Getting a grip on HAV
June 1st 2006

The Health & Safety Executive estimates that 4.9 million people are exposed to hand arm vibration (HAV) in the UK each year with 1.2 million exposed to vibration levels above the current acceptable limit. Yet research shows that 50% of construction workers are not concerned about HAV and two thirds are not aware of the relevant safety regulations. To improve awareness, Speedy Hire has launched a campaign to educate construction workers on the potential effects of vibrating tools and equipment and show how site operatives and managers can reduce their impact

Hand arm vibration, caused by regular exposure to vibration from hand-held tools, can cause several kinds of injury to the hands and arms including impaired blood circulation and musculoskeletal and nerve damage. Traditionally known as 'white finger', symptoms of the condition include numbness and tingling in the fingers and hands, reduced grip strength and dexterity, reduced sensitivity both to touch and temperature, and pain and stiffness in the hands, wrists, elbows and shoulders.

Research

Research conducted by Speedy Hire examined levels of awareness of the condition amongst operatives, site managers and health & safety managers at site level. The research also identified whether policies were being implemented to reduce vibration exposure as indicated in the Control of Vibration at Work 2005 regulations which came into force in July last year.

Results of the research showed that 50% of operatives were not concerned about HAV with 25% of managers and 67% of operatives not aware of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Policies for implementing the regulations varied significantly from site to site and just 26% of operatives had received training in the use of low vibration tools.

David Graham, Speedy Hire's group sales and marketing director, says "Our research confirmed anecdotal evidence that awareness of HAV issues is patchy at best. We recognised the need for a communications programme to build awareness of the regulations and provide solutions.

This lack of awareness presents not only potential future physical issues for the worker, it represents a major issue at board level due to liability payments made in respect to claims. It is further clouded by confusion over tool and equipment vibration data."

To clarify the issue, Speedy has been working with the major tool manufacturers and OPERC, the Off-highway Plant and Equipment Research Centre at the University of Loughborough, to produce real life vibration data.

Previous OPERC research showed that manufacturers' readings were often two to three times higher on site than those found in the controlled environment of a laboratory.

All testing was therefore carried out under 'real' work conditions in full accordance with international standard ISO 5349 parts 1 and 2.

To date, more than 200 power tools have been tested with the results placed online (www.operc.com). As further tools and equipment are tested additional data will be included. Information within the register includes machine performance statistics such as vibration emissions (expressed as HSE points), vibration acceleration values, time to the Exposure Action Value, time to the Exposure Limit Value and, where appropriate, machine performance.

David Graham adds: "By working with our stakeholders and strategic partners, the real life data research we have funded with OPERC ensures a level playing field for vibration levels.

This means more accurate risk assessments can be undertaken and safe periods of exposure can be determined for those using well maintained equipment and tools.

"Hand arm vibration syndrome is an irreversible condition affecting nerves and circulation and is caused by vibration. The effect is cumulative and as each exposure can worsen the condition, harm can be caused by as little as 15min exposure per day for some tools."

Campaign trail

As part of its new campaign, Speedy is training 600 staff on HAV issues and the importance of monitoring exposure to vibration. They will then tour clients' construction sites across the UK presenting 'tool box' talks and supplying information to get the message across. For each worker who attends a presentation, a certificate with a red wrist band will be distributed and a charitable donation made to the Lighthouse Club.

Speedy Hire will display information and advise customers on HAV issues across its 300 strong branch network. Its training division offers courses for operatives, supervisors and management covering areas of product selection, handling tools and health surveillance.

As David Graham points out, the risk of HAV can be reduced and even eliminated by controlling exposure levels. It is vital, therefore, that the construction industry gets to grips with it.

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