Engineering Utilities Offer Solutions To Vibration White Finger (Vwf)

With the introduction of new legislation about the control of vibration at work in July 2005, the onus is upon employers to carry out risk assessment and audit machinery accordingly.

Conservative estimates of around 3,000 new claims a year for Industry Disability Benefit and huge compensation claims levelled at industry, Vibration White Finger (VWF) the most common of Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) syndrome is an issue companies must take seriously.

Engineering Utilities, based in Leeds, has been providing specialist services to the stainless steel finishing industry for over 30 years. The company offers a range of solutions for industries facing tighter legislation in the battle against industrial injury and disability.

The recent implementation of revised Health & Safety legislation means that businesses have to be pro-active in their monitoring and assessment of vibration levels in the work place. Engineering Utilities is offering their customers a new advisory service that allows companies to do just that.

Engineering Utilities has invested in a Castle vibration meter, which measures vibration levels and allows them to inform and advise customers accurately about optimum solutions for grinding and polishing vibration problems.

The new advisory service includes accurate assessment of current machines, information on new machines and an onsite evaluation visit. The company also stocks the latest PFERD autobalance mop adaptors - for use in machines and hand pieces with a 12 mm collet and a maximum speed of 6000 rpm - the mop adaptors significantly reduce vibrations from traditional mops and wheels.

Further measures to reduce vibrations in the workplace can be found with the recent introduction of Plantex Hemp fibre backed discs. As well as reducing health and safety issues, the discs last longer, provide increased contact area and generate less heat and noise. Manufactured from natural raw materials and plant extracts adds an element of sustainability to the discs that helps to reduce the impact of production and use on the environment.

Other peripheral safety devices include a range of protective hand wear, from gel packed impact and vibration protective gloves to elbow supports for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

A spokesperson for Engineering Utilities urged companies to take seriously the new vibration legislation, as it could cost dearly, he said:

“The new Health & Safety directive makes it clear that businesses are obliged to take preventative measures to cut down vibrations in the work place. Engineering Utilities range of specialist products can help them to achieve this goal. Compensation claims are on the increase and the industry has to adhere to self-governance to stay in business. We are offering cost effective solutions to help our customers stay compliant and safeguard their staff.”

‘White Finger’ is caused by the intermittent lack of blood supply to the fingers and can be triggered by prolonged use of vibrating hand tools and machinery. Extreme cases can result in loss of grip, severe pain and numbness and even loss of fingers.

Industry experts predict there will be a massive increase in personal injury and industrial injury compensation claims in the next five years. With settlements ranging from the lower thousands to billions, prudent companies will honour their obligations to new health and safety legislation governing acceptable vibration levels in the workplace and Engineering Utilities will be only too happy to help.

For products, sales and services contact Engineering Utilities on 0113 255 8887.

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