Code of Practice for Controlling Risks due to Hand-transmitted Vibration on Ships (2009)

Code of Practice for Controlling Risks due to Hand-transmitted Vibration on Ships (2009)

The objectives of the 'Code of Practice for Controlling Risks due to Hand-transmitted Vibration on Ships' are to:

• Explain the duties of employers regarding the assessment and control of health risks associated with exposure to hand-transmitted vibration in the maritime environment.

• Provide sufficient information to enable employers to assess the risks of injury to seafarers from hand-transmitted vibration.

• Set out measures to be taken to control that risk, either by appropriate design and use of equipment or by the use of methods to limit exposures to hand-transmitted vibration.

• Set out the requirements to monitor the health of seafarers.

• Discuss the employer's duties to inform seafarers of the risks and consequences of exposure to hand-transmitted vibration, and to provide adequate training for the safe use of vessels, machinery and tools.

The Code of Practice deals with:

• The assessment of risk from hand-transmitted vibration onboard ships.

• The measurement and evaluation of hand-transmitted vibration.

• The assessment of the severity of exposures to hand-transmitted vibration.

• The identification of controls to eliminate or reduce exposures to hand-transmitted vibration.

• The involvement of crew members in the control hand-transmitted vibration risks, including the provision of information and training.

• The provision of health monitoring and surveillance for hand-transmitted vibration.