Balfour Beatty trials HAVmeter via Speedy

Balfour Beatty is trialling the HAVmeter, which Speedy has added to its range in a renewed focus on hand-arm vibration (HAV). The contractor is using the device on its M74 joint venture as part of its drive towards zero ill health issues for its workforce.

The meters magnetically attach to special colour-coded tags on each tool and mean each worker can be issued with a HAVmeter to directly record their vibration exposure throughout the shift. Every worker has a swipe card for meter allocation and the meter displays the initials of the allocated carrier.

The meter attaches to the RFID tag fitted to the tool which also communicates the tool's description and vibration level to the device, which then measures the 'trigger time' to calculate and display the vibration dose (100 being the action value and 400 the limit value) received by the operator. There is also a traffic light system on the meters and at the end of the shift when they are returned to a base station, the data is automatically downloaded allowing records of each worker's vibration exposure to be kept, as well as logging tool usage.

Balfour's health and safety manager Brian Hume said the meter 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."

Speedy said hand-arm vibration remains a key health and safety concern for employers and is offering the HAVmeter through its network of 400 depots. It also launched a tool selector guide covering vibration inducing products like floor saws, disc cutters, gas nailers and hand drills.