Hand, Arm, Vibration Syndrome

1. HAND, ARM, VIBRATION
SYNDROME.
WORK RELATED
UPPER LIMB
DISORDERS (WRULD)
By
James McCann

3. VIBRATION
Exposure to vibrations transmitted into

the operator from prolonged, frequent use
of power tools such as;

4. POWER TOOLS
Road breaking drills,

Hand held grinders,

Lawn mowers,

Strimmers

Hand drills

Chainsaws

Sanders

Riveting hammers

Swaging machines


5. Or from processes where the operator is
holding something in contact with a
power source i.e.
 Pedestal mounted grinding equipment,
 Bench saws etc.

6. INJURIES
Can lead to a range of permanent injuries

including damage to;
Blood Circulatory system in the hand

(vibration white finger)
Sensory nerves

Musculoskeletal.


7. Symptoms include;
Very painful blanching of the fingers

(triggered by the cold or wet)
Numbness, tingling, loss of sense of

touch and temperature.
Loss of strength / grip and manual

dexterity.

8. EXPOSURE
Persons affected must avoid further

exposure to vibration, cold or wet
conditions.

9. NOTIFICATION RIDDOR
On written notification from a Doctor that

an employee is affected by HAV
syndrome you must as the employer
notify the relevant enforcing authority as
required by THE REPORTING OF
INJURIES DISEASES DANGEROUS
OCCURENCES REGULATIONS 1995

10. YOU MUST
To avoid worsening of the condition you

will also need to take steps to reduce
further exposure of the injured person to
vibration.

11. AVOIDING THE RISK OF INJURY
Control measures such as;
 Alternative ways of working which eliminate or
reduce the use of vibrating equipment
 Use lower rated equipment measured in units of
metres per seconds squared, m/s 2
 Minimise exposure
 Use jigs and clamps
 Good maintenance
 Ergonomics i.e. posture, tool design and support,