ELEMENT 6B: Noise and Vibration

6.1 Noise – Basic Concepts

6.2 Effects of Noise on Individuals

6.3 Measurement and Assessment of noise exposure

1. Audiometry can be used to assess a worker’s hearing.
a. Explain what is meant by the term ‘threshold shift’. (2)
b. The figure below shows an audiogram for an adult worker.

i. Give the name of the hearing condition indicated in this audiogram. (1)
ii. Describe the physical changes in the inner ear for an adult worker with this audiogram result. (2)
iii. Outline the resultant effect on hearing for an adult worker with this audiogram result. (1)
iv. Outline reasons why audiometry testing may not produce an accurate representation of the effects
of workplace noise exposure on a worker’s hearing. (4)

a. Temporary Threshold Shift (TTS) - Exposure to a high noise level; hearing acuity returns with time. (Caused by
fatigue of the hair cells in the cochlea.) A dip in hearing acuity occurs at 4,000 Hz.
Permanent Threshold Shift (PTS)- A non-reversible condition; usually follows from continual TTS exposure.
Threshold shift – On exposure to very loud noises, ear sensitivity decreases suddenly as a protective measure
and only sounds louder than a certain level is heard.
b.
i. Noise induced hearing loss
ii. Noise induced hearing loss from continuous, long-term exposure is more likely to be contained within
the cochlea, where there will be structural damage to the outer hair cells. The more severe the hearing
loss, the more likely the damage extends to the inner hair cells and supporting cells.
iii. A worker with noise-induced hearing loss would not hear consonants clearly and would only hear vowels
iv. Reasons why audiometry testing may not produce an accurate representation of the effects of
workplace noise exposure on a worker’s hearing are:

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i. Testing near to the workplace would give rise to background noise; was therefore unsuitable for
testing.
ii. An incompetent operator or one that made mistakes.
iii. The worker being tired or not concentrating would all lead to audiometry testing not producing
accurate results.
iv. Effects of non-occupational noise exposure like loud music and use of headphones
v. Individual susceptibilities

2. Identify the different types of equipment that can be used in the measurement of noise in the workplace
and comment on their respective features and roles in assessing worker exposure to noise. (12)
1. Basic sound level meter – for spot checks. A simple sound level meter which would be capable of measuring
sound pressure level on the A- weighting and C-weighting matrices. With analogue or digital readout. Useful for
carrying out spot checks and initial surveys to spot problems, but not very useful for detailed surveys.
2. Integrating sound level meter – for integrating exposure to noise over the exposure period; A-weighting mode;
equivalent daily noise exposure calculated from these measurements (and duration of exposure); peak action
level; used to make noise measurements for purposes of noise regulations (must be at least Class 2 or Type 2).
3. Octave band integrating sound level meter (or ISLM with an octave band attachment) – important for analysis of
sound for choosing ear protection and designing noise abatement controls. This type of meter can give the noise
contributions at various frequency bands across the human hearing spectrum.
4. Dosimeters – personal noise exposure over working day; worn by worker, often data downloaded wirelessly.
This meter is usually small and portable and may not have any form of read-out for the wearer to look at. Useful
for assessing the exposure in workrooms where workers move around a lot, or fluctuating noise levels make
ISLM use difficult.
5. All must be calibrated and therefore a calibrator is essential.

3. Review the benefits and limitations of audiometry as part of a hearing conservation programme. (8)
The benefits of audiometry (Measuring sensitivity of hearing are:

i. Pre-employment baseline testing for new or prospective employees.

ii. Identification of early signs of noise induced hearing loss so as to be able to remove affected workers from high
noise areas.
iii. Monitoring the effectiveness of any hearing conservation programme on the basis that if the programme is
working, then audiometry will show no significant NIHL (noise-induced hearing loss) cases.

The limitations of audiometry are:

i. Making sure operators are not exposed to high noise levels prior to test (causes Temporary Threshold Shift
which skews the results).
ii. It is an inherently reactive technique – the damage has already been done.
iii. The results of audiometry may be used to support claims of noise induced hearing loss.

