How often is it required?

The Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 require the exposure risk assessment at intervals not exceeding 24 months, and monitoring at least every 24 months where the assessment calls for it (regulations 6 and 7).

What does the report contain?

Vibration levels per tool or vehicle, daily exposure per employee, comparison to the limits, and controls.

What must we prepare?

A list of vibrating tools and vehicles and who uses them, and normal operation on the day.

VIBRATION SURVEY & ASSESSMENT (WBV & HAV)

Workplace vibration exposure occurs when employees operate vibrating tools, equipment, or machinery. Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is typically associated with hand-held or hand-guided tools, while whole-body vibration (WBV) affects employees who operate vehicles or machinery in seated or standing positions.

Prolonged or repeated exposure to vibration may result in adverse health effects if not properly assessed and controlled.

REACH OUT

Worker cutting steel with an angle grinder as sparks fly

WHY IS VIBRATION A RISK?

Exposure to hand-arm and whole-body vibration may result in hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), including “white finger”; nerve damage, reduced grip strength, and loss of dexterity; musculoskeletal disorders, including back, neck, and shoulder pain; fatigue and reduced work performance; increased accident risk and long-term occupational injury; the severity of health effects depends on vibration magnitude, exposure duration, and frequency.

Employers are legally required to assess and control employee exposure to hand-arm and whole-body vibration in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (85 of 1993); Physical Agents Regulations, 2024; Mine Health and Safety Act (29 of 1996), where applicable.

The physical agent exposure risk assessment must be repeated at intervals not exceeding 24 months, and exposure monitoring done at least every 24 months where required.

Interior of a large industrial warehouse with overhead cranes

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Foundry workers in protective gear pouring molten metal

OUR SOLUTION

Qualitas Occupational Consulting is a Department of Employment and Labour Approved Inspection Authority (AIA) and a SANAS-accredited (ISO/IEC 17020) inspection body for asbestos, lead, noise and hazardous chemical agents, and applies the same quality system to all its assessments.

We conduct professional vibration surveys using recognised methodologies and appropriate instrumentation to evaluate employee exposure to hand-arm vibration and whole-body vibration against applicable criteria. Practical recommendations are provided to reduce vibration exposure and improve working conditions.

Identification of vibration sources and exposed employees; Measurement of hand-arm and/or whole-body vibration exposure; Evaluation of exposure duration and work patterns; Comparison of results against applicable criteria and limits; Practical recommendations to reduce vibration exposure; Clients receive a professional, audit-ready vibration survey report to support compliance, health protection, and risk management.