Hand Arm Vibration

 

“The acceleration transferred from a vibrating hand tool to the hand”

Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) is vibration transmitted into your hands and arms from using hand held power tools (such as grinders) or hand guided equipment (such as powered pallet trucks). Regular or frequent exposure can lead to permanent ill health and cause hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and/or carpel tunnel syndrome.

HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints and can become severely disabling if ignored. It also includes what is commonly known as vibration white finger, which can cause severe pain and discomfort. Carpel tunnel syndrome is a nerve disorder that causes a tingling sensation and numbness in parts of the hand.

The risk of ill health depends on both the vibration magnitude and how long people are exposed to it, in effect a daily ‘vibration dose’. It is the employers’ responsibility under the Control of Vibrations at Work Regulations 2005 (Vibrations Regulations) to eliminate or control exposure to vibration.

Our survey will assess vibration exposure using the latest instrumentation. Measurements are taken to determine vibration magnitudes transferred from the hand tool to the hand. Trigger times are evaluated and vibration results are compared to the Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s2 and Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5.0 m/s2. In addition, we offer expert advice and guidance on actions to reduce and control exposure to vibration.