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6.4 Controlling noise and noise exposure

4. A small printing company operates a number of printing machines which are located in an open-plan
workshop. Following a noise survey, the company discovers that their workers are being exposed to high
average daily noise levels. The noise levels exceed regulatory exposure limits.
a. Describe the acute and chronic physiological effects of exposure to high noise levels on the individual.
Marks:4
b. Explain what steps the company should take to protect workers. Marks:16
In your answer clearly explain the range of technical and organisational control measures that could be
introduced.

a. The effects by high exposure noise levels include:

i. Tinnitus,
ii. A ringing sound in the ears that may be chronic or acute;
iii. Threshold shift which can again be temporary or permanent; and
iv. Noise induced hearing loss where those affected suffer a loss of sensitivity to sounds in the speech
range.
b. The steps to be taken to protect workers include

The technical controls by

i. replacing older/noisier equipment with machines that emitted lower levels of noise;
ii. Isolating the noisier machines in a separate area of the workshop and building a noise enclosure of
suitable noise attenuating material around them;
iii. Conducting proper preventive maintenance and replacing worn out parts promptly like bearings which
can increase the noise level;
iv. Mounting the noisy equipment on rubber strips or dampers;
v. Lining the walls and floor of the workshop with acoustically absorbing material and applying damping to
metal panels on machines;
vi. Creating barriers or screens between employees and noisey machinery placed closer to either the
employees or the machinery with dense sound absorbing material;
vii. Creating a noise haven for the employees.
viii.

If, even after taking the above measures, the provision of hearing protection was found to be necessary, it should be
chosen based on an octave band analysis measurement of the noise emitted in order to provide the best overall
reduction in exposure and considering the applicability and feasibility of electrical noise cancellation devices

Organizational controls include:

i. Reducing exposure times by job rotation;

ii. Designating hearing protection zones;
iii. Providing training to employees on the risks associated with exposure to noise and on the fitting and
maintenance of hearing protection;
iv. Conducting noise exposure assessment to quantify the risk and continuously monitoring the scenario to
ensure adequate protection
v. Identifying vulnerable group or those already affected and carrying on periodic health surveillance
including audiometry to ensure safe working

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vi. Using hearing protectors, once issued, were used and introducing ample supervision and disciplinary
procedures to deal with those employees who did not wear them
vii. Procedures in place for ensuring maintenance and inspection of the fitting and adequate performance
of hearing protection devices
viii.

5. A newspaper printing company that employs 80 workers operates several printing presses in a large open-
plan area. Noise is considered to be a problem.
a. Identify the information that should be obtained before carrying out a noise survey in the open-plan area.
(6)
b. Explain how the noise survey should be carried out AND the type of equipment that could be used to
assess workers’ exposure to noise. (14)

a. The information needs to be obtained include:

i. Before undertaking a survey of the print shop, a visit to the work area would be advisable in order to
determine if there is a noise problem; if you cannot hear normal speech at a distance of two metres,
then there is.
ii. Persons who are at risk and, in particular, any individual susceptibility to noise (for example pre-existing
noise induced hearing loss).
iii. The duration of worker exposure to the noise would be another factor; this might be determined by
work patterns and shift patterns and might mean that certain groups of workers were not at risk whilst
others might be.
iv. The site layout and the location of the machines;
v. The identification of noisy machines, processes, operation times, and Manufacturer’s data of all noisy
machines;
vi. The number and location of machine operators;
vii. A review of previous surveys;
viii. An assessment of existing controls; Legal requirements and legal limits;
ix. A review of existing audiometry records, any previous complaints and a review of maintenance records
to identify problem machinery.
b. A suitable framework could be based upon a basic survey, followed by a more detailed survey.
i. Discussion of measurement equipment, frequency analysis and personal noise exposure monitoring
would also be of relevance.
ii. Before the survey is started, there should be consultation with the workforce, a competent assessor
should be appointed,
iii. The equipment to be used should be calibrated before and after measurements have been taken, and
results used to plot a noise map on a plan of the printing area.
iv. A basic survey would involve the use of a simple sound level meter for spot checks as well as integrating
sound level meters.
v. Measurement of noise levels at planned points around the factory would enable identification of areas
where noise exposure is at or above action levels and a record should be made of what machinery was
operational at the time the readings were made.
vi. The detailed survey would involve the use of integrating sound level meters;
i. A selection of appropriate sample times over which to measure Leq;
ii. The measurement of noise levels at operator positions averaged over typical time periods and
the use of a calculation method or a sonogram to determine exposure.

