Speedy Hire introduces vibration meter for hand-held tools

Speedy Hire is offering its customers a hand arm vibration (HAV) monitoring device that can be attached to almost any hand-held tool and used to alert users and employers about levels of vibration.

The tiny HAVmeter, developed by UK company Reactec, attaches magnetically to tools and monitors and stores HAV levels. In addition to warning operators when they reach limit values, the meter will also store data, allowing employers to maintain records of workers' exposure to HAV.

Each operator carries his own HAVmeter which is swiped in and out at the beginning and end of a day's shift and he then attaches it to every tool that he uses that day.

Balfour Beatty is one of the first Speedy customers to try the system, and Brian Hume, health and safety manager for Balfour Beatty Regional Civil Engineering, said it was proving successful; "The HAVmeter is straightforward to use and requires minimal management. It allows a clear assessment of workforce exposure in line with legislation and HSE guidance, keeping accurate records of exposure times and advising the workforce of their exposure to HAV in HSE points.

"This is a major step forward in our drive for zero ill health issues for the workforce. We have already employed the HAVmeter on work we are undertaking on the Interlink M74 JV and are seeing some good results in terms of HAV management."

The introduction of the meter is the latest initiative in a three year campaign at Speedy to raise awareness of the risks of HAV.

Mark Turnbull, safety health environment and quality director at Speedy said: "HAV remains a key health and safety concern. We know that the risks can be reduced, or even eliminated, by controlling exposure levels - which is why we feel it is vital that the construction industry continues to champion this issue."