5.2 Vibration

Hand-arm vibration syndrome mainly affects:

• 1 The liver
• 2 Blood vessels, nerves and joints in the hands
• 3 The ears
• 4 The eyes

A control for vibration is:

• 1 Heavier tools
• 2 Longer shifts
• 3 Limiting exposure time with rotas
• 4 More noise

Whole-body vibration is commonly linked to:

• 1 Asthma
• 2 Skin burns
• 3 Hearing loss
• 4 Back pain

White finger is a symptom of:

• 1 Hand-arm vibration syndrome
• 2 Radiation burns
• 3 Noise-induced hearing loss
• 4 Whole-body vibration

Which tool is a typical source of hand-arm vibration?

• 1 A stapler
• 2 A telephone
• 3 A desk lamp
• 4 A breaker or grinder

Whole-body vibration is mostly caused by:

• 1 Driving vehicles and machines over rough ground
• 2 Standing still
• 3 Using a keyboard
• 4 Using a hammer

Exposure to vibration should be assessed when:

• 1 Only noise is present
• 2 No tools are used
• 3 Vibrating tools are used regularly or for long periods
• 4 A tool is used once a year

A good control for hand-arm vibration is:

• 1 Using the tool longer
• 2 Giving heavier tools
• 3 Choosing low-vibration tools
• 4 Removing the maintenance programme

Which of these reduces exposure time?

• 1 More overtime
• 2 Rotas and planning to avoid long periods of use
• 3 Longer shifts
• 4 Using tools without breaks

Why is maintenance important in controlling vibration?

• 1 It makes tools heavier
• 2 It removes the need for risk assessment
• 3 It reduces the cost of PPE
• 4 Worn tools often vibrate more

Gloves that keep the hands warm are useful because:

• 1 They replace tools
• 2 They remove vibration completely
• 3 Cold can make circulation problems worse
• 4 They stop noise

Which control should be considered first for vibration?

• 1 Warning signs only
• 2 Longer shifts
• 3 Different working methods or mechanisation
• 4 Verbal advice only

Why do limits on vibration exposure exist?

• 1 To replace maintenance
• 2 To increase output
• 3 To avoid training
• 4 To judge whether exposure is acceptable

Health surveillance for vibration helps to:

• 1 Avoid assessment
• 2 Make tools lighter
• 3 Remove the tool
• 4 Detect early signs of damage

Which of these is a symptom of hand-arm vibration syndrome?

• 1 Ringing in the ears
• 2 Numbness or loss of feeling in the fingers
• 3 Stomach pain
• 4 Skin rash from sunlight