Hand – Arm Vibration Syndrome

image005HAVS is generated from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health resulting in painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints. You have probably heard of Vibration White Finger that affects the circulation in the hand, but there are a number of other problems workers may be exposed to.

The HSE have recently successfully persecuted two companies for not controlling and managing the exposure of workers to vibration. See:

http://press.hse.gov.uk/2016/two-firms-fined-for-safety-breaches/?ebul=hsegen&cr=8/03-may-16

It is adopted best practice, among the more proactive companies within the construction industry, that contractors are seen to be managing potential HAVS exposure to their employees and subcontractors.

There are a number of specialised Vibration Testing Equipment and Systems available, but a good starting point in your management of HAVS is to use the information available via the HSE vibration information web pages and, in particular, start by completing the Hand Harm Vibration calculator:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/VIBRATION/hav/vibrationcalc.htm

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