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iii. The survey should include the measurement of peak noise levels and results would be plotted
on a noise map.
vii. The frequency analysis is useful for deciding on noise control measures such as the provision of
enclosures for example and the selection of hearing protection and should have formed part of the
survey.
viii. Representative personal noise exposures should be measured for a sample of operators and peripatetic
workers, using dosimeters or microphones close to the ear.
ix. These noise measurements, combined with exposure duration, enable daily (or weekly) equivalent
personal exposure to be estimated for these workers.

6. A machine operator works at a number of different machines during each 8-hour working day.
a.
i. Describe how static measurements of sound pressure level can be made while the operator
is operating the machines. (4)
ii. Explain how to determine the daily personal noise exposure (LEP,d) for the operator from
the static measurements of these sound pressure levels. (3)
b. The result of a personal dosimetry measurement of noise exposure for this operator on a similar working
day provides an LEP,d that is 4 dB(A) greater than that determined in part (a). Other than equipment
errors, outline possible reasons for the difference. (3)
c. Outline the possible technical control measures that could be introduced to help reduce the workers’
exposure to the noise. (10)

a.
i. Static measurement of sound pressure level can be made using a Sound Level Meter which captures the
sound in the specific point of location at that specific time, converts it into electrical signal , amplifies
and controls the range, filters the frequency for A-weighted or C-weighted resultant signal and
quantifies it in decibel for logging. A class 2 SLM will suffice for general field measurements and can be
located on the machine at a point closest to the location of the operator to capture a representative
measurement of static sound pressure level LA eq.
ii. LA eq. or the sound level at the particular instant has to be converted to an average for 8 hr (usually).
This is done by taking LAeq at different positions that the operator works and noting down the time
spent at each location, which is later compiled either using the formula available on technical support
websites or spreadsheets available for computation or the ready reckoner by HSE, which allots points
for exposure to a specific Db (A) over a specific time ( rounded off) which can be added for different logs
and the sum converted to a representative DB(A) which is Leq,d or daily Exposure Limit. Direct addition
of exposure is not correct as the measurement is in Decibel which is logarithmic and hence not linear.
b. Possible reasons for the difference includes:
i. Variation in sound output from difference machines for different material and due to change in load,
speed etc.
ii. Impact of other sound outputs in the workplace and their variation
iii. Relative change in the position of the operator, if the SLM is not fixed on the operator.
iv. Variation in the time spent at each machinery by the operator
v. Inadequacy of sampling which is not comprehensive and doesn’t represent the complete work
vi. Simplifications while using ready reckoner etc.
c. Technical controls for reducing noise exposure for the operator includes:
i. Replacing old, noisier equipment with quieter alternatives

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ii. Regular and timely preventive maintenance and replacement of worn out parts, applying proper
lubricants when needed
iii. Isolation and segregation of noisier equipment
iv. Lining the walls of the room with acoustic absorbing material
v. Use of acoustic screens, barriers, enclosures and
vi. Designated noise protected spots and acoustic haven for operators
vii. Use of damping metal sheets and rubber mounts to reduce noise
viii. After all the technical controls, any residual noise exposure can be managed with hearing protection
equipment including ear-muffs or ear plugs and devices with noise cancellation technology applied with
the work and level of communication required kept in mind

7. A noise assessment carried out at a manufacturing plant has revealed that personnel working in the
vicinity of machinery are exposed to noise levels in excess of acceptable limits. It has been decided to
investigate engineering methods of reducing noise exposures.
a.
i. Explain the purpose of an acoustic enclosure AND an acoustic haven (acoustic refuge). (2)
ii. Explain the design features of an acoustic enclosure. (12)
b. Hearing protection may also be required to further reduce exposure to the noise. Outline factors that
should be considered when selecting the hearing protection. (6)

