What is the main cause of hand-arm vibration?

What is the main cause of hand-arm vibration?

What causes hand-arm vibration syndrome? HAVS is caused by repeated and frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools – for example, power drills, chainsaws and pneumatic drills. It may also be caused by holding or working with machinery that vibrates.

What causes HAVS syndrome?

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by occupational exposure to vibrating hand tools. HAVS has three main components: 1. Peripheral neuropathy of the hands that produces numbness, tingling, or both in a glove distribution.

How do you treat hand-arm vibration syndrome?

In general, HAVS is irreversible and there is no effective treatment or cure. Medications can sometimes be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of blanching attacks, and anti-inflammatory medications can be used to reduce pain symptoms.

What is a HAVS test?

In simple words, HAVS Assessment supports the business in finding out the power tools and processes causing hand vibrations and examines the risk exposure of each employee at the workplace. After thoroughly examining the situation, the HAVS Assessor guides you for needful further steps.

How do you diagnose HAVS?

HAVS should be suspected whenever vascular or neurologic damage of the hands is present in a worker exposed to vibration. HAVS can be identified with a combination of occupational history, neurovascular symptoms, and vascular imaging.

What is HAVS syndrome?

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is the main concern posed by exposure to vibration. Commonly manifesting as vibration white finger or carpal tunnel syndrome, HAVS is caused by the transfer of vibration through a workers hands and arms, in as little as 6 months.

How do they test for HAVS?

The tests commence with a measure of grip strength and finger dexterity. Neurological tests involve the determination of vibrotactile perception thresholds (using the HVLab Vibrotactile Perception Meter) and thermotactile perception thresholds for hot and cold (using the HVLab Thermal Aesthesiometer).

What are the symptoms of vibration syndrome?

Vibration syndrome has adverse circulatory and neural effects in the fingers. The signs and symptoms include numbness, pain, and blanching (turning pale and ashen). Of particular concern is evidence of advanced stages of vibration syndrome after exposures as short as one year.

How are HAVS measured?

There are two primary methods that you can use to obtain the vibration magnitude values for power tools: Use declared vibration values provided by tool manufacturers as an estimate. Measure in-use vibration magnitude with a vibration meter.

What is vibration K factor?

The “K factor” is an industry standard uncertanty figure. It represents the natral variation in testing for vibration. The true vibration figure could be + or – the K factor figure. Machines by their nature have a habit of transferring vibration to the user. Use AVT machines to reduce your exposure to vibration.

What is a HAVS assessment?

The aim of a HAVS Assessment is to find out which power tools or processes cause hand-arm vibration, understand which of your employees are at risk of overexposure to vibration at their place of work, and then to help you decide what you need to do to protect them.