HAVSPRO, a new solution for the accurate, real-time measurement and monitoring of workplace vibration, will protect employees from Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and Whole-Body Vibration (WBV), while helping employers to not only meet, but exceed Health & Safety standards.
With an estimated two million UK workers exposed to the risk of debilitating injuries, HAVSPRO is a vital piece of PPE in delivering healthier, safer workplaces. It provides consistent accuracy whatever the tool, whatever the job, by measuring the vibration on the tool itself. Employees get real-time insight and proactive alerts into their Exposure Action Value (EAV) and Exposure Limit Value (ELV) to keep them protected.
HAVSPRO has been developed by SIXIS Technology, part of the Simpatica Group, from more than 20 years of experience in the field of remote monitoring. Created with both the safety of operators and the protection of employers in mind, the new technology provides real time, measurable and recordable data on the use and highlights the risks of operating those specific vibrating tools.
At the heart of HAVSPRO are personalised sensors and dedicated tool holsters, which make monitoring a simple, intuitive process, with information sent to the Cloud for effective reporting. Crucially, the holster is bonded to the vibrating surface, within 100mm of the point of contact with the operator, making it suitable for hand-held tools and ride-on equipment– and as such, for monitoring both HAVS and WBV.
Each operator is allocated their own sensor, uniquely programmed to that individual and their specific values. Each tool has a holster bonded onto the tool in line with BS 5349 and BS8041. It couldn’t be a simpler operation: the operator picks their tool, clicks their sensor onto the holster and performs the job in hand; their points are sent to the cloud-based reporting platform for both HAV and WBV.
This combination provides an advantage over conventional monitoring methods, as it delivers accurate, real-time data.
'Too many solutions on the market rely on estimates derived from manufacturer testing and average vibration levels. These don’t take account of variations in vibration based on the specific job being done, the condition of the tool, or how the operator is using it,' said Russ Langthorne, managing director of HAVSPRO.
'In this day and age, we shouldn’t be relying on old technology or old fashioned, inaccurate methods to manage the risk of vibration exposure. As a HAVS sufferer it makes me very proud to offer technology that allows us all to help #MakeHAVSHistory,' he added.
When the operator reaches their EAV, the sensor flashes amber to indicate the limit has been reached and that action should be taken. If they later hit 90% of the daily ELV, the device flashes amber and red to warn that they are approaching their limit, it will then flash red when they actually hit their limit. In all cases, text and email alerts can be set up for the operator, the supervisor and any other appropriate stakeholders.
Commercially, HAVSPRO has significant advantages, both in terms of resource management and risk reduction. 'Accurate vibration measuring and monitoring means businesses can provide informed guidance on best practice, check tool efficiency or rotate operations to protect workers. The operator and tool-specific nature of HAVSPRO means that action is taken only when required, enabling an informed and targeted intervention. If organisations aren’t constantly monitoring and accurately measuring, how can they, hand on heart, say they are fully protecting their staff?' added Russ.
'This also helps businesses meet their obligation to employee Health & Safety and avoid the potentially hefty fines associated with HAVS litigation. The latest reported fine for such injuries was £50,000, while cumulative fines since the start of 2020 are in excess of £1.7M, highlighting the financial value of having an accurate and effective system for monitoring and measuring vibration levels,' he concluded.
Designed, developed, and manufactured in-house in the UK, HAVSPRO has been developed for any organisation where worker vibration might be an issue, including manufacturing, fabrication, local authorities, construction, grounds care and facilities management.
HAVSPRO is so committed to making HAVS history, it has created a free whitepaper: Protecting Against HAVS, A Guide For Employers or for more information you can download the HAVSPRO brochure.