a.
i. Acoustic enclosure is the covering of noise producing machinery or equipment with acoustic absorbing
material so as to not let the sound waves reach outside and cause hearing problems for operators.
Similarly, when covering the machinery is not practical, the operators are given a space with is
acoustically proofed so that the noise of the outside can not come in and cause hearing problems for
them. This is acoustic haven and it is equipped with the controls that will be needed to operate the
machine inside it.
ii. An acoustic enclosure encloses a noisy item of equipment, and employs a combination of insulation,
absorption, damping and isolation to reduce noise levels outside of the enclosure. The basic features of
an acoustic enclosure include:
1. The basic insulating shell should be composed of heavy insulating material with an inner
absorptive lining to minimise reverberant sound. Commonly galvanised sheet steel possibly
lined with plasterboard is used for the outer layer, with mineral wool held in place by the inner
layer of perforated galvanised steel or expamet (expanded metal mesh) etc.
2. Materials suitable for the environment in which they are to be placed.
3. The enclosure should be as ‘airtight’ as possible, i.e. doors and panels should be sealed with no
gaps or cracks through which noise could pass.
4. Openings for services and entry / egress of materials should be acoustically treated such as by
means of an acoustic tunnel or baffle.
5. Windows should be double-glazed with large gaps and unequal thickness panes.
6. Generally acoustic enclosures also provide very good thermal insulation and the heat build-up
can be very significant. Therefore, ventilation is likely to be required and should be provided via
acoustically treated ducting.
7. Noise at source should be reduced wherever possible, e.g. close shielding of noisy components
of machines inside the enclosure.
8. Isolation of the machine itself and service connections may be needed to control vibration.

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9. Other practical requirements include adequate lighting, reasonable access points for
maintenance, as well as adequate space for operation.

8. A fire alarm engineer visits many customers’ premises during the working day in order to check that fire
alarm sounders are operating at the correct sound level. The engineer does not wear hearing protection.
a. Explain how the engineer may be at risk of hearing damage. (3)
b. Explain how the engineer’s personal noise exposure should be determined. (7)

a. The engineer would experience frequent but brief exposure to very loud noise that, over the course of time,
could exceed legal limits and lead to hearing damage like noise induced hearing loss or permanent threshold
shift etc. Even though the duration of exposure is not very much, the large intensity or loudness of the noise
along with the high frequency makes it damaging for the auditory system.
b. The engineer’s personal noise exposure shall be determined using the following steps:
i. a personal sound level meter/dosimeter would be used, given the fact that the engineer is highly
mobile and the noise levels are likely to be highly variable from day to day.
i. equipment calibration to be conducted regularly and at a certified calibration service provider
at least every 2 years.
ii. fitting the dosimeter microphone close to the worker's ear to capture variations due to
individual factors like posture and movement and to avoid interference of measuring device in
the work of the engineer.
ii. keeping of a daily work log (sources of exposure),
iii. the dosimeter indicates LAeq (and ideally should have a data logging function)
iv. and conversion of the result to LEP,d. and considering the cumulative effect of noise over an extended
period along with the daily exposure limit.

9. A night club hires musicians and DJs to play live and pre-recorded amplified music daily, from a stage. In
the same room is a bar where workers are employed serving drinks. Following personal noise exposure
monitoring, a high risk of excessive noise exposure was identified for all workers in the bar area. Suitable
hearing protection has been provided to all the bar workers. Other than the provision of hearing
protection, outline control measures that could help reduce the risks to the bar workers’ hearing. (20)
Control measure includes:

Engineering controls:

i. Acoustic proofing of the room in walls ceilings and floors

ii. Low noise acoustically safe area for resting and for breaks
iii. Use directional loudspeakers located to spread sound uniformly and to avoid hot spot formation
iv. Isolate the loudspeakers by placing them on mounting to reduce vibration
v. Location of loudspeakers to be adjusted such that the sound is directed towards the dance floor and not
towards the staff in the bar

Administrative controls:

i. Careful calculation of the shift timing and duration to ensure that the noise exposure is not beyond the
legally mandated level.
ii. Signages to remind the use of hearing protection equipment
iii. Frequent breaks to be given

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iv. Consultation with employees to identify practical problems with noise exposure and effectiveness of
control measures
v. Information and training for the staff on the health risks, the control measures in place.

6.5 Vibration - Basic physical concepts

6.6 Effects of Vibration on Individuals

6.7 Measuring and Assessing Vibration Exposure

6.8 Overview of HAVS and WBVS including Risk Factors and Controls
10. Workers driving vehicles on a large construction site have reported back pain caused by exposure to whole
body vibration (WBV).
a. Outline control measures that could minimise the workers’ exposure to WBV. (7)
b. Outline other possible work-related causes of the back pain being experienced by these workers. (3)

a. Control measures include:

