Health

Healthand
andSafety
Safety
Executive
Executive

Kerb handling - an
integrated approach to
tackling a heavy problem
Nick Patience
HSE Construction Sector
Occupational Health Unit
Laying kerbs and paving

• How can manufacturers and hire companies

work with contractors to control risks associated
with laying kerbs and paving?
Occupational Health

Some figures:
• 2 million people in GB suffered work related ill
health in 2004/5
• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the
biggest cause of occupational ill health in GB
• 56,000 Work Related MSD cases in construction
per annum
• Around 45% of MSDs involve the back
What are the risks involved in
kerb laying?

• Manual Handling – back pain and other

musculoskeletal disorders
• Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome – Vibration
White finger
• Dust – Silicosis and other respiratory problems
• Noise – Noise induced hearing loss
Kerbs – bad practice

Not the way to

do it!
Poor posture
Heavy weight
Alternatives
readily available
Kerbs

What alternatives are available?

 Plastic kerbs
 Hollow kerbs
 Shorter lengths cut in factory or yard
 Slip formed kerbs
 Handling aids
Kerb handling – good practice

• Mechanical grab – or vacuum lifters - vehicle

mounted
Paving handling good practice –
vacuum lifters
Noise induced hearing loss

• 87,000 people in GB affected by NIHL

• For construction the statistics are unreliable and
there is huge variation in estimates
• General acceptance that construction has more
than double the rate for the all industry average
for NIHL
Noise induced hearing loss

• Too much noise exposure, whatever the

source can result in hearing damage which is
irreversible.
• Exposure to loud noises even for a short time
can cause a temporary loss of hearing but
you will recover slowly over a few hours.
• Repeated exposure to loud noise can result in
permanent damage.
Noise – what HSE is asking
contractors to do

• Ask suppliers about likely noise levels under the

particular conditions in which they operate the
machinery, as well as under standard test
conditions.
• Select the correct abrasive wheel, tool bit etc
and keep sharp or replace as necessary.
Noise – selecting hearing
protection

• make sure the protectors give enough protection

- aim at least to get below 85 dB at the ear;
• think about how they will be worn with other
protective equipment (e.g. hard hats, dust masks
and eye protection);
• provide a range of protectors so that employees
can choose ones which suit them.
Compatible PPE?
Vibration

• Repeated exposure to vibration causes damage

to nerves and blood vessels
• Effects start in fingers but damage is progressive
and irreversible - can extend to hands, arms,
shoulders and neck
• Symptoms:
– Tingling and numbness
– Blanching then painful flushing
– Loss of strength
Vibration

• Tool selection can make a substantial difference

to the vibration level but the tool must be suitable
for the task and used correctly.
– maintenance (e.g. servicing grinders,
sharpening drills and chisels)
– selection of consumables (abrasive discs,
chisels, drills, etc.)
– correct operation and operator training
– maximum daily trigger times or maximum
daily work done with the tool
Silica Dust

• In the past silicosis was a common industrial

disease
• In 1897 the pneumatic hammer drill was known
as a “widow-maker”.
• The introduction of sandblasting in 1904 led to
countless cases of silicosis
• Sandblasters were said to survive an average of
10 years.
Notice chalked up in a foundry in
Coventry (1934)
Cutting kerbs and paving
produces dust that:
• cannot always be seen;
• can damage lungs and cause health problems;
• may affect others standing near to the cutting
process;

So
• damp down or extract the dust;
• always wear breathing protection;
• Or better still - 'avoid the cut'.
Dust Solutions

• Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is

normally needed to reduce exposures to an
acceptable level.
• Hire equipment only from reputable companies
that you know maintain their equipment well.
• Use equipment fitted with water suppression to
minimise the amount of dust created.
Respiratory protective
equipment (RPE)
• RPE is needed and must be compatible with hearing
protection.
• Powered or air-fed RPE is more comfortable to wear.
• Select RPE that suits the wearer, the job and the work
environment.
• Decide the level of protection from air sampling data.
Otherwise, use RPE with an assigned protection factor
(APF) of at least 40.
• Provide RPE that includes eye and face protection.
• Make sure all RPE is properly fit-tested - get advice from
your supplier.
• Replace RPE filters as recommended by the supplier.
• Keep RPE clean.
Summary

• Manual Handling – provide mechanical handling

aids.
• Noise – ensure tools are well maintained and
provide hearing protection.
• Hand Arm Vibration - ensure tools are well
maintained and provide good quality vibration
data.
• Dust - provide tools with extraction or water
suppression and respiratory protection.