Let’s get this clear at the beginning, no tool timer currently measures vibration. With all tool timers you need to know the magnitude level of the equipment being used, for your monitoring to be an accurate method of risk prevention, and to hold any real weight in a court of law. You may now be asking, “then what’s the point?”, good question. A tool timer is exactly what it says on the tin; it starts counting when a tool is in operation, and then gives you the overall trigger time.

So what’s the point in this?

                Measuring employees exposure time to vibration will always be a part of your vibration risk assessment, whether that’s with a stopwatch or the use of a tool timer, and whether it’s measured during a predefined typical working period or through continuous measurement.

HSE Points

                The HSE have set in place a points system which provides a standardised vibration exposure measurement for different tools, by inputting vibration magnitude into a formula which in turn results to a certain number of points. When the number of points an individual accumulates in one day reaches certain values, The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 requires you to take specific action. The Exposure Action Value (EAV) is reached when 100 points are met; this number shouldn’t be regularly exceeded day after day. The Exposure Limit Value (ELV) is reached at 400 points; this number should never be exceeded under any circumstances in a single day, otherwise, as a manager, you’re breaking the law.

The Ready Reckoner Table – Read more

What tool timers are there on the market?

                Currently there are four main competitors in the tool timer market, and each has their place.  Depending on your requirements, each tool timer has differences in application, size, and appearance.

The Curo – Click here to view online

                The Curo is a rugged piece of equipment; easy to set up and use, it’s attached to the determined tool via a permanently fitted holster. The system is adopted by allocating a Curo to each worker and attaching pre programmed holsters with the correct vibration magnitudes to the required tools; this way a worker can operate different tools in a day whilst being only required to clip in the Curo. The tool operator is then notified by a clear LED indicator at the EAV (100 points) and the ELV (400 points), at which point operation must immediately cease. Holsters are easily programmed by a separate unit, which comes with included software providing simple data transferring and reporting to a PC.

The HAVi – Click here to view online

                The HAVi is the quickest and cheapest way to set up and go with vibration exposure measurements. There is no software to install and learn to use, in place of this an operator must log data physically in a HAVi Log Book. This solution, once implemented by management, allows workers to manage their own exposure. The HAVi comes with the option to buy a Manager Pack which includes all the documents and information you need to comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (2005). To help with operator buy in there is also a user targeted training course available, helping with solution implementation.

Havmeter – Click here to view online

               The Havmeter is the most advanced vibration exposure measurement system which is reflected in the initial cost. A complete data management system, data is protected so it can’t be easily altered. The Havmeters are charged in a Base Station where data is transferred into an SD card, which must then be inserted into a PC to be viewed with the Havmeter, “ToolMinder” software. Once set up the system is easy to use, with employees allocated swipe cards which issues them a fully charged Havmeter from the Base Station. A clever system, it can be used for task analysis, data can be used for tool maintenance scheduling, RFID programming can be easily carried out, and each employee can work to different points allocation (for health reasons).

Pnuematic/Electric – Click here to view online

                The original method of counting vibration exposure time, these tool timers plug into the power (air/electricity) supply of the tool, detecting the trigger time of the worker by measuring the time for which the supply is flowing. This method of reading depicts an accurate measure of trigger, time making it a good assessment tool and also useful for tool maintenance. With no additional device attached to the tool, this is the most end user friendly system available, simple to set up and use straight out of the box. There’s no employee interaction and therefore training required, workers use the tools no different to how they normally would.

Which should I buy?

                Well that depends on a number of factors:

  • Are you planning on using tool timers for continuous measurements as a HAVS prevention system, or for a fixed term as part of a risk assessment?
  • How many employees and tools are you looking to monitor?
  • What kind of tools do you use?
  • Are you interested in training workers to measure their own exposure, or would you rather keep the responsibility in hands of managers?

How can Castle help you?

                Originating from a background of developing innovative market leading vibration instruments, Castle have been industry experts in measuring and monitoring vibration for more than twenty years. We’ve prepared a short video giving an overview of the current Tool Timers on the market. Click here to view.

Take a look at our online Castleshop to view the available Tool Timers on the market. Click here to view.

Our experts are always at hand to talk to and discuss your requirements to help you decide which the best method is for you. Call us on: 01723 584250.