HSE calls for firms to test vibrations

The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is tendering for companies to undertake a series of real-life, on-site vibration measurements replicating typical work cycles of equipment likely to cause higher levels of vibration.
This action was prompted by the Construction Equipment Association's (CEA) response to the HSE's consultation document on whole body vibration that suggested the user contact the manufacturer for advice. "We can't have a user calling a plant manufacturer on the morning a job starts to ask how the vibration risk should be handled," said Tim Faithfull, the CEA's director of member services.
"It would mean manufacturers determining vibration figures for every machine, every speed, every type of ground, every work cycle, different operator weights - it is impossible," he said.
"There is no standard test for vibration and manufacturers'' data would be of little or no help in determining how long a machine can be safely used," Faithfull added.
He said by doing tests on actual sites, end users could then refer to the results of the closest representation of the work being undertaken to complete the risk assessment. The test results are not likely to be available this year.
Whole body vibration legislation is enforceable from August 2007, when users of new machines will be required to manage the risk. Users of older machines have until August 2010 before they need to manage the risk in the same way. Cadman contracts
Colchester-based Cadman Contracts has invested more than £3m in new and used equipment. The machinery includes five new JCB 13t and 22t excavators, three 30t Daewoo excavators and a new fleet of Terex 25t and 35t ADTs.

Wilson and Manitou
Charles Wilson Engineers has opened a new depot in Liverpool and purchased £1.5m of new machinery. The new fleet includes 20 Manitou telehandlers from Leach Lewis, including Buggiescopics, MLT523Ts, MT1335SLs and MT1740SLTs.

Hull Bulk and Volvo
Hull Bulk Handling has taken delivery of four Volvo L150E wheel loaders for its coal handling operation at Kingston Terminal, Hull. The 23t machines will be used for stockpiling coal destined for power stations in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire.

AFI and Iveco
Powered access specialist AFI Aerial Platforms has invested £250,000 in three new Iveco Stralis tractor units and trailers. The additional 44t vehicles bring AFI's fleet up to 12 units.

Weir and Seddon
Weir Waste Services of Birmingham has taken delivery of a Seddon Atkinson Strato 6x4 tractor unit from local dealer Sherwood Commercials. The new unit joins a fleet of 25 vehicles.