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HealthSCREEN UK

Hand-Arm Vibration Tier 1 – Tier 4

Repeated and prolonged exposure to hand-arm vibration from the use of power tools and machinery can result in a debilitating and permanent condition known as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).  Healthscreen offers Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment services to help you comply with regulations, using a detailed “Tier system” to identify and manage the risks of HAVS in your workplace.

How We Support You

Healthscreen offers guidance and support at each step of the HAVS assessment process, from Tier 1 to Tier 4:

Tier 1: An initial assessment completed by the employee, reviewed by an Occupational Health professional before starting work with vibrating tools. This includes a questionnaire to identify potential symptoms related to HAVS.

Tier 2: An annual questionnaire for employees who remain exposed to vibrating tools. Personnel disclosing symptoms during Tier 1 or 2 reviews should then be subject to a further detailed assessment.

Tier 3: If an employee declares vibration-related symptoms, a Tier 3 assessment will be carried out by a HAVS qualified nurse. This includes taking a detailed history and a range of specific clinical tests. If appropriate, the nurse will escalate this to a Tier 4 examination and may recommend interim adjustment of exposure to vibration.

Tier 4: A formal diagnosis is made by a HAVS qualified Doctor. This assessment consists of a detailed history, assessment of symptoms and signs of HAVS, and specific tests such as sensation, assessing the vascular system in the hands, and grip strength. The doctor will advise on further surveillance and recommend limits to exposure.

Main Benefits

  • Identifies the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome
  • Provides recommendations for appropriate action
  • Helps you comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
  • Convenient and effective assessments carried out on-site

Ensuring Regulatory Compliance

Under the Control of Hand Arm Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers have a duty to protect their employees from the risks posed by hand-arm vibration. This includes conducting regular assessments to evaluate vibration exposure levels and identify any potential health risks associated with specific work activities. Our Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment service helps you comply with these regulations by providing comprehensive assessments to determine exposure levels and assess the impact on employee health.

FAQ:

Employees who use vibrating tools or machinery on a regular basis are at risk of developing Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and should have a HAV assessment. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations requires employers to assess and control the risk of HAVS, so it is important to have a screening program in place for those at risk.

Tier 1 and Tier 2 assessments should be conducted before the employee begins working with vibrating tools and annually thereafter. However, any personnel disclosing symptoms during these assessments should be subject to further detailed assessment. Tier 3 assessments may be recommended, and a formal diagnosis in Tier 4 may also require further surveillance and recommend limits to exposure.

No, even occasional use of vibrating tools can lead to hand-arm vibration syndrome. Therefore, any employee who uses vibrating tools, even on an occasional basis, should undergo a Tier 1 HAV assessment before commencing work with the tools.

Further advice will be provided by a occupational health professional to ensure the appropriate steps are taken.

Contact us today to schedule a Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment and ensure the safety of your employees.

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