Health
Healthand
andSafety
Safety
Executive
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?

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
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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
•
General acceptance that construction has more
than double the rate for the all industry average
for NIHL
For construction the statistics are unreliable and
there is huge variation in estimates
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.
•
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.
•
•
Replace RPE filters as recommended by the supplier.
Select RPE that suits the wearer, the job and the work
environment.
Make sure all RPE is properly fit-tested - get advice from
your 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.