i. Selecting a vehicle with the size, power, and capacity best suited for the terrain and task
ii. Ensuring that an individual’s exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) is kept below the recommended
threshold by considering the vibration energy and duration of exposure
iii. Organising traffic routes used by vehicles to avoid rough and uneven surfaces wherever possible
iv. Maintaining both the site roadways and the vehicles’ suspension
v. Fitting suspension seats with vibration damping characteristics and adjusting these to suit the weight of
individual drivers to avoid “bottoming out”
vi. Organising work patterns including job rotation to ensure that drivers have breaks away from the vehicle
and
vii. Advising them on how to minimise exposure to whole body vibration by avoiding jolts and shocks.
b. The other possible work-related causes for the back pain include:
i. Poor posture and inadequate lower back support intensified by the physical strain of driving heavy
vehicle
ii. Sitting for long periods of time, without breaks causing static stresses in back causing extensive muscular
damage
iii. The poor layout of controls requiring the driver to stretch and twist to reach a particular control or to
obtain good vision
iv. No method provided for adjusting the seat which could make hand and foot controls difficult to operate
v. The repeated climbing into and jumping down from a high cab and carrying out other construction
related activities such as the manual handling of heavy loads.

11. The use of hand-held power tools results in workers being exposed to hand-arm vibration (HAV). Outline
what should be considered when conducting a risk assessment for exposure to HAV. (10)
Factors to be considered when conducting a risk assessment for exposure to HAV includes:

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i. Actual task with exposure to vibration,

ii. The magnitude of that exposure, exposure to intermittent vibration or repeated shock
iii. The direction of the vibration put into the hand,
iv. The frequency range of the vibration,
v. The duration of exposure (i.e. The length of time that an individual worker actually spends with their hands on
the handles of the vibrating equipment with the equipment working),
vi. Any information provided by manufacturers of power tools,
vii. The need to use force to grip tools,
viii. Any exposure to cold and wet conditions,
ix. Any pre- existing circulatory problems (perhaps caused by previous exposures to vibration, or as a result of other
conditions such as reynaud’s phenomenon)
x. Vibration dose in comparison with exposure action values and limit values, information from published sources

12. A worker is using a hand-held jackhammer to break up a large area of concrete. Jackhammers produce
high levels of noise and vibration.
a. Outline the possible ill-health effects to the worker from the prolonged use of jackhammers to break
concrete. (5)
b. Outline actions that the worker can take to help reduce the risks from their exposure to the noise and
vibration of this work activity. (7)
c. Review the similarities and differences between hand-arm vibration exposure assessment and noise
exposure assessment. (8)

a.

i. Noise Induced Hearing Loss - People may have a loss of perception of a narrow range of frequencies or
impaired perception of sound including sensitivity to sound or ringing in the ears.
ii. Temporary or Permanent Threshold Shift – Due to continuous exposure to loud noise, cumulative gradual
damage occurs to inner ear, cochlea and hair cells resulting in shift in the auditory threshold, which causes
only louder sounds being perceived
iii. Raynaud’s Disease – narrowing of blood vessels when under stressed causing pain in extremities and finger-
tips. Similar to Vibration White Finger
iv. Circulatory Problems
v. Nerve disorders
vi. Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

b. Actions that workers can take to help reduce the risks from their exposure to the noise and vibration of this work
activity includes:

a. Choose the right tool for the work according to the work done and the capacity required and the ones
with mufflers attached, when available, to reduce noise
b. Inspect the tool for defects or damages while collecting or using and reporting in case of any
c. Seeking information on updated working procedure and health and safety aspects to be considered and
followed meticulously e.g.,
a. Using a power grip to hold,
b. selecting the correct cutting tool for the job and keeping it sharp
c. keeping the handles in the horizontal position for lowest vibration
d. letting the weight of the tool do the work
e. not gripping the tool too tightly

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f. moving the cutting tool every 8-10 seconds (since the amount of concrete broken is about the
same after 10 seconds as after one minute)
g. stopping the tool when lifting it to change position, because the vibration is high when pulling
up on the handles
h. when cutting concrete, taking small 'bites' to prevent the cutting tool jamming
i. removing concrete in shallow layers.

d. Use PPE like vibration protecting gloves and ear protection according to the procedure
e. Taking short intermittent breaks between the work
f. Reporting in case of any discomfort and health issue promptly to the authorities

c. Similarities between Hand Arm Vibration exposure assessment and noise exposure assessment includes:

i. Both assessments can include use of personal dosimeters to measure daily vibration and noise exposure,
ii. Both assessments can take the help of available ready reckoners to simplify exposure calculation by
analyzing dose of exposure according to the magnitude and duration of exposure
iii. Both assessments should involve consideration of continuing low-level exposures over a period of time
iv. Effect of both exposures on the level of concentration, fatigue and comfort are to be considered for a
comprehensive assessment of both

