S.L. 646.21 Art. 5Reduction of risks resulting from exposure to vibration.

(1) Every employer shall take measures to eliminate at their source or minimize the risks arising from exposure to mechanical vibration, taking account of technical progress and of the availability of measures to control the risk at source.

(2) On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in regulation 4, once the exposure action values laid down in regulation 3(1)(b) and (2)( ) are exceeded, the employer shall establish and b implement a programme of technical or organisational measures intended to reduce to a minimum exposure to mechanical vibration and the attendant risks, taking into account in particular:

(a) other working methods that require less exposure to mechanical vibration;

(b) the choice of appropriate work equipment of appropriate ergonomic design and, taking account of FROM RISKS RESULTING FROM EXPOSURE TO VIBRATION)

the work to be done, producing the least possible vibration;

(c) the provision of auxiliary equipment that reduces the risk of injuries caused by vibration, such as seats that effectively reduce whole-body vibration and handles which reduce the vibration transmitted to the hand-arm system;

(d) appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems;

(e) the design and layout of workplaces and work stations;

(f) adequate information, training and instruction of workers to use work equipment correctly and safely in order to reduce their exposure to mechanical vibration to a minimum;

(g) limitation of the duration and intensity of the exposure;

(h) appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods;

(i) the provision of clothing to protect exposed workers from cold and damp.

(3) In any event, workers shall not be exposed above the exposure limit value. If, despite the measures taken by the employer to comply with these regulations, the exposure limit value is exceeded, the employer shall take immediate action to reduce exposure below the exposure limit value. The employer shall identify the reasons why the exposure limit value has been exceeded, and shall amend the protection and prevention measures accordingly in order to prevent it being exceeded again. The employer shall adapt the measures referred to in this regulation to the requirements of workers at particular risk.