Page 2 - GAP Green Action Plan
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The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that two million workers are exposed to the risks of HAVS
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) describes the permanent health conditions that e ect the hands when throughout the UK. Any worker, ranging from construction workers to gardeners, who use vibratory power
exposed to prolonged vibration when using power tools. The syndrome is a debilitating disease that causes tools regularly, may be at risk. While there is no definite list of industries or tools that are directly responsible,
permanent damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles and joints of the hand, wrist and arm. A loss of strength, it is worth noting that even the most susceptible industries, such as roadworking or utilities,
dexterity and feeling in the hands will occur, meaning simple everyday tasks such as doing up buttons or can eliminate the risks if properly managed.
counting coins will become dicult. HAVS can also reduce quality of life as sports and hobbies such as
angling, darts, golf, DIY or gardening become more almost impossible.
INDUSTRIES AT RISK
EARLY SYMPTOMS Construction Utilities
Fabricators
Road and Rail
Civils Engineering
Tingling or numbing sensation in the fingers Manufacturing Plants Foundries
Loss of strength and reduced grip Forestry Shipbuilders
Loss of precision in the hands
Fingertips turning white and/or red Mining Quarrying
Muscle spasms Landscaping Mechanics
Painful hands or fingers in cold weather
If you experience any of the above symptoms,
it is vital that you cease using any vibratory
power tools and contact your GP immediately.
Can someone a icted with HAVS be cured? Simply put, no. Once the damaging e ects of HAVS has onset,
it is impossible to reverse. This makes it imperative that operators and employers are fully educated on the Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that exposure to vibration is minimised for their employees using
risks involved in using vibratory power tools. The good news, however, is that HAVS is entirely preventable, if power tools and that the risks of vibration are suitably measured and controlled. Employers must also ensure
operators and employers take the necessary preventative measures. relevant training, awareness and information is provided to their employees on the risks and subsequent
actions being taken to control the risks of harmful vibrations. Suitable health surveillance must be provided to
SUSCEPTIBLE TOOLS measure the daily exposure action values and exposure limit values being actively monitored.
Road Breakers Chipping Hammers Chainsaws Brushcutters Exposure Action Value: EAV acts as a warning level, indicating that daily vibration levels experienced by the
Hammer Drills Demolition Hammers Reciprocating Saws Angle Grinders operator are approaching dangerous levels and precautions must be taken to reduce or stop vibration.
Rock Drills Rammers Concrete Pokers Cut O Saws Exposure Limit Value: ELV indicates daily exposure levels have been exceeded and the operator must cease
Impact Wrenches Plate Compactors Scabblers Needle Scalers using the tool immediately.
