Hand Arm Vibration Guidance Kevin Burrows
What is HAVS? A disorder which affects the blood vessels, nerves and muscles of the hand, wrist and forearm. Can be severely disabling. Also known as Vibration White Finger. 2
Why talk about HAVS? 1 Million workers are exposed to high levels of vibration, of those 460,000 are estimated to be working in construction. Approx 800 cases of HAVS are reported every year. 3
What are the Symptoms? The blood vessels (fingers go white) hence the name vibration white finger (VWF) The nerves in the fingers (causing pins and needles and loss of feeling) Bones and muscles (causing pain and loss of strength in the joints) The symptoms are usually at their worst when conditions are cold and wet. 4
5 What are the Symptoms?
Who is at Risk? Users of the following examples of vibrating equipment; Breakers Drills Wackers Rotary Saws Grinders etc 6
Who is at Risk? Those exposed to vibrating equipment at work. Those with disease s that reduce blood flow. Workers in cold and damp conditions. Smokers. 7
How Can I Prevent it? Use low vibration tools. Try a different approach to your job. Use the right tool for the job. Keep blades and cutting edges sharp. Reduce grip and pressure, allow the tool to do the work. 8
How can I Prevent it? Ensure the tool has been properly maintained. Reduce the amount of time you use the tool. Rotate the usage 9
How can I Prevent it? Improve your blood circulation by: Keeping warm, wear gloves etc. Giving up smoking. Smoking drastically impairs blood flow through the body. Massaging and exercising fingers during work breaks. 10
What else Can I Do? Learn to Recognise the signs of HAVS. Stop work and report any symptoms to your supervisor immediately. Use any control measures provided, i.e. gloves etc, that your employer will provide. Ask for advice from your safety department if in doubt. 11
Remember Once you have had symptoms of HAVS, you will always be at risk. Tell your supervisor as soon as you suspect any symptoms. 12
What MGJV Provide HAV Information Pack HAND ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME (HAVS) INFORMATION PACK ASSESSMENT OF DAILY EXPOSURE LIMITS HAND ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME (HAVS) INFORMATON PACK ASSESSMENT OF DAILY EXPOSURE LIMITS 13
14 What MGJV Provide Ready Reckoner
Exposure Action Level EAV set at 2.5 m/sec sq When this level is reached, there is a requirement to undertake specific action to reduce the risk. Exposure to vibration must be reduced to As low as is reasonably practicable, using a programme of organisational and technical measures. 15
16 1 st Action Level
Within MGJV these include: Guidance on duration of exposure Task sharing Provision of vibration dampened equipment Use of mechanical breakers if possible Use of appropriate PPE Story Board - Tool Box talk 17
EXPOSURE LIMITED VALUE ELV, set at 5.0 m/sec sq: Should not be exceeded in normal circumstances. 18
19 2 nd Action Level
20 Control Measures
Calculation of Exposure To allow easy calculation of exposure levels, a system of units 1 &15 minute durations have been created for each item of equipment. DO NOT EXCEED 400 POINTS PER DAY 21
22 Duration Exposure Points
The maximum amount of units after which ACTION is required in an 8 hour NORMAL working day =100 per person. The maximum units that shall not be exceeded in an 8 hour NORMAL working day = 400 per person. 23
What you need to do to comply Monitor your usage using the points system. If you think that you are reaching the first action level e.g. 100 points as indicated in the Ready Reckoner complete the Plant usage Form. 24
25 HAV s Monitoring Pad
Using the Ready Reckoner Calculations can be estimated from the ready reckoner. Type of equipment is detailed with points already calculated in minutes Using the Plant Usage form calculate how many minutes for each piece of equipment. Complete Plant usage form weekly and hand to Supervisor 26
HAVs Wheel A HAVs wheel is provided to give indications of possible exposure on various types of vibrating equipment 27