Vibration level readings may be inaccurate

Manufacturers' vibration figures may underestimate the actual level of vibration by more than 50%, according to a study by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).

The lab undertook tests on six road breakers where the stated vibration was the highest of the three axes. When compared with triaxial readings taken by the HSL, the stated figures underestimated the actual vibration levels by up to 56%.

Also highlighted in the report was the lack of any measure of the tool's efficiency in the current system. It concluded that the figures currently stated by manufacturers can only identify machines that are likely to be high or low vibration when in use. It recommended the standards be updated to take account of vibration on all three axes and two hand positions.