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Does anyone know of someone who is working in the field of vibration testing (HAV &WBV)? Im looking to find out the possibilitys of working with this and looking for any advice?

Brian

I am a consultant Occupational Hygieneist and have conducted vibration survey's on hand tools.

You will require 2 things, equipment and training/competence. Equipment is the meter and accelerometer(s), these are not cheap, at £3000 +. Training, you will need to complete the BOHS or Institute of Acoustic course on Vibration (usually covers noise as well). These are week long examined courses. Then you have to take that knowledge and turn it into competence, which normally means being mentored by someone. Demands for hand arm vibration measurements are higher than whole body, just because the number of hand tools is much larger than the number of off road vehicles that are the usual target of WBV. assessments.

Word of warning though, tool leasing companies tend to do their own vibration testing in-house and offer a one stop shop for all tests required for tools (PAT testing, pneumatic etc). These are absorbing a large part of the market for testing. Additionally there has been a marked reduction in the vibration levels in tools over the 5 years since the regulations came into force and the manufacturers improve the designs of their tools. This trend can be expected to continue and as tool vibration levels drop below 2.5 m/sec2 the demand for vinbration testing will fall away as intervals between testing is reduced in line with the reduction in risk.

Just as i thought Richard,

I have done all the courses and have had 5 years testing experience in my current job. I did wonder if it was something i might branch out to do independant but wasnt sure how many jobs there would be out there. I have noticed a decrease in vibration levels especially from the major companies like Stihl etc.

Thanks for your advice.

Cheers