Description

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by the over exposure to vibration in the hands, fingers, wrists and arms.

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is vibration transmitted into workers’ hands and arms from work processes such as operating hand-held power tools. These can include tools as road breakers and pressure washers amongst others.

Frequent exposure to moderate and high-intensity HAV can cause HAVS, which is a general term that refers to the damage to nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and joints in the hands and arms due to HAV.

HAVS is a disabling condition and can have a significant effect on your day to day social and ability to work.

From a legal point of view, employers and their employees have to comply with ‘The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005’, which requires employers to assess and control the risks to the health and safety of their employees from vibration.

Our HAVS toolbox talk helps employers keep their employees safe and reduce health and safety issues in workplaces where a range of tools used on site transfer vibration to an operator’s hands and arms.

Items Covered in the HAVS Toolbox Talk

Our HAVS toolbox talk is split up in following sections:

  • Introduction: Provides an overview of what HAVS is and then impact vibration tools can have.
  • Who are at Risk: Outline the risk groups of those likely to get HAVS.
  • The Dangers: This section describes some of the hazards in a workplace where vibrating tools and equipment is used.
  • Symptoms of HAVS: Describes the symptoms a person will have when they get HAVS.
  • Control Measures: Defines the precautions and actions that should be taken to reduce the risk of HAVS related to using vibrating tools and equipment on site.
  • Exposure Action and Limit Values: Outlines the vibration exposure levels where employers have to take action.
  • The Law: List regulations that employers are obligated to comply with when their employees are exposed to vibration.
  • Toolbox Talk Questions: Includes a few questions to assess attendees understanding of the HAVS toolbox talk.

Each of our toolbox talks include an additional page where relevant dangers on site can be identified and discussed, together with an attendance list where participants can be recorded and sign.

Purchase our HAVS Toolbox Talk to keep your employees safe, or take advantage of our toolbox talk packages which contains a range of our toolbox talks at a reduced price.