EU Whole Body Vibration - Legislation
Legal Requirements
Within the European Union (EU) legislation (known as the Physical Agents Directive) restricts exposure to Whole Body Vibration (WBV), Hand & Arm Vibration (HAV) and Noise. HSC expose their occupants to high levels of WBV (characterised by high levels of Repeated Shocks (RS)) and Noise and therefore employers and operators need to comply both with the legislation and demonstrate their duty-of-care.
In the UK, the application of the legislation to the marine industry is overseen by the Maritime & Coast Guard Agency, and advice is given in Marine Guidance Note 353
A description of the legislation and how it effects HSC operations and employers can be downloaded using this link
In addition to the Health Surveillance issues addressed by the H-SURV™ System, STR can provide comprehensive advice and solutions for compliance with the EU legislation, examples of these include:
- Risk Assessment.
- Develop an action plan to reduce Shock and Vibration exposure.
- Employee education and training.
- Reduce Shock and Vibration exposure.
- Operational solutions.
- Equipment solutions.
- Exposure re-assessment following reduction measures.
- If required, apply for a vibration exposure limit exemption application.
- Employee health surveillance.
- On-going updates to Risk Assessments and exemption applications.