TOOLBOX TALK

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TOOLBOX TALK

• Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

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What is HAVS?

• A disorder which affects the blood vessels,
  nerves and muscles of the hand, wrist and
  forearm.
• Can be severely disabling.
• Is better known as Vibration White Finger.

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Why talk about HAVS?

• 1 Million workers are exposed to high levels of
  vibration, of those 460,000 are estimated to be
  working in construction.
• 242,000 cases of HAVS are reported every year.

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What are the Symptoms?

• Tingling and numbness in the fingers.
• In the cold and wet fingers go blue then red and
  are painful.
• You cant feel things with your fingers.
• Pain or tingling in your forearms at night which
  stop you sleeping.
• Loss of strength in you arms and hands.

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What are the Symptoms?
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Who is at Risk?

• Users of breakers and pokers, sanders and angle
  grinders.
• Users of scabblers and needle guns.
• Users of drills and jigsaws.

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Who is at Risk?

• Those with diseases that reduce blood flow.
• Workers in cold and damp condition.

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How Can I Prevent it?

• Ask for low vibration tools.
• Try a different approach to your job.
• Use the right tool for the job.
• Keep blades and cutting edges sharp.

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How can I Prevent it?

• Check the tool has been properly maintained.
• Reduce the amount of time you use the tool.
• Keep the handles warm.

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How can I Prevent it?

• Improve your blood circulation by
• Keeping warm, wear gloves etc.
• Giving up smoking. Smoking drastically impairs
  blood flow through the body.
• Massaging and exercising fingers during work
  breaks.

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What else Can I Do?

• Learn to Recognise the signs of HAVS.
• Stop work and report any symptoms to your
  supervisor immediately.
• Use any control measures provided, I.e gloves
  etc, that your employer has provided.
• Ask for advice from your safety department or
  safety rep.

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Remember

• Once you have had an attack of HAVS, you will
  always be at risk.
• Tell your supervisor as soon as you suspect any
  symptoms.