GB2420623A

GB2420623A - Hand arm vibration measurement device for use with power tools

Info

Publication number: GB2420623A
Application number: GB0425853A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Damon Dean Harding-Dempster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2004-11-25
Filing date: 2004-11-25
Publication date: 2006-05-31
Also published as: GB0425853D0

Abstract

A device which monitors a user's vibration exposure is integrated in our mounted on a mechanical power tool (e.g. concrete breaker, rotary/hammer drill). When a recommended vibration exposure has been reached the device warns the user by repeatedly flashing and LED. The power to the tool may be cut off when the exposure limit is reached. Alternatively, in tools where cutting off the power would be a hazard, the power is reduced. A reset button may be provided to enable another user to use the tool.

Description

VIBRO ALERT - HAND AND ARM VIBRATION

SYNDROME DEFENCE SYSTEM.

Vibro Alert is a system integrated or mounted onto mechanical too!s used mainly in construction and industry to moriftor the exposure period of vibration to the operative.

The Vibro Alert system will be available with two types of alert to the operative.

On tools such as concrete breakers, the Vibro Alert system will detect the level of vibration (m/s2), an LED light will flash repeatedly and the machine will cut off when the recommended period has been reached.

The operative will then know that the vibration exposure limit for that type of tool has been reached and the tool can be operated again by pressing the user reset button of the Vibro Alert.

On tools where cut off is likely to be a hazard, these are tools such as rotary/hammer drills, the Vibro Alert system will flash a LED and then shortly after, will reduce the eve of power to the machine.

Again, the user reset button is to be used to reset the Vibro Alert system and the tool can be used again.

The user reset button shoud be pressed when an aternativa operative will continue to use the too!.

Aternativey the current operative can take a rest per?od befor t t when the recomn2endea time period has be en reached, FEATURES; - 1) Integrated vibration measuring device.

- 2) Integrated timing device.

- 3) internaj power cut off and reduction switch.

- 4) Surface mounted LED triggered by items 1&2.

- 5) User reset button.

PURPOSE AND AIM; To reduce the Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome to Construction and Industrial Personnel and to relief Managers of such personnel of their responsibility to monitor the operatives using mechanical equipment.

Also to define liability in the 8000 civil damages claims per year and to separate the tool manufacturers from legal pursuit by claimants wishing to seek compensation for HAVS.

HAVS - Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.

HAVS is a disease reportable under RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations) and is the most reported disease under the regulation.

One form of HAVS S v'WF (Vibration White Finger).

HAVS can also result in injuries such as; damaged nerves, bones, blood vessels and muscles to the arms and hands.

36,000 people already have advanced form of vibration white finger as estimated by HSE.

HAVS is caused by prolonged use of vibrating machinery and can be almost eliminated by control of exposure.

The Vibro Alert will alert the operative when the magnitude and exposure vibration dose has been reached.

Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive was put in force on 6th July 2002 and HSE issued a set guidance target on daily maximum exposure. A national Legislation to reduce exposure limits and assess exposure levels is expected before 2007.

It will be illegal to expose operatives to vibration above the limit set out in the regulation!

Claims

Vibro A1ei- Cia jins. -

HAYS OVERVIEW

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS is a condition that has the potential to affect any worker who uses powered hand-held or hand-guided tools as a major part of their job. Workers whose hands are regularly exposed to high vibration may suffer from several kinds of effects to the hands and arm, including impaired blood circulation and damage to the nerves and muscles. It is felt as a tingling or numbness in the fingers or where finger blanching occurs. There are other names for the condition: vibration white finger', dead finger' and Secondary Raynaud's Syndrome.

New legislation came into effect from 7th July 2005 regarding the control of vibration in the workplace, which requires employers to undertake health surveillance to detect, monitor and manage exposure to Hand Transmitted Vibration. Vibro Alert will play the complicated role of monitoring the use of vibrating equipment.

VIBROALERT

The main features of the Vibro Alert are; Vibration Measurement, Integrated Timer and User Reset.

The VibroAlert unit is designed specifically to prevent tool operatives in developing HAyS. The unit can be integrated or attached to vibrating equipment and when in use, will measure the amount of vibration whilst timing the use. When the exposure limit has been reached, the unit will isolate the power of the equipment in use to indicate to the operative that a rest period must be taken or another operative should use the equipment.

The unit is used as follows; Once the vibrating machine with the integrated Vibro Alert is powered on, it can be operated after the users reset button' is pressed.

Whilst the machine is in operation the Vibro Alert unit will constantly measure the level of vibration from the machine whilst monitoring the duration of usage.

When the exposure limit has been reached, the Vibro Alert unit will display an alarm and will cut the operation (or only show an alarm in rotating equipment where it's not safe to cut the machine o.

The Operative is now aware that the limit has been reached and knows that a rest period must be taken. By pressing the user reset button', the machine can continue to be used by another Operative.