Explanation of the value

Vibration value

Given by the relevant manufacturer. The vibration value indicates indirectly how much energy is transferred from tool to user. The units are acceleration [m/s²].

Action value

The yellow value shows how long you can work with the machine in question without exceeding the action value. The time is valid on the condition that you are working in the right way, the machine is newly serviced and the drill/chisel/grinding disk is in tip-top condition.

If the action values are exceeded, or where a risk assessment justifies it, the employer is obliged among other things to:

• Take actions to reduce the risks of the vibration exposure.
• If the actions cannot be implemented immediately, they have to be introduced into a written action plan.
• From the action plans, it must be evident which actions are to be implemented, when this is to happen and who is responsible.
• It should be possible to present the action plan to the Swedish Work Environment Authority.

Limit value

The red value shows how long you can work with the machine in question without exceeding the limit value. The time is valid on the condition that you are working in the right way, the machine is newly serviced and the drill/chisel/grinding disk is in tip-top condition.

The limit values must not be exceeded. If, even so, this happens the employer is obliged to:

• Stop the work and take immediate actions to reduce the exposure to vibration.
• Investigate the reasons for why the limit value was exceeded.
• Take actions so it will not happen again.

Where several different machines are used during an eight-hour shift, each machine's contribution has to be summed.

It has been shown that the risks for injury and illness are difficult to estimate and are frequently underestimated if the work involves exposure to repeated shocks. For this reason, it is important to be extra observant in the case of repeated shocks. If the employee is pregnant, such work is immediately unsuitable.

Back