Hand held power tools, hand guided equipment, and holding materials being worked by hand feed machines, can all transmit vibrations to the hands and arms. Regular exposure to hand-arm vibration can lead to what is known as hand-arm vibration syndrome, also referred to as HAVS.

The symptoms and effects of HAVS most commonly result in:

• Loss of strength to the hands,
• Tingling, numbness and pain to the hands, and
• Fingers going white and then becoming red and painful, after the task has been completed.

Symptoms usually last for a short time, however, with continued exposure to vibration the symptoms may have longer lasting effects, and with time, usually a few years, could become permanent, causing ongoing pain.

About the course:

Awareness of the problem of hand-arm vibration syndrome, a commitment to identify hazards and reduce risk levels, combined with an individual commitment to health and safety, will help prevent HAVS issues occurring.

The program covers:

• Tools most likely to pose a risk
• Vibration Regulations
• Control Measures