Hand Arm Vibration Assessment & Testing: Protecting Your Employees and Your Business

Hand Arm Vibration Testing measures the vibration levels emitted by tools and machinery in the workplace to create an HAV assessment. This data helps employers assess worker vibration exposure and evaluate the potential risk of HAVS development. HAV assessments mean employers can compare the results to the legal limits and implement appropriate control measures to protect workers and remain compliant.

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What is Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)?

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) occurs when power tools or machinery transmit vibrations to your hands and arms. This vibration can cause damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and joints, leading to potential health problems such as HAVS and vibration white finger, a secondary form of Raynaud’s syndrome.

What are the Potential Health Risks?

Exposure to HAV can cause a range of health problems, some of which can be permanent and debilitating. Problems such as:

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS): This serious condition is characterised by:
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers, making it difficult to feel things properly.
- Loss of strength and grip, hindering tasks requiring dexterity.
- Vibration white finger, causing painful finger discoloration in cold environments.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome, leading to pain, numbness, and tingling in the hand and wrist.
Reduced Muscle Strength and Dexterity: This can hinder everyday tasks like gripping objects.
Pain in the Hands and Arms: This can range from mild discomfort to severe pain, disrupting daily activities.
Raynaud’s Phenomenon: This condition causes fingers and toes to turn white and numb in response to cold or emotional stress.
Arthritis: HAV exposure may increase the risk of developing arthritis in the hands and wrists.

HAVS is preventable, however! By undertaking Hand Arm Vibration Testing and Assessment, employers can minimise vibration exposure to protect workers from these risks.

Who is at Risk from HAV?

Anyone regularly using vibrating tools or working in environments with constant vibration should be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimise exposure.

Employer’s Legal Obligations Regarding HAV (UK)

Employers in the UK have legal obligations under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (as amended) to protect their employees’ health and safety regarding HAV. Obligations such as:

Risk Assessment: HAVE risk assessments to assess the risk of employees being exposed to vibration exceeding legal limits.
Exposure Reduction: Taking action to minimise vibration exposure as far as reasonably practicable, such as choosing low-vibration tools, adapting work practices, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE).
Employee Training: Providing information and training to employees about HAV risks and safe work practices.
Health Monitoring: Monitor employees’ health if they are exposed to vibration above certain levels.
Record-Keeping: Maintaining records of HAV risk assessments, vibration exposure measurements, and health monitoring data.

How is Vibration Testing Conducted?

There are two main ways to conduct a Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) test: Objective Testing and Subjective Testing.

Subjective testing: This involves asking workers to rate the intensity and duration of the vibration they feel. It’s less precise than objective testing but can be a helpful screening tool. Think of it as a questionnaire where workers describe the vibration they experience, this is subjective vibration testing.
Objective Testing: Objective vibration testing uses a specialised device called an accelerometer to measure vibration directly. The accelerometer is a tiny sensor attached to the tool handle, recording the shakes and tremors. These instruments typically measure:
- Acceleration: How intense the vibration is.
- Frequency: How fast the tool vibrates.
- Duration: How long you’re exposed to the vibration.

Objective testing is preferred for its accuracy and reliability. However, subjective testing can be a handy supplement, especially when objective testing isn’t feasible due to cost or practicality.

Remember: Regardless of the testing method, the goal is to identify potential HAV risks and take steps to reduce exposure, like using low-vibration tools, taking breaks, and wearing padded gloves. By being mindful and taking precautions, you can help protect your workforce’s hands and arms from HAV’s harmful effects and ensure your business is compliant with regulation.

Understanding HAVS Assessments

Interpreting HAVS Assessment results involves considering various factors and regulations outlined in the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and additional guidance from organisations like the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). This includes:

Comparing results to exposure limits: Vibration levels are compared to exposure action values (EAVs) and exposure limit values (ELVs) specified in the regulations.

1. EAV (2.5 m/s² or 100 HSE points): This is the action point. If workers reach this daily exposure level using vibrating tools, employers must take action to control the risk, even if it does not exceed the limit. This includes implementing risk assessments, providing information and training to workers, and introducing control measures like low-vibration tools, vibration-damping gloves, and work practice changes.
2. ELV (5 m/s² or 400 HSE points): This is the legal limit. Exceeding this daily exposure level is prohibited, and immediate action must be taken to reduce exposure below the limit. This might involve stopping work with the specific tool or equipment, further investigating control measures, and possibly providing health surveillance for affected workers.

Evaluating individual susceptibility: Age, health conditions, and previous injuries can also influence susceptibility to HAVS.
Assessing work practices and tool maintenance: These factors can also impact actual exposure levels.
Implementing control measures: If exposure exceeds EAVs, employers must implement controls such as tool selection, work practice modifications, PPE provision, or workplace redesign. Exceeding ELVs requires immediate action to eliminate or substantially reduce exposure.

Take Action with a HAV Assessment

Investing in a comprehensive Hand Arm Vibration Assessment demonstrates your commitment to employee well-being and legal compliance. It also reduces the risk of HAVS, improves employee well-being, and fosters a healthier and more productive workforce.

Contact Synergy Occupational Hygiene

Our team of dedicated Occupational Hygiene Consultants can help you remain compliant and ensure the safety and health of your workforce. We are fully certified and have worked with some of the UK’s largest companies to carry out vibration testing and HAV assessments to navigate the regulatory complexities. Get in touch to discuss your needs or request a quote.

[email protected] 01782 614236 Contact Form

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Other Services

As well as hand arm vibration testing, our professional and certified occupational hygiene consultants provide a wide range of other occupational hygiene services and workplace air monitoring. These include: