Health and Safety Executive

Health and Safety Executive

Kerb handling - an

integrated approach to

tackling a heavy problem

Nick Patience

HSE Construction Sector Occupational Health Unit

Laying kerbs and paving

• How can manufacturers and hire companies work with contractors to control risks associated with laying kerbs and paving?

Occupational Health

Some figures:

• 2 million people in GB suffered work related ill health in 2004/5

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the biggest cause of occupational ill health in GB

• 56,000 Work Related MSD cases in construction per annum

• Around 45% of MSDs involve the back

What are the risks involved in kerb laying?

• Manual Handling – back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders• Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome – Vibration White finger • Dust – Silicosis and other respiratory problems• Noise – Noise induced hearing loss

Kerbs – bad practice

Not the way to do it!

Poor posture

Heavy weight

Alternatives readily available

Kerbs

What alternatives are available?

Plastic kerbs Hollow kerbs Shorter lengths cut in factory or yard Slip formed kerbs Handling aids

Kerb handling – good practice

• Mechanical grab – or vacuum lifters - vehicle mounted

Paving handling good practice – vacuum lifters

Noise induced hearing loss

• 87,000 people in GB affected by NIHL

• For construction the statistics are unreliable and there is huge variation in estimates

• General acceptance that construction has more than double the rate for the all industry average for NIHL

Noise induced hearing loss

• Too much noise exposure, whatever the source can result in hearing damage which is irreversible.

• Exposure to loud noises even for a short time can cause a temporary loss of hearing but you will recover slowly over a few hours.

• Repeated exposure to loud noise can result in permanent damage.

Noise – what HSE is asking contractors to do

• Ask suppliers about likely noise levels under the particular conditions in which they operate the machinery, as well as under standard test conditions.

• Select the correct abrasive wheel, tool bit etc and keep sharp or replace as necessary.

Noise – selecting hearing protection

• make sure the protectors give enough protection - aim at least to get below 85 dB at the ear;

• think about how they will be worn with other protective equipment (e.g. hard hats, dust masks and eye protection);

• provide a range of protectors so that employees can choose ones which suit them.

Compatible PPE?

Vibration

• Repeated exposure to vibration causes damage to nerves and blood vessels

• Effects start in fingers but damage is progressive and irreversible - can extend to hands, arms, shoulders and neck

• Symptoms:– Tingling and numbness– Blanching then painful flushing– Loss of strength

Vibration

• Tool selection can make a substantial difference to the vibration level but the tool must be suitable for the task and used correctly.– maintenance (e.g. servicing grinders,

sharpening drills and chisels) – selection of consumables (abrasive discs,

chisels, drills, etc.) – correct operation and operator training – maximum daily trigger times or maximum

daily work done with the tool

Silica Dust

• In the past silicosis was a common industrial disease

• In 1897 the pneumatic hammer drill was known as a “widow-maker”.

• The introduction of sandblasting in 1904 led to countless cases of silicosis

• Sandblasters were said to survive an average of 10 years.

Notice chalked up in a foundry in Coventry (1934)

Cutting kerbs and paving produces dust that:

• cannot always be seen;• can damage lungs and cause health problems;• may affect others standing near to the cutting

process; So• damp down or extract the dust;• always wear breathing protection;

• Or better still - 'avoid the cut'.

Dust Solutions

• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is normally needed to reduce exposures to an acceptable level.

• Hire equipment only from reputable companies that you know maintain their equipment well.

• Use equipment fitted with water suppression to minimise the amount of dust created.

Respiratory protective equipment (RPE)

• RPE is needed and must be compatible with hearing protection.

• Powered or air-fed RPE is more comfortable to wear.

• Select RPE that suits the wearer, the job and the work environment.

• Decide the level of protection from air sampling data. Otherwise, use RPE with an assigned protection factor (APF) of at least 40.

• Provide RPE that includes eye and face protection.

• Make sure all RPE is properly fit-tested - get advice from your supplier.

• Replace RPE filters as recommended by the supplier.

• Keep RPE clean.

Summary

• Manual Handling – provide mechanical handling aids.

• Noise – ensure tools are well maintained and provide hearing protection.

• Hand Arm Vibration - ensure tools are well maintained and provide good quality vibration data.

• Dust - provide tools with extraction or water suppression and respiratory protection.