasting damage to the blood vessels, nerves and joints of the hands and arms, and whole-body vibration can cause back pain and injury.

Controls to check, most effective first

1. Remove the vibrating task where possible, for example by mechanising it or using a different method.
2. Choose tools and plant designed for low vibration, and maintain them so vibration stays low.
3. Fit anti-vibration mounts, handles and suspension seats, and keep tools sharp and balanced.
4. Limit each worker's time on vibrating tools and plant by rotating tasks and scheduling breaks.
5. Train workers to recognise and report early symptoms such as tingling, numbness, whitening fingers and back pain.
6. Keep hands warm and dry, and arrange health monitoring for workers regularly exposed to vibration.

Where it comes up on the job

Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with vibration:

• Manual tasksManage fatigue, prolonged sitting and vibrationFrom Roller Operation
• DrivingAdjust the seat and controls, and manage fatigue and vibration when drivingFrom Manual Handling
• EnvironmentControl noise, vibration, chemicals and weed spreadFrom Hire Yard
• Handheld tool operation – powered & non-poweredChoose tools that reduce vibration, hand strain and overreachingFrom Manual Handling

Questions for the crew

1. Where could vibration come up on this job today?
2. The most effective control is: “Remove the vibrating task where possible, for example by mechanising it or using a different method”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
3. Which controls for vibration are missing or not working on this site?
4. When would you stop work because of vibration, and who would you tell?
5. How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?