CSCS Noise and Vibration 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What symptoms may indicate that a construction worker is developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome?
- Ringing in the ears
- Tingling, numbness, or blanching (whitening) of the fingers, especially in cold conditions (Correct answer)
- Persistent headaches
- Blurred vision
Correct answer: Tingling, numbness, or blanching (whitening) of the fingers, especially in cold conditions
Early symptoms of HAVS include tingling and numbness in the fingers and hands. As the condition progresses, fingers may blanch (turn white) when exposed to cold, known as vibration white finger. Workers may also experience reduced grip strength and dexterity. HAVS is irreversible once established.
Question 2: What type of health surveillance is required for workers exposed to noise above the upper exposure action value?
- Annual blood pressure checks
- Regular audiometric testing (hearing tests) (Correct answer)
- Weekly lung function tests
- Monthly vision tests
Correct answer: Regular audiometric testing (hearing tests)
Workers regularly exposed to noise at or above the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A) must be placed under appropriate health surveillance, which includes regular audiometric testing. This allows early detection of noise-induced hearing loss so that further damage can be prevented.
Question 3: What is the main risk to health from whole body vibration (WBV)?
- Hearing loss
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome
- Lower back pain and spinal disorders (Correct answer)
- Skin irritation
Correct answer: Lower back pain and spinal disorders
The primary health risk from WBV is lower back pain and damage to the spine. Workers who operate mobile machinery such as dumpers, excavators, and ride-on rollers for prolonged periods are particularly at risk. Proper seat suspension and limiting exposure times are key control measures.
Question 4: How can employers reduce hand-arm vibration exposure on a construction site?
- Use older, worn tools as they vibrate less
- Select low-vibration tools, limit exposure duration, keep tools well maintained, and use job rotation (Correct answer)
- Provide heavier tools which absorb vibration
- Increase the grip pressure on vibrating tools
Correct answer: Select low-vibration tools, limit exposure duration, keep tools well maintained, and use job rotation
Effective measures to reduce HAV exposure include selecting tools with lower vibration magnitudes, limiting the duration of exposure through job rotation, ensuring tools are properly maintained (blunt or worn tools vibrate more), using the right tool for the job, and keeping hands warm to maintain blood circulation.
Question 5: At what noise level does an employer have a duty to take action to reduce noise exposure as far as is reasonably practicable?
- 75 dB(A)
- 80 dB(A)
- 85 dB(A) — the upper exposure action value (Correct answer)
- 87 dB(A)
Correct answer: 85 dB(A) — the upper exposure action value
At the upper exposure action value of 85 dB(A), employers must reduce noise exposure to as low a level as is reasonably practicable by means other than hearing protection. This includes engineering controls such as silencers, barriers, and selecting quieter equipment.
Question 6: What are the daily exposure action and limit values for whole body vibration under the 2005 Regulations?
- Action value: 0.5 m/s², limit value: 1.15 m/s² (Correct answer)
- Action value: 2.5 m/s², limit value: 5.0 m/s²
- Action value: 1.0 m/s², limit value: 2.0 m/s²
- Action value: 5.0 m/s², limit value: 10.0 m/s²
Correct answer: Action value: 0.5 m/s², limit value: 1.15 m/s²
For whole body vibration, the daily exposure action value is 0.5 m/s² A(8) and the exposure limit value is 1.15 m/s² A(8). These are much lower than the hand-arm values because the whole body, including the spine, is more susceptible to vibration damage.
CSCS Noise and Vibration 3
What symptoms may indicate that a construction worker is developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome?