SECTION II

OBLIGATION OF EMPLOYERS

Provisions aimed at avoiding or reducing exposure
Article 5
1
Taking account of technical progress and of the availability of measures to control the risk at source, the risks arising from exposure to mechanical vibration shall be eliminated at their source or reduced to a minimum.
The reduction of such risks shall be based on the general principles of prevention set out in Article 6(2) of Directive 89/391/EEC.
2
On the basis of the risk assessment referred to in Article 4, once the exposure action values laid down in Article 3(1)(b) and (2)(b) are exceeded, the employer shall establish and implement a programme of technical and/or organisational measures intended to reduce to a minimum exposure to mechanical vibration and the attendant risks, taking into account in particular:
a
other working methods that require less exposure to mechanical vibration;
b
the choice of appropriate work equipment of appropriate ergonomic design and, taking account of the work to be done, producing the least possible vibration;
c
the provision of auxiliary equipment that reduces the risk of injuries caused by vibration, such as seats that effectively reduce whole-body vibration and handles which reduce the vibration transmitted to the hand-arm system;
d
appropriate maintenance programmes for work equipment, the workplace and workplace systems;
e
the design and layout of workplaces and work stations;
f
adequate information and training to instruct workers to use work equipment correctly and safely in order to reduce their exposure to mechanical vibration to a minimum;
g
limitation of the duration and intensity of the exposure;
h
appropriate work schedules with adequate rest periods;
i
the provision of clothing to protect exposed workers from cold and damp.
3
In any event, workers shall not be exposed above the exposure limit value.
If, despite the measures taken by the employer to comply with this Directive, the exposure limit value is exceeded, the employer shall take immediate action to reduce exposure below the exposure limit value. He shall identify the reasons why the exposure limit value has been exceeded, and shall amend the protection and prevention measures accordingly in order to prevent it being exceeded again.
4
Pursuant to Article 15 of Directive 89/391/EEC, the employer shall adapt the measures referred to in this Article to the requirements of workers at particular risk.