How do I measure the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that is caused by excessive or prolonged use of vibrating tools.
The vibration from these tools is transmitted into worker’s hands and arms. While occasional exposure is unlikely to cause ill health, regular and frequent exposure can lead to significant health risks.
What are the symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome?
With hand-held vibrating tools there is a risk that transmission of vibrations into the human body can cause damage to nerves and blood vessels.
Symptoms to look out for include numbness, tingling, discolouration, and loss of strength.
These symptoms can cause further health issues, including pain, distress, sleep disturbance, inability to do fine or intricate work, reduced ability to work in cold or damp conditions and reduced grip strength which might affect the ability to carry out work safely.
What type of vibrating tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome?
There are a wide range of jobs and industries that require regular and frequent use of vibrating tools. These include construction, highways building and maintenance, forestry and estate management, manufacturing, and engineering.
While there is no definitive list, there are hundreds of different types of hand-held power tools that can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome. Some examples include disc grinders and cutters, drills, chisels sanders, road breakers, scabblers, chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and mowers.
How are hand-arm vibration assessments measured?
If your employees regularly use vibrating power tools there is a need to carry out an assessment of the potential risks. This assessment should look at the type of tools used, how often they are used and for what duration. Based on this information it is possible to assess whether employees are being exposed to the Exposure Action Value (EAV) above 2.5m/s2 averaged over an eight-hour period.
If employees are being exposed to this amount of vibration, steps need to be taken to reduce the exposure by changing tools, processes used or by mechanisation. Awareness training in early recognition of symptoms and how to reduce risk of long-term ill health should be provided.
In some cases, health surveillance may be required to monitor any possible impacts on individuals. Health surveillance is a specialist area and should be carried out by an occupational health professional.
One of our previous blog posts looks at some guidance for taking hand-arm vibration measurements. We also looked at what guidance HSE inspectors follow when assessing the risks from vibrating tools.
Where can I get more advice on hand-arm vibration?
The HSE has a comprehensive section on hand-arm vibration syndrome on its website, including a vibration monitoring Q&A for employers.
Aegis offers a comprehensive hand-arm vibration risk management service which will ensure compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
Our service helps to ensure that employee exposures are identified and that the risk of long-term ill health from exposure to hand/arm vibration is reduced. Please contact us for further advice.