Exposing the human hand-arm system to excessive levels of vibration can be hazardous, resulting in Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS. The extent of the hazard is dependent upon many factors including the magnitude and frequency of vibration, and the exposure duration.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome can affect people in several forms, some of which are shown below, together with a brief medical description:
Vascular Disease, commonly known as Vibration White Finger (VWF)
Neurological Disease, associated with the sensory nerves
Musculo-skeletal Disease, associated with grip strength and muscle fatigue
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, associated with compressed or trapped nerves in the wrist
The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) does have a publication called “Hand-Arm Vibration” with the reference number HS(G)88. As far as action levels are concerned, the current HSE recommendation is for one action level at 2.8 m/s˛ which, according to BS 6842, is the level at which, for an 8 hour daily exposure over 8 years, there is a 10% chance of injury. At this action level, programmes of preventative measures and health surveillance are recommended.
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