Hand-Arm Vibration Prevention in the Workplace

3M™ Cubitron™ II abrasives work up to twice as fast as conventional alternatives. The smooth cutting action requires less operator pressure, and completing the job faster enabled by the faster cutting abrasive will lead to reduced operator time on the tool. The power of 3M Precision Shaped Ceramic Grain means a conventional bonded wheel can be replaced with a 3M™ Cubitron™ II fibre disc, even on tough jobs like weld removal, this switch of abrasive wheel to a less rigid construction of a fibre disc can also help reduce vibration exposure.

3M has been working closely with Bombardier at their Ilford heavy maintenance services site to help them strike an effective balance between a safe working environment and optimum levels of productivity.

A particular area of focus for Bombardier has been to reduce hand-arm vibration, as many of the maintenance and repair staff regularly use hand grinding, drilling, sanding, polishing and spraying tools. “We set the maximum exposure limit to hand‑arm vibration at just a quarter of the limit recommended by the Health and Safety Executive,” explains Colin McCann. “Although this protects our staff it also means that we need to be as productive as possible when using this type of equipment. That’s where 3M is able to step in.” Bombardier use 3M™ Cubitron™ II Bonded Abrasive Grinding and Cut-off Wheels and 3M's Random Orbital Sanders.

Learn more on how 3M are working with Bombardier, click here