1. A Guide to…
Hand-Arm Vibration

2. Aim of this Training Tool
The aim of this Training Tool is to help lessen the risks to employees and your business when it comes to Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVs)
This presentation covers the following:
What is hand-arm vibration?
The effects
Regulations
Who is at risk?
Symptoms
What are the hazards?
And much more…

3. Regulations
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set a legal duty to protect employees from the effects of vibration.
There are also requirements for manufacturers and suppliers of equipment to ensure that equipment is supplied with the lowest practicably obtainable values.

4. What is Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVs)
Commonly know as vibration white finger
Affects people every year
Direct result of using vibratory tools
No effective treatment

5. The effects of Hand-Arm Vibration
The effects of hand–arm vibration can range from slight tingling in the finger to loss of manual dexterity.
Hand–arm vibration syndrome is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent.
The health effects of vibration are dependent on the intensity, frequency, duration of exposure, point of transmission and resonance of the part of the body exposed.
An understanding or measurement of “trigger time” is important.
The sources of vibration are numerous.
Measures should be taken to systematically identify, eliminate and/or control exposure.

6. What are the hazards? Hazards: Who causes vibration risk?
Prolonged exposure to vibratory tools
Machinery which is used beyond its capacity
Working in cold conditions/adverse weather conditions
Someone who smokes
Reduced grip of tools due to poor design
Who causes vibration risk?
Concrete Breakers
Jack Hammers
Vibrating Pokers
Compacters
Sanders
Angle Grinders
Stonemasons
Plus many more…
Employees’ own equipment is also covered by PUWER.

7. Symptoms of vibration white finger
Tingling or numbness in the fingers when using the tool/equipment
Finger/s may turn white and may start to ache
Recurrent pain or throbbing in the hands
Experience of painful attacks at any time
Difficulty in gripping objects or completing fiddly tasks such as fastening buttons
Employees’ own equipment is also covered by PUWER.

8. What employers are required to do
Assess the risks to health from exposure to continuous levels of vibration and determine the control measures needed
Introduce effective control measures
Record the assessments and review them periodically or when changes occur
Ensure that the most appropriate equipment is used for the job
Ensure those persons responsible for managing work likely to result in exposure to hand-arm vibration are adequately trained and competent
Inform, instruct and train employees about the risks and precautions
Continued…

9. Continued…
Ensure no new equipment or processes are introduced without a risk assessment and approval of a designated manager
Maintain an inventory of all vibration equipment used that is likely to cause hand-arm vibration
Monitor exposure of hand-arm vibration, and undertake appropriate health surveillance where necessary
Maintain tools to the manufacturers’ specifications to avoid worsening vibration
Review this policy periodically, particularly when changes in legislation occur.

10. Advice Use the right tools for the job
Tools should be kept in good working order
Do not grip machinery too tightly
Do not work for long periods without a break
Exercise hands regularly
Wear the correct PPE e.g. Gloves
Report tools which produce high levels of vibration