Insulate Magazine Issue 13

insulate columnist
The effects of Hand-Arm
Vibration (HAV) in the Workplace
Insulate Magazine columnist George Elliott, a technical specialist at
science-based technology company 3M, explains ways of controlling
HAV exposure levels in the workplace
The repetitive use of power tools when placing insulation into walls, ceilings and thermal
controlled areas exposes personnel to significant levels of Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV), a
health hazard that almost two million people in the UK are exposed to in the
workplace, according to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
HAV is the transmission of vibration from a piece of equipment or a tool into the body,
resulting in potential injury and serious health conditions, if used for too long. The most
commonly-associated health risk is hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), commonly
manifested in Vibration White Finger, a painful and permanent condition that can
lead to finger numbness, hand tingling and bone cysts.
Users also often complain of a sore sensation and limited movement in the
hands, commonly diagnosed as carpal tunnel syndrome. This
musculoskeletal problem reduces the sufferer’s ability to manipulate
objects.
HAV damage is detrimental and irreversible, yet entirely preventable.
Employers have a duty of care to their workforce, to ensure that
they have adequate protective measures in place to control
excessive HAV exposure.
For this reason, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
states a need for HAV-related risk assessments and requires
consequential measures to be put in place to control such exposure.
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