Posted By Ellen Barrett I desperately need information to compile an idiot's guide to hand arm vibration and trigger times for a construction workforce

Posted By Tony Gibbs Ellen If you go to HSE books website you can download 16 page booklet free.Type in HAV in the search.Look for INDG 175 REVISED 2003.

Posted By Jeff Manion Have a power-point presentation that may be of use and a trigger / time / exposure Will send direct to anyone Jeff Manion.

Posted By Roger Jeff Can I have a copy please. Regards Roger

Posted By Descarte Trigger times will obviously vary according to tool, size, condition and you may also want to consider environmental conditions such as working temperatures too. At a preivous position in Oil refining I compiled a list of vibration data on all site hand tool types and colour coded tools to various exposure groups. i.e. 12" pneumatic grinding disc could be used only for 30 minutes in a day would be red tagged where as a power drill through wood would be green tagged and could be used all day without exceeding the exposure limits. This will vary on makes, models, ages of equipment, materials they are used on etc... As for a idiots guide I compiled some general info for you to consider: Effects of Hand Arm Vibration?   Hand Arm Vibration or HAV has been linked with diseases such as vibration white finger, vibration related carpal tunnel syndrome and disorders of bones, muscle, joints and sensory nerves. Who Can Be Exposed   Anyone who uses power tools, pneumatic tools and people driving vehicles such as tractors and heavy machinery Am I Being Exposed   Most people in Building, Maintenance, Construction, Agriculture, Engineering, Mining, Forestry, Haulage…. In fact everyone at some point will come into contact with Hand Arm Vibration, even at the home! How am I effected - symptoms? Loss of grip strength Vibration White Finger (blanching of the fingers caused by a restriction in the blood supply to the extremities) Partial loss of sense of touch Pins and needles Painful wrist How can exposure be reduced? Can the job be done with a different tool? Is the tool right for the job and in good condition? Can the job be rotated? Does the job have to be done all in one go? Can you take a different route Regular maintenance of equipment/vehicles/machinery Further Help and Information The Occupational Health department can diagnose, advise and treat a whole range of HAV and related issues The Health and Safety department can offer expert advice on reducing exposure, calculating risk and possible measurement