Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome TOOLBOX TALK Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome HAVS has been identified for several years, but is still a fairly new issue to some people. It is important for the operatives to understand that the issue is very big and has recently come more to the attention of the HSE more that ever before. HAVS can not be dealt with in one toolbox talk, but this is the beginning, briefing of information. As the information is briefed out to the staff, feedback is important to understand how HAVS is affecting the group and how best to tackle it. To this end feedback is essential.

What is HAVS? A disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves and muscles of the hand, wrist and forearm. Can be severely disabling. Is better known as Vibration White Finger. The term HAVS is used to describe any damage to the blood vessels, nerves or muscles that is caused by vibration. It is an encompassing title used to replace such terms as vibration white finger, drumstick finger and beat hand. Numbness in fingers is dangerous as dexterity is lost. Any injury to the finger may not be felt and the body is then much more susceptible to disease and infection as the blood circulation to the finger is lost and the bodies defence system cannot reach the affected area.

Why talk about HAVS? 1 Million workers are exposed to high levels of vibration, of those 460,000 are estimated to be working in construction. 242,000 cases of HAVS are reported every year. Source HSE press release Press Release E218:99 - 3 November 1999.

What are the Symptoms? Tingling and numbness in the fingers. In the cold and wet fingers go blue then red and are painful. You can’t feel things with your fingers. Pain or tingling in your forearms at night which stop you sleeping. Loss of strength in you arms and hands. The symptoms are usually after exposure to vibration. When the fingers turn white blood flow is impaired and feeling is lost. As the blood returns the finger changes colour and becomes extremely painful.

What are the Symptoms? . Stage 1 is where the tips of the fingers turn white. This is the point where the operative should raise the issue with site management.

Who is at Risk? Users of breakers and pokers, sanders and angle grinders. Users of scabblers and needle guns. Users of drills and jigsaws.

Who is at Risk? Those with disease’s that reduce blood flow. Workers in cold and damp condition.

How Can I Prevent it? Ask for low vibration tools. Try a different approach to your job. Use the right tool for the job. Keep blades and cutting edges sharp. HAVS is such a big issue that many companies who manufacture tools now make them low vibration. It is also mandatory for information on vibration created by tools is made available by the supplier. The supplier has to provide the acceleration level of the tool expressed as m/sec2. The maximum exposure level is 2.8m/sec2 over 8 hours. An assessment should be carried out to ensure that staff are not exposed to high levels of vibration. This can be carried out by the safety department.

How can I Prevent it? Check the tool has been properly maintained. Reduce the amount of time you use the tool. Keep the handles warm. Blunt blades and worn bearings can increase vibration in tools Machines that are defective or not working correctly should be changed or repaired. If possible reduce your exposure by job rotation, more or longer breaks ( not in the canteen, on different types of work!). Use tools with plastic handles, steel handles are cold and tend not to keep warm. Keep you hands warm to improve circulation, wear gloves and keep steel handles warm.

How can I Prevent it? Improve your blood circulation by: Keeping warm, wear gloves etc. Giving up smoking. Smoking drastically impairs blood flow through the body. Massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks. Smoking significantly reduces the bloods ability to flow to the extremities of the body. In low temperatures the body attempts to keep the warm blood close the vital body organs such as the heart, lungs and kidneys etc. As a result the extremities of the body such as fingers and toes are starved of blood and sacrificed as part of the bodies defence mechanism. Keeping the whole body warm and the hands ensures better flow of blood to the extremities. Apparently placing your fingers in the warmest parts of your body when resting helps, such as your armpits and groin!

What else Can I Do? Learn to Recognise the signs of HAVS. Stop work and report any symptoms to your supervisor immediately. Use any control measures provided, I.e gloves etc, that your employer has provided. Ask for advice from your safety department or safety rep. Not reporting HAVS will mean that the disease will only get worse. The fingers will eventually turn red then black. Infection can follow and in extreme circumstances fingers can be lost. Pain is severe and often felt only when resting.

Remember Once you have had an attack of HAVS, you will always be at risk. Tell your supervisor as soon as you suspect any symptoms. Treatment and understanding at an early stage is crucial. HAVS is a chronic condition which means that it cumulates over a period of time. White finger will not occur straight away but builds up and can creep up on people unless they are aware of the symptoms. It is a widely held opinion that many operatives detect the symptoms away from work and do not associate the problems with work activities and carry on until they can no longer work and drift away to other industries, or become so bad they never work again.