Hygiene Risks
3. Physical Pollutants
3.2. Exposure to mechanical vibrations
3.2.2. Regulations aimed at avoiding or reducing exposure
Bearing in mind technical advances and the availability of means for controlling the hazard at its source, the risks resulting from exposure to mechanical vibrations should be eliminated at their origin or reduced to the lowest level possible. To do so, the following means are to be employed:
- Other work methods that reduce the need to be exposed to mechanical vibrations.
- The choice of suitable work equipment, well designed from the ergonomic point of view and generating the least level of vibrations possible, bearing in mind the work which it is to be used for.
- Provision of auxiliary equipment that reduces injuries caused by vibrations, e.g. seats, dampers or other systems that effectively attenuate vibrations transmitted to the entire body and handles, grips or covers that reduce vibrations transmitted to the hand/arm system.
- Anti-vibration gloves.
- Suitable maintenance programmes for work equipment, for the workplace and for workstations.
- The conception and layout of the workplace and workstations.
- Suitable information and training for workers on the proper and safe handling of work equipment, so as to reduce exposure to mechanical vibrations to a minimum.
- Limiting the duration and intensity of exposure.
- Appropriate work scheduling.
3.2.3. Information and training for workers
Information regarding:
- Measures taken in the application of this Royal Decree to eliminate or reduce hazards derived from mechanical vibration to a minimum.
- The limit values of exposure and the exposure values that give rise to action being taken.
- The results of assessments and measurements of mechanical vibration carried out and the damage to health that the work equipment used could result in.
- The convenience and method of detecting and informing as to signs of damage to health.
- Safe work practices to reduce exposure to mechanical vibrations to a minimum.
