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Course overview

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is the transfer of vibration from occupational activities to the hands and arms of workers. This can happen when you use hand-held power tools, use hand-guided equipment, or work with materials that have been processed by machines.

Numerous studies have found that constant and frequent exposure to HAV can lead to long-term detrimental health consequences, especially when people regularly and extensively deal with vibrating items or processes as part of their job obligations.

Symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) include numbness, discomfort, and skin blanching (pale or ashen look).

What will I learn?

1. Introduction to Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
2. Operate an on-site hand arm vibration management programme
3. Management of HAVS
4. Legislation relating to HAVS
5. Vibration theory and vibration levels
6. Vibration meters and their use
7. Vibration exposure
8. Hand arm vibration risks
9. Understand and, if necessary, measure hand arm vibration levels
10. Assess and plan jobs to control HAVS risks
11. Communicate information about HAVS risk and good practice to tool users

Requirements

Basic Safety Knowledge: Familiarity with general workplace safety and health principles.
Relevant Job Role: Ideal for workers or safety professionals in industries where vibration exposure is common (e.g., construction, manufacturing, or maintenance).
Age Requirement: Candidates must generally be at least 18 years old.
Physical Fitness: No specific health requirements, but participants should be able to engage in the training activities.
Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of the language in which the course is conducted (usually English).
Commitment to Safety: A willingness to adopt and apply preventive measures for reducing HAVS risks.
Course Enrollment: Registration with an accredited provider offering the HAVS management course.

FAQs

1. What is Hand & Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)?
HAVS is a work-related health condition caused by repeated exposure to vibration from hand-held or hand-guided tools and equipment, affecting the hands, fingers, nerves and blood vessels.
2. What are the symptoms of HAVS?
Common symptoms include tingling, numbness, reduced grip strength, discomfort and fingers that become unusually pale or white after vibration exposure.
3. Which tools can cause Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome?
Tools such as grinders, drills, breakers, sanders, impact wrenches and other vibrating hand-held or hand-guided equipment can create HAVS exposure.
4. How is HAVS caused at the workplace?
HAVS develops through repeated or prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration, particularly when workers regularly use vibrating tools without effective exposure controls.
5. How can Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome be prevented?
Risk can be reduced by selecting lower-vibration equipment, limiting exposure time, maintaining tools properly, planning work safely and applying suitable workplace control measures.
6. What is a HAVS risk assessment?
A HAVS risk assessment identifies vibration sources, estimates worker exposure and determines practical controls to reduce vibration-related health risks. Elite Offshore’s course specifically covers assessing and planning jobs to control HAVS risks.
7. What are the exposure action value and exposure limit value for hand-arm vibration?
They are workplace exposure thresholds used to determine when additional controls are required and the maximum level of daily vibration exposure that should not be exceeded under applicable regulations.
8. Who should take a HAVS training course?
The training is useful for workers, supervisors, safety professionals and managers who work with or manage activities involving vibrating tools and equipment.
9. Does the HAVS course cover vibration measurement and monitoring?
Yes. Elite Offshore’s HAVS course covers vibration levels, vibration exposure, vibration meters and their use, including understanding and measuring hand-arm vibration where necessary.
10. How long is the Hand & Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) course at Elite Offshore?
The Elite Offshore HAVS course is 8 hours and is available in online and offline formats, with a listed 6-month access period.