Page 146 - IE.IE Limited - Makita Powertools Catalogue

Risks of Vibration Exposure
If steps are not taken to limit the amount of vibration a machine produces and the level of exposure an individual receives, then injuries such as Vibration White Finger (VWF) will occur through Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV). This can potentially leave employers open to real issues. In July 2005 the Physical Agents Directive became UN law. The law meant that all power tools had to have their vibration levels measured and that information to be made available to anyone.
This information helps towards educating the operator to understand how long they can safely operate a machine. With the Makita Vibration Calculator you can find out just how much of the standard daily allowance you are being exposed to for each tool you use. Built with HSE standards, simply enter the vibration value of the tool and how long you expect for trigger time, and the Makita Vibration Calculator will work out the rest.
The Makita Vibration Calculator can be found online at: www.makitauk.com/vibration_calculator.asp
Risks of Noise Exposure
Noise is part of everyday life, but loud noise can permanently damage your hearing. Conversations become difficult or impossible; your family complains about the television being too loud and you have trouble using the telephone.
Permanent tinnitus (ringing in the ears) can also occur. The damage can be instant from very loud or explosive noises, but generally it is gradual. By the time you notice, it is probably too late. Operating power tools, by their nature, creates noise.
Employers must assess the risk to workers’ health and provide them with information and training when daily or weekly average exposure reaches 80 decibels.
The level at which employers must provide hearing protection and hearing protection zones is now 85 decibels (daily or weekly average exposure).
The exposure limit value of 87 decibels, taking account of any reduction in exposure provided by hearing protection, represents the limit at which employees should not be exposed.
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