OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-002

Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

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HAVS is a painful and disabling condition caused by regular use of vibrating hand-held power tools.
Common tools that cause HAVS include breakers, disc cutters, hammer drills, compactors, and needle scalers.
Symptoms include tingling, numbness, loss of grip strength, and white finger attacks triggered by cold.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set daily exposure action and limit values for hand-arm vibration.
The exposure action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8) and the exposure limit value is 5 m/s² A(8) for a daily shift.
HAVS develops gradually over months and years — once nerve and blood vessel damage occurs, it is permanent.
Employers must assess vibration exposure, provide low-vibration tools, and limit daily exposure through job rotation.
Health surveillance including questionnaires and clinical assessments is required for workers regularly exposed to vibration.
Cold weather worsens HAVS symptoms — keeping hands warm before, during, and after tool use is important.
Around two million UK workers are at risk from hand-arm vibration, with construction being the highest-risk industry.

Permanent damage	HAVS destroys blood vessels and nerves in your hands — once damaged, they do not recover and the condition worsens with continued exposure.
Your grip and livelihood	Loss of grip strength and finger dexterity from HAVS can end your ability to work in construction trades.
Legal duty	The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require exposure assessment, control measures, and health surveillance.

Don't

Use low-vibration tools and equipment wherever a suitable alternative is available.
Follow the vibration exposure trigger times and rotate tasks throughout the shift.
Keep your hands warm before, during, and after using vibrating tools.
Report tingling, numbness, white fingers, or loss of grip to your supervisor early.
Attend health surveillance appointments and complete vibration questionnaires honestly.
Hold tools with a relaxed grip — excessive grip force increases vibration transmitted.
Ensure tools are well maintained — worn or damaged tools vibrate more than necessary.
Take regular breaks away from vibrating tools as specified in the exposure assessment.
Keep a personal record of your daily vibration exposure using trigger time charts.
Wear anti-vibration gloves where specified, but do not rely on them as the main control.

DON'T exceed the daily vibration exposure trigger times for the tools you are using.
DON'T use high-vibration tools when a low-vibration alternative is available on site.
DON'T ignore cold hands — keep them warm to protect blood circulation in your fingers.
DON'T dismiss early symptoms like tingling — they are warning signs of permanent damage.
DON'T skip health surveillance appointments — early detection prevents irreversible harm.
DON'T grip vibrating tools tighter than necessary — a relaxed grip reduces exposure.
DON'T use blunt, worn, or poorly maintained tools — they transmit excess vibration.
DON'T work through breaks when using vibrating equipment — rest periods are essential.
DON'T fail to record your vibration exposure — accurate records protect you and others.
DON'T assume gloves alone protect you — they reduce vibration slightly but are not sufficient.

See also: Vibration Exposure Assessment | Noise Induced Hearing Loss

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