The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that two million workers are exposed to the risks of HAVS throughout the UK. Any worker, ranging from construction workers to gardeners, who use vibratory power tools regularly, may be at risk. While there is no definite list of industries or tools that are directly responsible, it is worth noting that even the most susceptible industries, such as roadworking or utilities, can eliminate the risks if properly managed.
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) describes the permanent health conditions that e ect the hands when exposed to prolonged vibration when using power tools. The syndrome is a debilitating disease that causes permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm. A loss of strength, dexterity and feeling in the hands will occur, meaning simple everyday tasks such as doing up buttons or counting coins will become dicult. HAVS can also reduce quality of life as sports and hobbies such as angling, darts, golf, DIY or gardening become more almost impossible.
INDUSTRIES AT RISK Construction Road and Rail Civils Manufacturing Plants Forestry Mining Landscaping Utilities Fabricators Engineering Foundries Shipbuilders Quarrying Mechanics
EARLY SYMPTOMS Tingling or numbing sensation in the fingers Loss of strength and reduced grip Loss of precision in the hands Fingertips turning white and/or red Muscle spasms Painful hands or fingers in cold weather If you experience any of the above symptoms, it is vital that you cease using any vibratory power tools and contact your GP immediately.
Can someone aicted with HAVS be cured? Simply put, no. Once the damaging e ects of HAVS has onset, it is impossible to reverse. This makes it imperative that operators and employers are fully educated on the risks involved in using vibratory power tools. The good news, however, is that HAVS is entirely preventable, if operators and employers take the necessary preventative measures.
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that exposure to vibration is minimised for their employees using power tools and that the risks of vibration are suitably measured and controlled. Employers must also ensure relevant training, awareness and information is provided to their employees on the risks and subsequent actions being taken to control the risks of harmful vibrations. Suitable health surveillance must be provided to measure the daily exposure action values and exposure limit values being actively monitored. Exposure Action Value: EAV acts as a warning level, indicating that daily vibration levels experienced by the operator are approaching dangerous levels and precautions must be taken to reduce or stop vibration. Exposure Limit Value: ELV indicates daily exposure levels have been exceeded and the operator must cease using the tool immediately.
SUSCEPTIBLE TOOLS
Road Breakers Hammer Drills Rock Drills Impact Wrenches
Chipping Hammers Demolition Hammers Rammers Plate Compactors
Chainsaws Reciprocating Saws Concrete Pokers Scabblers
Brushcutters Angle Grinders Cut O Saws Needle Scalers
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