Product Overview

Summary: This Vibration Control Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, practical framework for identifying, assessing, and controlling vibration exposure in the workplace. It helps Australian businesses protect workers from hand–arm vibration and whole-body vibration risks while demonstrating compliance with WHS obligations and industry best practice.

Uncontrolled vibration from tools, plant and mobile equipment can lead to serious long-term health effects, including hand–arm vibration syndrome, nerve and circulatory damage, musculoskeletal disorders and chronic back injuries. It can also contribute to reduced productivity, increased absenteeism and costly workers compensation claims. This Vibration Control Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, defensible approach for managing vibration exposure across your operations, whether you run construction sites, workshops, manufacturing facilities, utilities, mining operations or council depots.

The SOP guides your team through the full lifecycle of vibration risk management: from identifying vibration sources and assessing exposure levels, through to selecting low-vibration equipment, engineering and administrative controls, maintenance practices and worker training. It aligns with Australian WHS legislation and relevant standards, giving you a ready-to-use framework that can be adapted to different tasks such as jackhammering, compacting, grinding, driving mobile plant or operating fixed machinery. By implementing this procedure, your business can systematically reduce vibration-related health risks, support safer work design and provide clear, consistent instructions to supervisors and workers on how to manage vibration every day.

Key Benefits

• Ensure a consistent, documented approach to managing hand–arm and whole-body vibration risks across all worksites.
• Reduce the likelihood of long-term health conditions such as hand–arm vibration syndrome and vibration-related back injuries.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation and due diligence obligations in the event of audits or incidents.
• Optimise equipment selection, maintenance and work scheduling to minimise vibration exposure and improve productivity.
• Strengthen worker awareness and competency through clear guidance on safe work practices and early reporting of symptoms.

Who is this for?

• WHS Managers
• Health and Safety Advisors
• Operations Managers
• Maintenance Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Workshop Supervisors
• Civil and Construction Project Managers
• Fleet Managers
• Plant and Equipment Coordinators
• Ergonomists and Occupational Health Consultants

Hazards Addressed

• Hand–arm vibration from powered hand tools (e.g. grinders, jackhammers, impact wrenches, chainsaws)
• Whole-body vibration from mobile plant, forklifts, trucks and earthmoving equipment
• Vibration-induced circulation and nerve damage in hands and arms
• Vibration-related musculoskeletal disorders and lower back pain
• Increased fatigue and loss of control when operating vibrating tools or equipment
• Secondary hazards arising from vibration, such as loss of grip, reduced precision and accidental activation of controls

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions (Hand–Arm Vibration, Whole-Body Vibration, Exposure Action Levels)
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities
• 4.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Codes of Practice
• 5.0 Identification of Vibration Sources and Affected Workers
• 6.0 Vibration Risk Assessment Methodology
• 7.0 Control Measures – Hierarchy of Control for Vibration
• 7.1 Engineering Controls (Equipment Selection, Isolation, Damping)
• 7.2 Administrative Controls (Task Rotation, Exposure Time Limits, Work Scheduling)
• 7.3 Personal Protective Measures and Limitations
• 8.0 Equipment Procurement, Selection and Commissioning Requirements
• 9.0 Maintenance, Inspection and Calibration of Tools and Plant
• 10.0 Safe Work Practices for Common High-Vibration Tasks
• 11.0 Health Monitoring and Early Symptom Reporting
• 12.0 Training, Information and Instruction for Workers and Supervisors
• 13.0 Incident, Near Miss and Symptom Reporting Procedures
• 14.0 Recordkeeping and Documentation Requirements
• 15.0 Review, Audit and Continuous Improvement of Vibration Controls
• 16.0 References and Supporting Documents
• Appendix A – Example Vibration Risk Assessment Checklist
• Appendix B – Sample Vibration Exposure Log and Monitoring Form
• Appendix C – Example Pre-Start and Inspection Checklist for Vibrating Tools and Plant

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and state/territory equivalents) – Hazardous Manual Tasks and Plant
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Model Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• AS ISO 5349.1:2004 – Mechanical vibration – Measurement and evaluation of human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration
• AS ISO 2631.1:2003 – Mechanical vibration and shock – Evaluation of human exposure to whole-body vibration
• AS/NZS 1269 series – Occupational noise management (for combined noise and vibration exposures)
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 – Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still referenced in many systems) or ISO 45001:2018 – Occupational health and safety management systems