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HAVs Assessment

Also known as:

  • Hand and Arm Vibration Assessment
  • HAVs Surveillance
  • Hand and Arm Vibration Surveillance
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Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a widespread condition in many industries and occupations. HAV exposure at work can arise from the use of hand-held power tools, hand-guided machinery, and hand-fed machines (such as pedestal grinders). Prolonged and regular exposure to this vibration can affect the operator’s health.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations require all employers to have health surveillance programmes in place where people are at risk. Health surveillance must be in place for employees who are exposed above the action value (2.5m/s A (8)) and for employees who are sensitive to vibration to minimise the risk of further damage.
The HSE control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, require employers to:
  • Make sure that risks from vibration are controlled; Provide information, instruction and training to employees on the
  • Risk and the actions being taken to control risk; and
  • Provide suitable health surveillance.
Health surveillance for HAVS should be carried out by competent persons and who received training in HAVS assessments; K2 clinicians have completed the Faculty of Occupational Medicine HAVS course. HAVS Surveillance.

health surveillance AND HAVS ASSESSMENTS has been simplified to encompass a
“tiered approach”:

Tier One:
Initial or Baseline Assessment

This comprises of a HAVS questionnaire to be used for employees working with vibrating tools. If the resulting questionnaire indicates any symptoms of HAVS, this would require referral to Tier Three.

Tier Two:
Annual (Screening) Questionnaire

In the absence of HAVS health issues being declared at Tier One, a HAVS questionnaire should be administered at twelve monthly intervals.

Tier Three:
Assessment by a Qualified Clinician

This involves a HAVS health assessment by a suitably qualified Occupational Health professional. A further questionnaire is completed by the employee at this stage which asks relevant questions regarding their medical history, social/leisure pursuits and family health issues. This is assessed and if the results indicate a likelihood of HAVS signs and symptoms, then a referral to an Occupational Health Physician, Tier Four, is recommended.

Tier Four:
Formal Diagnosis

The employee will be seen and examined by an Occupational Health Physician. A formal diagnosis may be made at this stage, indicating the extent of the condition by “staging” under the Stockholm Workshop Scale of 0 to 3. It is at this stage, depending on the diagnosis and staging, that reporting under the RIDDOR 1995 regulations will be recommended. The reporting under RIDDOR is the responsibility of the Employer. A “Fitness for Work” recommendation will be made.

Tier Five:
Use of Standardised Tests (optional)

The Occupational Health Physician may recommend that a referral for objective testing is made.
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What is Included

  • Explaining how to assess the risks in tools and showing how to reduce risk
  • Performing Vibration risk assessments
  • Providing appropriate Health Surveillance at Tier 1-5
  • Confidential data management and reporting, with employee consent
  • Worker education at time of test
  • Records retained in line with statute (40 years)
  • Completed COSHH report for each individual to be kept at your company to demonstrate to regulators that you are compliant with the law
  • Running a training courses on Hand-Arm Vibration
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Frequently Asked Questions

Q &nbsp&nbspWhat is a HAVS assessment?

A&nbsp&nbsp A HAVS Assessment helps a company identify which power tools and methods are causing hand vibrations. It also checks how much each worker is exposed to this risk. Once it's done looking into this, the HAVS Assessor will advise on what actions need to be taken next.

Q   Is HAVS ASSESSMENT testing a legal requirement?

A&nbsp&nbsp UK law on hand-arm vibration demands that employers manage vibration exposure at work. This is a key point because it means employers could face legal action if they don't maintain safe conditions for their workers.

Q &nbsp&nbspHow often should HAVS testing be done?

A&nbsp&nbsp At the start of employment, Level 1 HAVS checks should be done. For those without any symptoms of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), Level 2 checks should happen every year. A more thorough Level 3 check should be carried out every three years.

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