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The European vibration directive--how will it affect the dental profession?
1Department of Human Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, Leicestershire, LE11 3TU. n.j.mansfield@lboro.ac.uk
British Dental Journal
|November 17, 2005
Summary
The EU Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive mandates limits for hand-arm vibration exposure in workplaces. Dental professionals must implement risk management strategies to comply with these new regulations.
Area of Science:
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Environmental Health Law
Background:
- The EU Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive (2002) became effective on 6 July 2005.
- This directive introduces legally enforceable limits for hand-arm vibration (HAV) exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline the key provisions of the EU Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive.
- To explain the implications of the directive for the dental profession.
- To detail the measures necessary for compliance within the dental sector.
Main Methods:
- Review of the EU Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive (2002).
- Analysis of the directive's impact on dental practices and equipment.
- Identification of compliance requirements for dental professionals.
Main Results:
- Introduction of legally binding exposure limits for hand-arm vibration.
- Requirement for employers to establish and implement risk management processes.
- Specific considerations for the dental profession regarding vibration exposure.
Conclusions:
- The directive necessitates a proactive approach to managing hand-arm vibration in dentistry.
- Compliance requires understanding the directive's content and implementing appropriate control measures.
- The dental profession must adapt practices to meet new health and safety standards for vibration exposure.