What is Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)?
Hand arm vibration (HAV) refers to the vibration transmitted to a person’s hands and arms from handheld power tools, hand-guided equipment, or vibrating workpieces. Long-term exposure to excessive vibration can lead to serious conditions such as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), white finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS).
The HSE are focussing on employers controlling the exposure levels to prevent HAVs occurring for employees.
Why are HAV assessments important?
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from vibration exposure. Failure to assess and manage the risks can result in serious health issues for employees, legal penalties for an organisation, and financial costs due to worker ill-health, compensation claims, and regulatory fines from the HSE.
Read more on HAV assessments from the HSE here: https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/advicetoemployers/assessrisks.htm
Our HAV service:
- IOSH certified expert HAV assessors perform site visits to assess tools.
- Tools are categorised depending on their vibration results.
- We use a simple red, amber and green tagging system, so workers will easily know the vibration status of each tool and the recommended usage time.
- Provides detailed reports supplying recommended daily use for all assessed tools.
- Ensures HSE compliance in our clients’ sites.
How can CoMech help?
CoMech will come onsite to test and analyse your power tools that employees are using during their working day.
If you would like to explore monitoring options we have partners who have developed tech that is easy to use and cost effective to implement.
Our customer service team can help you with the options available from our partner network.
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Rules and regulations for HAV
This section highlights what you need to know about as an employer or responsible health and safety person whose staff are using hand tools such as chainsaws, drills, or sanders making them at high risk of suffering with Hand-Arm Vibration.
UK legislation for Hand Arm Vibration
There are several laws and regulations that identify who and why organisations must assess and manage vibration risks:
Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
These regulations set legal limits on exposure to vibration, and they establish the requirement for employers to assess and manage risks. Employers must reduce exposure to as low as reasonably practicable.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974
This act requires employers to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees. Failure to protect employees from HAV risks can lead to enforcement action.
Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
These regulations highlight that risk assessments and implementation of preventive measures are required.
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER)
PUWER ensures equipment is maintained and used safely to reduce risks.
Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013
RIDDOR requires reporting of diagnosed HAVS cases to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) provides detailed guidance on HAV exposure, including:
- HAV Exposure Calculator: helps employers estimate exposure levels.
- HSE Guidance Document (L140): outlines legal requirements and risk management strategies.
- Case Studies: demonstrate real-world examples of HAV risk reduction
Consequences of non-compliance
Failure to conduct HAV assessments can lead to:
- Enforcement Action: HSE improvement notices and prohibition notices.
- Prosecution & Fines: companies have been fined thousands for HAV breaches.
- Worker Compensation Claims: employees with HAVS can claim significant damages.
