What is arm vibration syndrome?
The hand-arm vibration syndrome (sometimes abbreviated to HAVS) causes changes in the sensation of the fingers which can lead to permanent numbness of fingers, muscle weakness and, in some cases, bouts of white finger. It is caused by working with vibrating tools.
What are the main symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome?
Symptoms include any combination of:
- tingling and numbness in the fingers;
- not being able to feel things properly;
- loss of strength in the hands;
- fingers going white (blanching) and becoming red and painful on recovery (particularly in the cold and wet, and probably only in the fingertips at first).
What are 3 early signs of HAVS?
What are the early signs and symptoms to look out for?
- Tingling and numbness in the fingers (which can cause sleep disturbance).
- Not being able to feel things with your fingers.
- Loss of strength in your hands (you may be less able to pick up or hold heavy objects).
What causes HAVS syndrome?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by occupational exposure to vibrating hand tools.
How is HAVS diagnosed?
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.
Who are the HAVS?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), formerly known as ‘vibration white finger’, is a condition caused by exposure of the hands and arms to vibration when using hand held tools (e.g. pneumatic drills, grinders, chipping hammers).
How do you treat HAVS?
Is there a treatment for HAVS? 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 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.
Is there a test for HAVS?
The tests provide a quantitative assessment of the neurological and vascular state of the hands. The results of the tests are compared to normal values for diagnosis. A detailed report combines the findings from the interview and tests. The tests commence with a measure of grip strength and finger dexterity.
What is the reason of hand vibration?
Hand-arm vibration syndrome is also known as Raynaud’s phenomenon of occupational origin. Vibration is just one cause of Raynaud’s phenomenon. Other causes are connective tissue diseases, tissue injury, diseases of the blood vessels in the fingers, exposure to vinyl chloride, and the use of certain drugs.
How do you diagnose HAVS?
What is HAVS measured in?
For hand-arm vibration (HAV), the daily ELV is 5 m/s2 A(8) and the daily EAV is 2.5 m/s2 A(8). For whole-body vibration (WBV), the daily ELV is 1.15 m/s2 A(8) and the daily EAV is 0.5 m/s2 A(8).
Who can diagnose HAVS?
When cases of the occupational diseases, HAVS and carpal tunnel syndrome in association with HAV, are diagnosed by a doctor, they should be reported by the employer in accordance with Regulation 5 and Schedule 3 of the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR), 1995.
How do you control HAVS?
8 top tips for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome Prevention
- Stay warm, don’t get warm. It is a lot less work to keep fingers warm compared with getting already-cold fingers warm.
- Stay dry.
- Block the wind.
- Take care of your core.
- Avoid tight clothing.
- Watch your grip!
- Add heat.
- Keep work places warm and dry.
What are anti vibration tools?
Anti-Vibration Tools: A Quiet Revolution
- Boring Bars. Situated inside these tools is a damping mechanism that consists of a heavy mass that is supported by a rubber spring element containing oil to increase the required dampening effect.
- Deep Turning.
- Insert Geometry.
- Chip Breakers & Secure Clamping.
How do you control hand/arm vibration?