Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

Risk Assessment

HSE and HSENI websites provide detailed guidance on risk assessment, but to assess the risk you should take the following steps.

• Identify who could be at risk from exposure.
• Identify the tasks undertaken by employees which may give rise to HAVS and ask if anyone has any symptoms.
• Read the handbooks supplied with tools and equipment paying particular attention to the vibration rating.
• Identify the length of time each piece of equipment is used by an individual.  This is known as “Trigger Time”.
• Use HSE’s Vibration Calculator to identify who is at risk. Ensure you input ALL the equipment used and include accurate trigger time for an individual.
• Group activities into High, Medium and Low risk categories to prioritise corrective action.
• Develop an action plan to reduce the exposure to vibration if necessary.

You must appoint a competent person to undertake the risk assessment.  They should have a good knowledge of the work processes used in the business, be able to collect and understand relevant information and understand the issues around HAVS.

Guidance on risk assessment and calculations can be found here.