What is HAVS?
HAVS = Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome
A painful and disabling condition affecting the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. It's caused by regular and prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration from power tools and equipment.
HAVS is a preventable industrial disease. Once established, it cannot be cured—damage is permanent. The condition can be severely disabling, making it difficult to do fine work and causing pain and discomfort in cold or damp conditions.
Vibration White Finger (VWF)
The vascular component of HAVS. Blood vessels in the fingers go into spasm, causing them to turn white and numb. This is triggered by cold and can be very painful as circulation returns.
Neurological Effects
Damage to the nerves in the hands and fingers causes persistent tingling, numbness, and loss of sense of touch. This affects grip strength and dexterity.
Musculoskeletal Effects
Muscle weakness, pain in the hands and arms, and joint stiffness. May include carpal tunnel syndrome from repeated vibration exposure.
Symptoms and Stages
HAVS develops gradually. Early symptoms may seem minor but indicate damage is occurring. Workers should report symptoms immediately.
Early Warning Signs
Stockholm Workshop Scale
The severity of HAVS is graded using the Stockholm Workshop Scale:
Stage 0 - No symptoms
No blanching attacks or neurological symptoms
Stage 1 - Mild
Occasional blanching affecting tips of one or more fingers. Intermittent tingling.
Stage 2 - Moderate
Blanching affecting more of the fingers. More frequent attacks. Persistent numbness.
Stage 3 - Severe
Extensive blanching, frequent attacks, difficulty with fine tasks, severe symptoms affecting work and daily life.
Early Detection is Critical
If exposure stops at Stage 1, symptoms may improve. At Stage 2 and beyond, damage is likely permanent. This is why health surveillance and early reporting are so important.
Legal Requirements
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set out employer duties for managing vibration risks.
Risk Assessment
Employers must assess the risk from hand-arm vibration and identify employees at risk. This includes estimating daily exposure levels.
Eliminate or Control
Where risk is identified, employers must eliminate or reduce exposure to as low as reasonably practicable. This includes providing low-vibration equipment where available.
Health Surveillance
Required where exposure is likely to exceed the EAV or where existing risk could be made worse. Must be carried out by a qualified professional.
Information and Training
Workers must be informed about risks, symptoms to watch for, and how to report problems. Training on correct tool use and maintenance is required.
Exposure Limits
The Regulations set two key exposure values, expressed as daily exposure A(8) - the equivalent vibration exposure over an 8-hour day.
The level at which employers must take action to control exposure. Health surveillance should be provided.
The maximum permitted exposure. Must not be exceeded unless exceptional circumstances apply.
Understanding the Units
Vibration is measured in metres per second squared (m/s²). The A(8) value takes account of both the vibration magnitude and the exposure duration. A tool with higher vibration can only be used for shorter periods before reaching the limit.
Risk Assessment
A vibration risk assessment identifies who is at risk and estimates their daily exposure. It forms the basis for deciding what controls are needed.
Assessment Should Consider
- Tools Used
What equipment is used? What are the vibration magnitudes?
- Usage Duration
How long are tools used per day? Is usage continuous or intermittent?
- Work Patterns
Are there seasonal variations? Peak periods of use?
- Individual Factors
Pre-existing conditions? Previous vibration exposure? Smoking status?
- Environmental Factors
Cold working conditions increase risk significantly.
- Existing Controls
What measures are already in place? Are they effective?
High-Risk Tools
Some tools produce particularly high vibration levels. The table below shows typical vibration magnitudes and approximate trigger times.
| Tool Type | Typical m/s² | Time to EAV | Time to ELV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Breaker (hand-held) | 12-20 | 15-30 min | 1-2 hours |
| Needle scaler | 10-25 | 10-30 min | 30 min-2 hrs |
| Angle grinder | 4-8 | 1-4 hours | 4-8+ hours |
| Impact wrench | 5-15 | 30 min-4 hrs | 2-8+ hours |
| Hammer drill | 6-15 | 30 min-3 hrs | 2-8+ hours |
| Orbital sander | 2-6 | 2-8+ hours | 8+ hours |
These Are Guidelines Only
Actual vibration depends on tool condition, the material being worked, and how the tool is used. Manufacturer data should be checked, and in-use measurements taken where possible. HSE provides an online calculator to help estimate exposure.