Differences between Hand Arm Vibration exposure assessment and noise exposure assessment includes:

i. Hand Arm Vibration is measured as acceleration in m/s2 and noise is measured as sound pressure in decibels
ii. Hand Arm Vibration has to be measured near arms whereas noise should be measured near the ear lobes to get
reliable results
iii. Relation between magnitude of vibration and duration to reach action level is simply related whereas
magnitude of noise and duration to reach action level are logarithmically related.
iv. Hand Arm Vibration can be measured using an accelerometer whereas noise can be measured using a Sound
Level Meter of Personal Sound Exposure Meter

13.
a. Construction workers are at risk of developing hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
i. Outline factors that may increase this risk. (5)
ii. Outline the steps of a health surveillance programme for workers who are exposed to hand-
arm vibration. (5)
b. A construction worker has been off work for a period of time suffering from HAVS and the employer’s
occupational health department wants to find out if they are fit to return to work.
i. Outline the way in which symptom severity of HAVS is classified using the Stockholm scale.
(5)
ii. Outline options that the occupational health department can suggest to the employer if the
occupational health doctor decides that the worker cannot return to the work that exposes
them to vibration. (5)

a.
i. Factors that may increase the risk of HAVS includes:
i. Magnitude and duration of vibration
ii. Lack of maintenance and condition of the machine
iii. Cold working conditions
iv. Wrong technique, holding grip too tightly, misplacement

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v. Smoking - nicotine is a vasoconstrictor

ii. Tiered approach
i. Starts with questionnaire to identify those at risk or with early symptoms
ii. Assessment by occupational health nurses
iii. Formal diagnosis by occupational health physician involving assessment of grip strength,
neurological and vascular function
iv. If signs of Vibration White finger are found, scales like Griffin’s scale or Stockholm scale used to
quantify the stage of progression
b.
i. The staging is made separately for each hand. In the evaluation of the subject, the grade of the disorder
is indicated by the stages of both hands, and the number of affected fingers on each hand. Example:
2L(2) / 1R(1) indicates … stage 2 left hand, two fingers affected / stage 1 right hand, one finger affected.
Stockholm scale is used to classify neurological and vascular symptoms.
One disadvantage of the scales is the lack of precise definition for some of the terms used (‘frequent’,
for example).
In 2003 Lawson and McGeoch published a method of adapting the Stockholm Workshop classification
scheme to divide stage 2 into occasional or frequent attacks on the vascular scale, and intermittent or
persistent attacks on the sensori-neural scale.
ii. Options that can be suggested to the employer in the event of the worker coming out as not fit to
perform jobs involving vibration are:
i. Recommended return to work after ensuring the absence of vibration
ii. Suggestions to remove vibration in the existing work setup using replaced machinery or isolating
mountings
iii. Termination on medical grounds

14. A motorcycle courier is exposed to high levels of noise and vibration as he rides his motorcycle. The
vibration originates in the engine and wheels and is transmitted to the rider through the vehicle seat,
handlebars and foot pegs. The high noise level arises mainly from wind turbulence around the rider’s
crash helmet.
a. Outline the ill-health symptoms related to noise and vibration that the rider is likely to experience from
prolonged and repeated riding. (4)
b. Outline how you might assess:
i. the noise level experienced by the rider; (4)
ii. the level of vibration experienced by the rider. (4)
c. Outline the range of practical measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of ill-health effects to the
driver. (8)

a. The ill-health symptoms related to the noise include

i. Induced hearing loss,
ii. Permanent threshold shift,
iii. Permanent loss of hearing and tinnitus.

