HAND-ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.What is Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) 2.What are the causes of HAV’S? 3.Who are at risk 4.What are the biological effects of HAV’S? 5.What is the Occupational Health’s role in Health Surveillance for HAV’S 6.What are the legal requirements and recommendations

HAND ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME

WHAT IS HAV? Vibration white finger (VWF) is a problem that can affect workers using vibrating tools and equipment for even short periods of time each day. Symptoms vary from slight numbness and tingling in the fingers to very severe loss of grip strength and dexterity that in extreme cases can leave sufferers unable to drive or do up buttons

How can HAV affect the employee’s health Loss of sense of touch Severe pain and numbness Loss of grip strength Pins and needles Painful wrist (carpal tunnel syndrome)

How can HAV affect the employees health Regular exposure to HAV can cause a range of permanent injuries to the hands and arms which are known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). The injuries that can occur include damage to the : Blood circulatory system (VWF) Sensory nerves; Muscles; Bones, and joints

Tools and processes associated with hazardous vibration Percussive metal working tools Grinders and rotary tools Percussive hammers and drills Forest and garden machinery Miscellaneous tools and processes

Jobs associated with hazardous vibration Metal workers Grinders Cutters Dentists Miners Ship-builders Forestry workers Road workers Construction workers Motor cyclist Motor mechanics Sheet metal workers Orthopaedic surgeons Caulkers Boilermakers Welders/platers Shoe manufacturing Quarry workers

Vibration White Finger During an attack the fingers may also become numb and there may be a sensation ‘pins and needles’. An attack may end with the whiteness in the fingers changing to a deep red flush which is often very painful. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?

Vibration White Finger The symptoms of VWF are usually set off when the hands or body get cold or wet. Early on they are mild. The first sign is often an occasional attack when the fingertips become white. If employees continue to work with vibrating tools, the affected area can get larger

SEVERE CASE OF VIBRATION WHITE FINGER

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Sensory nerve damage Damage to the nerves in your fingers will mean that your senses of touch and temperature are reduced. And you could experience permanent numbness or tingling in your fingers.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Damage to muscles, bones and joints The employee may notice a loss of strength in their hands and pain in their wrists and arms

WHAT CAUSES THE PROBLEM? The risk of permanent damage depends on a number of things: How high the vibration levels are; How long the equipment is used for; How awkward it is to use the equipment; How tightly the equipment has to be gripped How cold and wet the hands get when using the equipment

Control Measures Eliminate the process Substitute the process – automatic/mechanise Reduce the vibration exposure Reduce the exposure duration Health surveillance

Health Surveillance – Why? To provide base line data pre-employment or pre-placement To identify and document pre-existing illness / injury To identify individuals who may be more susceptible to HAVS To assess compatibility of the worker and the job

Health Surveillance – Why? For the early detection of symptoms To prevent ill-health and permanent disability To comply with legislation and company policy To educate and promote a healthy workforce For audit purposes

Health Surveillance Health Surveillance can include:- A questionnaire A clinical examination A grade according to the Stockholm workshop scales

Legal requirements and recommendations There are no specific requirements for the health surveillance of HAVS However: The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 The management of Health and Safety at work Regulations 1992 Reporting of Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1995 The Health and Safety Executive book Hand-Arm Vibration