CSCS Ireland Noise and Vibration 2 ā Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the daily exposure action value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration (HAV) under Irish regulations?
- 1.0 m/sĀ²
- 2.5 m/sĀ² (Correct answer)
- 5.0 m/sĀ²
- 10.0 m/sĀ²
Correct answer: 2.5 m/sĀ²
The hand-arm vibration exposure action value is 2.5 m/sĀ² A(8); at this level employers must introduce a programme of controls to reduce exposure and carry out health surveillance.
Question 2: What is the daily exposure limit value (ELV) for hand-arm vibration that must not be exceeded under Irish regulations?
- 2.5 m/sĀ²
- 4.0 m/sĀ²
- 5.0 m/sĀ² (Correct answer)
- 7.5 m/sĀ²
Correct answer: 5.0 m/sĀ²
The hand-arm vibration exposure limit value is 5.0 m/sĀ² A(8); exceeding this value is a breach of the regulations and must be prevented by the employer.
Question 3: Which health condition is caused by prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration from tools such as grinders and breakers?
- Whole-body vibration disorder (WBVD)
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger (Correct answer)
- Repetitive strain injury of the shoulder only
- Occupational asthma
Correct answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including vibration white finger
HAVS is a serious, progressive, and largely irreversible condition affecting blood vessels, nerves, and joints of the hands and arms; vibration white finger (blanching of the fingers) is its best-known symptom.
Question 4: Which of the following construction tools poses the greatest risk of hand-arm vibration injury if used for extended periods?
- A timber mallet used for hand-chiselling
- A retractable tape measure
- A petrol-powered concrete breaker or angle grinder (Correct answer)
- A spirit level
Correct answer: A petrol-powered concrete breaker or angle grinder
Powered tools such as concrete breakers and angle grinders have high vibration magnitudes and are directly in contact with the hands, making them the principal HAV risk on construction sites.
Question 5: What is the daily exposure action value (EAV) for whole-body vibration (WBV) under Irish health and safety regulations?
- 0.3 m/sĀ²
- 0.5 m/sĀ² (Correct answer)
- 1.0 m/sĀ²
- 1.15 m/sĀ²
Correct answer: 0.5 m/sĀ²
The whole-body vibration exposure action value is 0.5 m/sĀ² A(8); above this level employers must take steps to reduce exposure and monitor workers' health.
Question 6: Which category of construction worker faces the greatest risk of whole-body vibration (WBV) injury?
- Bricklayers working on scaffolding
- Operators of heavy plant such as excavators, dumpers, and forklift trucks (Correct answer)
- Workers carrying out hand-tool tasks at ground level
- Scaffolders erecting independent scaffolding
Correct answer: Operators of heavy plant such as excavators, dumpers, and forklift trucks
Operators of mobile plant experience whole-body vibration transmitted through the seat, floor, and steering controls; repeated daily exposure over years can cause back disorders and other musculoskeletal conditions.
Question 7: Vibration white finger (VWF) is a symptom of which occupational health condition?
- Whole-body vibration disorder caused by driving plant
- Raynaud's phenomenon triggered by cold weather alone
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) (Correct answer)
- Occupational contact dermatitis from cement
Correct answer: Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
Vibration white finger is the vascular component of HAVS, caused by damage to the blood vessels in the fingers due to repeated hand-arm vibration exposure; affected fingers turn white in cold conditions.
CSCS Ireland Noise and Vibration 2
What is the daily exposure action value (EAV) for hand-arm vibration (HAV) under Irish regulations?