General Health and Safety
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
Awareness of HAVS focuses on recognising early symptoms, such as numbness and “vibration white finger,” and implementing strict safety controls to prevent permanent nerve and blood vessel damage.
HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) is a painful and potentially irreversible condition caused by the repeated use of handheld vibrating tools.
The course covers
- Understand the legislation applying to Confined Space work Understand Hazards associated with Confined Space
- Undertake Risk Assessments for Confined Space work
- Develop Safe Systems of Work and Safe Methods of Work for Confined Space operations (Including Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Rescue Plans and Permit to Work)
- Safety Person (Top Man) Responsibilities
- Understand the mechanism of atmosphere testing and monitoring
- Develop, install and maintain emergency plans and procedures
- Maintain records and documents for Confined Space work
Key risks and symptoms
Prolonged use of power tools (e.g., grinders, drills, chainsaws) damages blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands and arms. Watch out for these early warnings:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers.
- Loss of fine motor skills or grip strength.
- Fingers turning white then blue when exposed to cold or damp (“Vibration White Finger”).
Legislation and exposure limits
In the UK, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations limit the amount of vibration a worker can be exposed to:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): This is the threshold where employers must introduce active controls and health surveillance.
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV): Workers must not be exposed to vibrations exceeding this limit.
- Tool: Calculate specific exposure points using the HSE Vibration Calculator.
How to reduce exposure
Prevention is critical, as there is no cure once permanent damage occurs.
- Job Rotation: Limit the continuous amount of time any single worker uses a high-vibration tool.
- Tool Maintenance: Ensure tools are well-maintained (worn or blunt tools vibrate more).
- Keep Warm: Ensure hands stay warm and dry to maintain proper blood circulation.
Awareness of HAVS focuses on recognising early symptoms, such as numbness and “vibration white finger,” and implementing strict safety controls to prevent permanent nerve and blood vessel damage.
HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) is a painful and potentially irreversible condition caused by the repeated use of handheld vibrating tools.
The course covers
- Understand the legislation applying to Confined Space work Understand Hazards associated with Confined Space
- Undertake Risk Assessments for Confined Space work
- Develop Safe Systems of Work and Safe Methods of Work for Confined Space operations (Including Risk Assessments, Method Statements, Rescue Plans and Permit to Work)
- Safety Person (Top Man) Responsibilities
- Understand the mechanism of atmosphere testing and monitoring
- Develop, install and maintain emergency plans and procedures
- Maintain records and documents for Confined Space work
Key risks and symptoms
Prolonged use of power tools (e.g., grinders, drills, chainsaws) damages blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands and arms. Watch out for these early warnings:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers.
- Loss of fine motor skills or grip strength.
- Fingers turning white then blue when exposed to cold or damp (“Vibration White Finger”).
Legislation and exposure limits
In the UK, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations limit the amount of vibration a worker can be exposed to:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): This is the threshold where employers must introduce active controls and health surveillance.
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV): Workers must not be exposed to vibrations exceeding this limit.
- Tool: Calculate specific exposure points using the HSE Vibration Calculator.
How to reduce exposure
Prevention is critical, as there is no cure once permanent damage occurs.
- Job Rotation: Limit the continuous amount of time any single worker uses a high-vibration tool.
- Tool Maintenance: Ensure tools are well-maintained (worn or blunt tools vibrate more).
- Keep Warm: Ensure hands stay warm and dry to maintain proper blood circulation.