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HSE: Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome slow boat to pain and indignity

• Article supplied by HSE.gov.uk

The problem

Hand-arm vibration is vibration transmitted from work processes into workers’ hands and arms. It can be caused by operating hand-held power tools, or by holding materials being processed by machines, such as pedestal grinders. This can result in the range of conditions known as Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

This syndrome does not conjure up the sinister overtones usually associated with the likes of cancer or heart disease, nor does it strike with speed or ferocity. Its long latency can lull its victims into a false sense of security, particularly when they’re in their 20’s and 30’s and the World’s their oyster. Probably the last thing on anyone’s mind at that age is intense skeletal pain in the hands and fingers at the merest hint of cold; the frustration of not being able to hold a pint, or use a knife and fork; of not being able to feel anything properly through your hands again.

The technical stuff

Vibration magnitude is measured in m/s2  and The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 have set exposure limits based on this measurement. The Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5m/s2 A(8) is the level at which employers should introduce technical and organisational measures to reduce exposure. The Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5m/s2  A(8), should not be exceeded.

The frightening stuff

Sadly it is estimated that around 5 million British workers are exposed to Hand-arm vibration (HAV) in the workplace and 1.7 million of these are believed to be exposed at levels above the EAV and approximately 900,000 of these  exposed to levels above the current ELV.

At the end of the 1990s, approximately 288,000 people were estimated to have Vibration White Finger (VWF) a painful condition that is included within HAVS.

Tasks requiring regular and frequent use of vibrating tools and equipment and handling of vibrating materials are found in many industries including foundries and heavy engineering and construction. The type of equipment that can cause HAVS includes:

• Hand-held concrete breakers
• Hand-held grinders
• Wall chasers
• Power hammers and chisels

Key messages about effective management of hand arm vibration

• Carry out a suitable and sufficient risk assessment, referring to information available from your machinery suppliers where appropriate.
• Decide if employees are likely to be exposed above the daily EAV, and if they are introduce  a programme of controls to eliminate risk or reduce to as low a level as is reasonable practicable.
• Decide if employees are likely to be exposed above the daily ELV and if they are, take immediate action to reduce their exposure below the limit.
• Carry out health surveillance where there is a risk to health.

HSE has produced a tool to help employers calculate daily vibration exposures of employees. This compares vibration magnitudes with exposure times, the results can then be used to determine whether individual employees or tasks are exceeding the exposure limits. This tool can be found at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/readyreckoner.htm.

To achieve the necessary control and risk reduction for HAVS, among other actions, you will need to:

• Check and maintain HAV exposure control measures, ensuring equipment is used correctly.
• Ensure that when equipment is purchased that low vibration tools are specified and that your purchasing policy reflects this.
• Provide information and training to employees on the health risks and the actions being taken to control those risks.
• Ensure that, as a minimum, a responsible person carries out the required health surveillance.
• Refer anyone affected by exposure to a competent occupational health professional.
• Take prompt action after any diagnosis of ill health to identify the likely cause and ensure it is prevented or adequately controlled.
• Consult trade union safety representatives or employee representatives on proposals to control risk and to provide health surveillance.
• Keep a record of the risk assessment and control actions.
• Keep health records for employees under health surveillance.
• Review and update the risk assessment regularly.

A gentle reminder

If anyone is minded to think “it won’t happen to me” as they knowingly push themselves or others beyond the Limit Value in order to get the job done, there’s no cure for HAVS and your loved ones, who may end up having to feed you, won’t thank you for it.

Further information

Guidance on all of the above can be found on the HSE website:

http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/index.htm

The following publications are also available as free downloads from this site:

• Control the risks from hand-arm vibration INDG175(rev2) – Advice for employers.
  Hand-arm vibration INDG296(rev1) – Advice for employees.
• The following priced publication is available from HSE Books (http://www.hsebooks.com/):
• Hand-arm vibration – The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (L140 – ISBN 0-7176-6125-3) priced £13.95.

HSE’s Noise and Vibration Unit can be contacted via the following internet link:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/feedback.htm

For further information please contact:
Colin Chatten,  Senior Policy Advisor in HSE’s Noise and Vibration Team.
Tel: 0151 951 4005
Fax: 0151 951 3771
E-mail: Colin.Chatten@hse.gsi.gov.uk