Anti-Vibration Information

What is Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) and how does it affect you?

HAV occurs through regular exposure to hand held power tools of which can lead to such injuries often referred to by the industry as "dead finger", "white finger" or "dead hand".

The term Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) addresses the permanent injuries that any misuse can cause. These may include:

  • Damage to the blood circulation - For example leading to "white finger"
  • Damage to sensory nerves - For example leading to numbness and reducing grip and sensitivity
  • Musculoskeletal damage - For example leading to stiffness, pain in joints and muscles

Link to the :

Hand Arm Vibration exposure Calculator

More information can be found on the 'Health & Safety Executive' website

 

 

 

Exposure Action Value (EAV)

EAV is a daily amount of vibration exposure above which employers are required to take action to control exposure. For hand arm vibration, the EAV is a daily exposure of 2.5m/s² A(8). The greater the exposure level, the greater the risk requiring employers to take more action to reduce the exposure.

Exposure Limit Value (ELV)

ELV is the maximum amount of vibration an employee may be exposed to on a single day. The ELV for hand arm vibration is set at a daily exposure of 5 m/s² A(8). This represents a high risk above which users should not be exposed.

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Information (PDF files will open in a new window)

Control the Risks from Hand Vibration Control Back Pain Risks from Whole Body Vibration
Power Tools: How to Reduce Vibration Health Risks Reducing the Risk of Hand Vibration Injury from Hand Held Power Tools

Information provided is only for guidance, users should seek more detailed, accurate and up-to-date information from such sources as the Health and Safety Executive