As for vibration, these would include

i. Tingling,
ii. Pins and needles,

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iii. Pain in the hands and wrists,

iv. Reduced dexterity and sensitivity in the hands,
v. Blanching of fingers and
vi. Backache caused by jarring.
b.
i. An assessment of the noise level experienced by the rider could be made by the use of a miniature
microphone or probe forming part of a calibrated instrument within the helmet and placed near to the
rider’s ear canal. This would enable measurements to be made which would need to be representative
taking account of the riding style, the roads and the exposure time. Octave band analysis would
indicate the frequency makeup of the noise. The initial noise measurements would be converted to an
equivalent ‘undisturbed field’ value (as if the rider’s head was not there) and the 8-hour A-weighted
equivalent calculated. A comparison might then be made with standards and exposure limits.
ii. As for the level of vibration experienced by the rider, this should be measured at the interface between
the body and vibrating surfaces such as the handle bar grips and seat, using an accelerometer which
measures acceleration in 3 orthogonal dimensions, with measurements being taken over different
riding conditions.
The level and duration of exposure would be recorded and compared with the exposure limits for
hand-arm vibration and those for whole body vibration.
c. The practical measures include :
i. Providing the rider with a helmet of more aerodynamic design modified to reduce turbulence and ear
plugs selected for their correct attenuation characteristics;
ii. Fitting a wind shield and mounting foot pegs on vibration damped mountings, and
iii. Checking the wheel balance and pressure of the tyres;
iv. Adjusting the suspension and replacing the seat with one with better damping properties;
v. Modifying or replacing the handle bars to reduce the transmission of vibration and replacing the handle
bar grips with others with better vibration damping;
vi. Using rubber mounts for the engine and checking the tightness of the mounting bolts;
vii. Making sure that the engine is properly maintained and tuned;
viii. Providing warm gloves and clothing for the rider to maintain circulation and reducing the duration of
his exposure by route planning and job rotation.
ix. Instructions to the rider (such as not to grip the handlebars too tightly) will also help reduce vibration
transmission due to efficiency of tendons in insulating vibrations while in relaxed position.

15. Bulldozer drivers at a large construction site have reported back pain which they believe is caused by
exposure to whole body vibration (WBV).
a. Outline a range of control measures that could be used to minimise the risk of the drivers experiencing
back pain caused by exposure to whole body vibration. Marks:7
b. Identify THREE other possible work-related causes of the back pain being experienced by the bulldozer
drivers. Marks:3

a. Control measures include

i. Selecting a vehicle with the size, power and capacity best suited for the terrain and task;
ii. Ensuring that an individual’s exposure to whole body vibration (WBV) is kept below the recommended
threshold; organising traffic routes used by vehicles to avoid rough and uneven surfaces wherever
possible and maintaining both the site roadways and the vehicles’ suspension;

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iii. Fitting suspension seats with vibration damping characteristics and adjusting these to suit the weight of
individual drivers to avoid “bottoming out”;
iv. Organising work patterns including job rotation to ensure that drivers have breaks away from the
vehicle and
v. Advising them on how to minimise exposure to whole body vibration by avoiding jolts and shocks.
b. The other possible work related causes for the back pain include
i. Poor posture;
ii. Sitting for long periods of time;
iii. The poor layout of controls requiring the driver to stretch and twist to reach a particular control or to
obtain good vision;
iv. No method provided for adjusting the seat which could make hand and foot controls difficult to
operate;
v. The repeated climbing into and jumping down from a high cab and carrying out other construction
related activities such as the manual handling of heavy loads.

16. Identify the risk factors associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). (4)
The risk factors associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome include:

i. Actual exposure to vibration,

ii. The magnitude of that exposure,
iii. The direction of the vibration put into the hand,
iv. The frequency range of the vibration,
v. The duration of exposure (i.e. The length of time that an individual worker actually spends with their hands on
the handles of the vibrating equipment with the equipment working),
vi. The need to use force to grip tools,
vii. Any exposure to cold and wet conditions,
viii. Any pre- existing circulatory problems (perhaps caused by previous exposures to vibration, or as a result of other
conditions such as reynaud’s phenomenon).

17. Outline a strategy for assessing the risk of HAVS amongst workers exposed to vibrating equipment. (6)
A strategy for assessing the risks of HAVS amongst workers exposed to vibrating equipment would require,

i. In the first instance, that all of the equipment held in the hand with significant vibration magnitude should be
identified.
ii. The workers at risk, i.e. the workers who actually use the identified hand-held vibrating equipment, must be
identified.
iii. These workers’ exposure to vibration must then be reliably estimated by assessing the magnitude of risk
(looking at tasks being performed, vibration frequency, duration of use, work methods, etc.).
iv. This estimation might make use of manufacturer’s data, but it may also require physical measurement of
vibration magnitude using accelerometers.
v. These estimated vibration doses must then be compared to exposure limits.
vi. For any employees identified to have an exposure at or above the relevant exposure limit health surveillance
may be necessary and exposure reduced below the limit.

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