HSE: Norbar Multipliers Vibrate 10x Less than Normal Impact Wrench
Norbar has published recent test results carried out by the HSE (Health & Safety Executive). The toolmaker reports that they demonstrate that vibration exposure for operators using pneumatic torque multipliers to tighten 100 commercial vehicle wheel nuts was 10 times lower with its products than when traditional impact wrenches are used. The Norbar Pneutorque PTM-72-1350B and one other multiplier were subjected to lab and field tests by the HSE and both tools confirmed manufacturer claims of low vibration emissions.
Low vibration levels help avoid occupational risks such as VWF (vibration white finger) also known as HAVS (hand arm vibration syndrome). In addition, the Control of Vibrations at Work Regulations impose a Daily Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s2, above which employers must introduce controls to eliminate or reduce exposure and provide health surveillance to operators regularly exposed to vibration that exceeds this level. According to the company, the Norbar Pneutorque pneumatic torque multiplier does not exceed 2.5 m/s2. This means there is no restriction in its use during the working day.
Other reported benefits include that torque multipliers are very much quieter than impact wrenches, so exposure time can be safely increased without the compulsory use of ear defenders.
Philip Brodey of Norbar Torque Tools, based in Banbury, said that the HSE had identified the need for these tests because of the increased use of torque multipliers as an alternative to impact wrenches. “We believe that the tests have shown the very clear health & safety benefits that using torque multipliers can provide in the workplace,” he said.
The HSE tests were carried out at the Health & Safety Laboratory (HSL) using the standard test outlined in ISO/FDIS 28927-2:2008, with declared vibration emission levels verified according to criteria set by BS EN 12096:1997. Both brake device and free running tests were used by the HSL, and the multipliers were also trialled in the field at a commercial vehicle fleet maintenance workshop.
Related News:
Comments