Hand Arm Vibration Testing (H.A.V.) 

AP Tools Ltd offers Hand Arm Vibration testing, call us on 02380 458300 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  today for advice and pricing.

THE LEGISLATION (IN SHORT):

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (the Vibration Regulations), came into force on 6 July 2005 and are based on a European Union Directive. The European Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive (2002/44/EC) deals with risks from vibration at work and is one of several Directives dealing with Physical Agents such as Noise and Vibration. They do not apply to members of the public exposed to vibration from non-work activities. The regulations introduce action and limit values for hand-arm and whole-body vibration.

THE EFFECTS OF HAV AND HOW YOU CAN HELP YOURSELF:

Hand-arm vibration comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints). You could be risking damage to nerves, blood vessels and joints of the hand, wrist and arm if you work regularly with hand-held or hand-guided power tools for more than a few hours each day. Simply asking for suitable ‘low vibration tools’ that are right for the job is the best form of prevention but ensure that they are well maintained also. Learn to know the early signs of HAV and keep warm as this will reduce your susceptibility too.

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome, (HAVS), is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent.

EXPOSURE AND WHAT THE LABELS STAND FOR: 

Once your tool has been tested a label will be applied stating the vibration levels. Where the Exposure Action Level, (EAV), of 2.5 m/s² is likely to be exceeded, exposure must be reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable. This can be done by establishing and implementing organisational & technical measures appropriate to the activity. 

For example:- 

• Use of other working methods, (automation/mechanisation),
• Choice of suitable & efficient work equipment with good ergonomic design and low vibration,
• Provision of auxiliary equipment, (e.g - look at better consumables),
• Appropriate maintenance,
• Design and layout of workplace & work stations, (ergonomics etc),
• Information & training,
• Limitation of duration and magnitude of exposure,
• Work schedules with adequate breaks/rest periods and
• Provision of clothing to protect from damp and cold. 

Health Surveillance is a proactive measure to help reduce exposure to HAVS where the Exposure Action Value, (EAV), of 2.5 m/s² is exceeded.The Exposure Limit Value, (ELV), 5.0 m/s² should never be exceeded.     

 We use a simple traffic light system to make it easier for the operative and this is shown below:

GREEN: Generating less than 2.5m/s² of vibration and can be used for the full average 8 hour shift, (A8).

ORANGE: Between 2.5m/s² and 4.99m/s² and ‘may have’ a time restriction on a normal shift, (A8).

RED: Has a poor vibration result of over 5m/s² and will have a restriction on its use over a normal shift, (A8).

Another system often used in companies to simplify the use of tooling is a ‘points’ scale. There is a maximum of 400 points per average 8 hour shift (A8), relating to the ELV and this is based on ‘trigger time’. This can enable employees to monitor the use of tools to minimize vibration exposure. The system will be explained in more detail to operatives tested at the time of application.

Hopefully this information may have made things clearer for you but if not then AP Tools Ltd, (or your companies H&S department), can always offer further information on your request.