Control Measures
Apply the hierarchy of controls: eliminate, substitute, engineering controls, administrative controls, PPE.
1. Eliminate
- Use different work methods that don't require vibrating tools
- Buy pre-cut materials instead of cutting on site
- Use mechanical fixings instead of drilling
2. Substitute
- Use low-vibration tools (many manufacturers offer these)
- Replace percussive tools with rotary alternatives
- Use remote-controlled equipment
3. Engineering Controls
- Maintain tools properly (blunt/worn tools vibrate more)
- Use sharp, well-balanced consumables
- Jigs and supports to reduce grip force
4. Administrative Controls
- Limit exposure time through job rotation
- Schedule breaks to allow recovery
- Keep workers warm (cold increases risk)
- Train workers to use correct technique
Keep Hands Warm
Cold significantly increases HAVS risk. Provide warm clothing, heated rest areas, and encourage workers to keep hands warm between tasks. Anti-vibration gloves have limited effectiveness but can help keep hands warm.
Health Surveillance
Health surveillance is a legal requirement where workers are exposed above the EAV or where there is risk of existing damage. It enables early detection of HAVS symptoms.
Health Surveillance Programme
Tier 1 - Initial Screening Questionnaire
Self-assessment questionnaire about symptoms and exposure. Annually.
Tier 2 - Symptom Assessment
Face-to-face assessment if questionnaire indicates symptoms. By trained person.
Tier 3 - Clinical Assessment
Full assessment by qualified doctor or nurse. Includes standardised tests.
Tier 4 - Formal Diagnosis
Specialist diagnosis and staging. Referral to occupational health physician.
Tier 5 - Specialist Tests
Vascular and neurological function tests. For disputed or complex cases.
Record Keeping
Health surveillance records must be kept for at least 40 years. Individual records are confidential, but employers should be informed if work adjustments are needed or if a worker should be removed from vibration exposure.
Calculating Exposure
Daily exposure is calculated by combining the vibration magnitude of each tool with how long it's used. The HSE provides a free calculator tool.
To Calculate Exposure You Need:
- Vibration Magnitude
From manufacturer data, HSE database, or on-tool measurement (m/s²)
- Trigger Time
Actual time the tool is operating and transmitting vibration to the hands
- Multiplier for Multiple Tools
If using several tools, each contributes to total daily exposure
Points System
HSE uses a "points system" for easy calculation. Each tool gets points based on its vibration magnitude. 100 points = EAV (2.5 m/s²), 400 points = ELV (5 m/s²).
Points are added for each hour of use. The calculator does the maths automatically.
HSE Vibration Calculator
The HSE provides a free online exposure calculator and ready reckoner. Search for "HSE hand arm vibration calculator" or download the spreadsheet tool from the HSE website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can HAVS be cured?
No. Once established, HAVS damage is permanent. Early symptoms at Stage 1 may improve if exposure stops, but at Stage 2 and above, damage is irreversible. Prevention is the only effective approach.
Do anti-vibration gloves work?
Anti-vibration gloves have limited effectiveness at the frequencies produced by most power tools. They can help keep hands warm (which reduces risk) and may provide some protection, but they're not a substitute for other controls.
How often should health surveillance be done?
Annual questionnaire (Tier 1) is typical. New starters should complete a baseline assessment. Workers reporting symptoms should be escalated to Tier 2/3 promptly.
What if a worker already has HAVS?
Workers with diagnosed HAVS may need to be redeployed away from vibration exposure. Continued exposure will worsen the condition. An occupational health assessment should determine fitness for work with vibrating tools.
Is HAVS a reportable disease?
Yes. HAVS is reportable under RIDDOR where a doctor diagnoses carpal tunnel syndrome or hand-arm vibration syndrome, and the worker's job involves regular use of vibrating tools.
Include HAVS Controls in Your RAMS
DocGen's AI helps you create RAMS that include vibration risk assessment, exposure limits, and control measures for work with vibrating tools.
Generate RAMS