Alliance tackles noise vibration and dust

Citation

(2003), "Alliance tackles noise vibration and dust", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 75 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2003.12775eaf.004

Alliance tackles noise vibration and dust

Alliance tackles noise vibration and dust

Keywords: Manufacturing, Noise, Vibration

Every industrial or manufacturing process that requires use of powered hand tools generates audible noise, airborne dust and physical vibration. Appreciation of consequential risks to employee health and safety presented by these phenomena have led to a gradual tightening of applicable workplace safety legislation.

Desoutter is one of the most respected UK manufacturers of electric and pneumatic industrial hand-held power tools and assembly systems, which incorporates the complete product ranges of Chicago Pneumatic and Georges Renault. Though its responsibilities are well defined under existing legislation, the company is also often the first point of contact for distributors and end-users seeking to achieve legislative compliance on hand tool applications.

The European Machinery Directive requires that manufacturers state the noise and vibration levels generated by hand held tools, and also requires that manufacturers supply safe tools. However, responsibility for safe operation of these tools rests with the employer, with claims for injury pursued through the courts costing the industry millions of pounds per annum.

Jess Lawrence, Application Specialist Manager at Desoutter comments "Issues such as tool design, operator technique, type of application type of abrasive and type of accessory can influence the overall compliance and performance greatly. While we can assist to a degree, some of the issues that arise are outside of our expertise. However, rather than walk away we aim to assist our customers in finding a satisfactory solution."

For some time, Desoutter has been developing strategic alliances with specialist companies whose expertise can be brought to bear to develop effective solutions. This external group numbers four organisations. Dust extraction and other COSHH issues are referred to Nederman UK; abrasive products are supplied by 3M; metal removal solutions involving rotary burrs and other abrasive products are provided by Garryson and noise and vibration training/consultancy services are available from Industrial Noise and Vibration Centre Ltd. The objective of this alliance is to assist Desoutter's customers to meet current health and safety regulations and to prepare for the upcoming changes to the existing regulations.

The recently published Noise Directive will tighten up existing voluntary and statutory levels for hearing protection in the UK and by July 2005 the new Vibration Directive will be in force, aimed at significantly reducing incidences of vibration white finger.

Dust

Airborne contaminants are covered by COSHH regulations, which are unlikely to alter for some time. The preferred solution here is extraction at source using Nederman high vacuum units, linked to Desoutter tools by custom-designed flexible shrouds.

Noise

Under the new regulations, the noise level at which mandatory hearing protection is required will be reduced from 90 to 85dBA. The HSE estimates that nearly 2/3 million additional workers will be required to wear hearing protection. In addition, a daily limit value of 87dBA will be applied. Companies will therefore have to revise their risk management policies to remain in compliance.

Vibration

The new hand-arm vibration regulations will not only reduce the Action Level substantially, but also introduce a new exposure limit value which must not be exceeded. Unfortunately, across the whole of industry, approximately 37 per cent of tools tested by INVC would cause this limit to be exceeded after only 2 h of use.

Jess Lawrence observed "The implications for industry are serious as the new directive will reduce the allowable working times by 60 per cent whereas noise can be tackled with suitable ear protection and dust can be extracted at source, there is no effective PPE for hand-arm vibration" (Figure 1).

A first step is to ensure that the tools are properly maintained and used with the correct ancillaries. Beyond that the choice of abrasives and accessories have a significant role to play and 3M and Garryson are working to develop consumables that minimise induced vibration. Similarly, the method of securing a component and operator technique also influences vibration and this is an area where both Desoutter and INVC can offer expert assistance. Effective risk management also requires training of operators and managers, Desoutter and the INVC have developed a complete range of training modules from toolbox talks to full competency.

Figure 1 Jess Lawrence observed "The implications for industry are serious as the new directive will reduce the allowable working times by 60 per cent whereas noise can be tackled with suitable ear protection and dust can be extracted at source, there is no effective PPE for hand-arm vibration

Mr Lawrence says "Clearly it would have been very difficult for Desoutter to develop in-house expertise to match that of our alliance partners in their respective fields. By going about it in this way we are able to offer a complete solution from leading suppliers who are equally committed to developing class leading technologies."

Details available from: Desoutter Ltd. Tel: +44 01442 344300; Fax: +44 01442 344604.