 Working to reduce HAVS
January 1st 2005
New legislation comes into force in July this year that will drastically reduce workers’ permitted exposure to vibration levels. It aims to cut the risk of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome.
Howmet, manufacturer of components for the industrial gas turbine and other advanced technology industries, has begun a programme to address the risks of vibration to its workforce. This includes the use of new grinding equipment from 3M.
The company identified HAVS as an important issue during a survey of ergonomics and working practices and has introduced a range of activities to reduce the risk.
Howmet has its own vibration monitoring equipment and carried out studies to estimate task duration tool contact times. The company stopped using some types of equipment altogether and other elderly equipment has been replaced with modern versions.
The company worked with 3M and other manufacturers to evaluate a number of vibration-minimising technologies, including antivibration gloves and polyurethane contact wheels to replace canvas models. It has also replaced grinding wheels in some applications with 3M’s abrasive belt system.
The new grinding system combines 3M Cubitron abrasive belts with a powerful Metabo fettling machine, reducing costs within Howmet’s post cast operations, improving productivity and minimising the potential hazard of incurring HAVS. More articles from 3M UK Plc: | 
