Vibration - Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Introduction

Prolonged use of high-vibration hand-held or hand-guided tools is associated with a risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). This condition may result in effects to the hands and arms, including impaired blood circulation and damage to the nerves and muscles. It is felt as a tingling or numbness in the fingers or where finger blanching occurs. There are other names for the condition: 'vibration white finger', 'dead finger' and Secondary Raynaud's Syndrome. There are however other medical conditions that may cause similar effects.

The affects are cumulative and as time passes the attacks may involve considerable pain and loss of manual dexterity, resulting in clumsiness and reduced grip strength.

Although the risk depends on the magnitude of the vibration and length of exposure, the grip, push and other forces used to guide and apply vibrating tools or workpieces, temperature, smoking and individual susceptibility can also influence the condition.

Equipment presenting a potential vibration hazard

The following is an indicative list of the types of equipment found in the University that may present a vibration hazard:

• Grounds work, e.g. chainsaws, strimmers, mowers, blowers, hedgetrimmers, etc.
• Workshop equipment, e.g. grinding tools, rotary burring tools, powered hammers, concrete breakers, sanders and drills
• Grinders and other rotary tools
• Timber and wood machining tools
• Percussive metal-working tools
• Percussive tools used in stoneworking, quarrying, and construction

Exposure Limits

The Control of Vibration Regulations came into force in April 2005. They lay down specific exposure limit values and action values:

• For hand-arm vibration the daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s² A(8) and the daily exposure action value is 2.5m/s² A(8)
• For whole body vibration the daily exposure limit value is 1.15m/s² A(8) and the daily exposure action value is 0.5m/s² A(8)

Further Guidance  is available.

If there is a significant risk of HAVS, i.e. where an individual's vibration exposure exceeds 2.5m/s², then a health surveillance programme via the University's Occupational Health provider must be arranged. The aim of this is to identify at an early stage any member of staff who may be showing medical signs of developing HAVS. If at any time between the routine checks, a member of staff notices any of the signs of HAVS, they should report it to their line manager in order that referral to Occupational Health can be organised and investigation of the equipment carried out by the School/Department.

Should a user of such equipment feel that performance has deteriorated in terms of vibration, they must report it at the earliest opportunity so that further investigations can be made. Also if a user notices any of the signs of HAVS, they should report it to their line manager in order that referral to Occupational Health can be organised and investigation of the equipment carried out by the School/Department.