Published 15 Aug 2023
What is a HAVS Assessment?
A Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Assessment is a process conducted by trained safety officers to identify, evaluate, and control workers’ exposure to hand-arm vibration risks. Construction workers are primarily at risk of developing HAVS due to prolonged use of vibrating tools and equipment such as concrete breakers, hammer drills, and grinders.
In this article
- Are HAVS Assessments a Legal Requirement?
- What are the Hazards of Vibration?
- Evaluating and Controlling the Risk of HAVS
- Powerful Mobile App to Streamline HAVS Assessments
- Featured HAVS Assessment Templates
Are HAVS Assessments a Legal Requirement?
Employers in the UK have the legal obligation to maintain hand-arm vibration limits and implement measures to reduce exposure. The UK Vibration Regulations 2005 require employers to carry out regular HAVS assessments to prevent the development of HAVS and other related lifelong health issues among employees.
What are the Hazards of Vibration?
The hazards of vibration and HAVS symptoms become more apparent with prolonged exposure to vibration. Unfortunately, these negative effects of vibration on the body only become more noticeable when the symptoms get worse. Here are some examples:
- Tingling and/or numbness of fingers
- Signs of whitening of the fingers
- Unable to sense light touch
- Losing grip strength
- Growth of bone cysts on fingers and wrists
Evaluating and Controlling the Risk of HAVS
HAVS is a permanent condition affecting the nerves and blood vessels of the hand. In 2018, a contractor was fined over $600,000 (£500,000) and was ordered to pay costs of more than $200,000 (£195,000) on account of poor compliance with Vibration Regulations.
Safety officers evaluate hand-arm vibration risks by determining the exposure level of a construction worker. The exposure level is expressed in points derived from the vibration magnitude of a vibrating tool or equipment and the trigger time, which is the amount of time the worker used the vibrating tool. Here is a classification of exposure levels and the corresponding level of priority in implementing controls:
HAVS Assessment Exposure Level and Level of Priority
For medium to high-priority hand-arm vibration risks, the most effective control of exposure is to eliminate the source of vibration. Construction managers should set time limits for vibrating tool or equipment use and implement a systematic plan for job rotations.
For low-priority hand-arm vibration risks, HAVS assessments should be reviewed when there are significant changes in the job of a worker and in site conditions. Safety officers should record and monitor all exposure levels and controls in the HAVS assessment.
Powerful Mobile App to Streamline HAVS Assessments
Recording and monitoring HAVS assessments using pen and paper can be a regulatory burden. Employers and safety officers can overcome the tediousness and inefficiency of paper-based HAVS assessments using SafetyCulture, the world’s most powerful inspection software.
- Perform HAVS assessments on your mobile device
Safety officers can complete a HAVS assessment whether they have internet access or not. Access your digital HAVS assessment templates on any iOS, Android, or Windows smartphone or tablet. Save time by instantly generating and sharing a HAVS assessment report with the tap of a finger! - Capture photo evidence of vibration sources
Easily document the vibrating tools and equipment a worker is exposed to by taking pictures and annotating them. If workers show any symptoms of HAVS, you can take pictures of their hands for appropriate health surveillance. All data is secured and automatically saved in the cloud! - Assign actions to workers or construction managers
SafetyCulture enables safety officers to create actions containing control of exposure details, due dates, and priority. The assignee will be notified in real-time via email, SMS, or push notification. Immediately eliminate medium to high-priority hand-arm vibration risk.
Featured HAVS Assessment Templates
HSE HAVS Assessment Template
This HAVS risk assessment template can be used by construction workers to record the vibrating tools and equipment used during their shift. This template has been designed to easily document the time you started and ended using a specific vibrating tool or equipment. Determine your trigger time and minimize hand-arm vibration risks by doing a simple HAVS check with the use of this template.
HAVS Risk Assessment Template
This HAVS risk assessment template can be used by construction workers to record the vibrating tools and equipment used during their shift. This template has been designed to easily document the time you started and ended using a specific vibrating tool or equipment. Determine your trigger time and minimize hand-arm vibration risks by doing a simple HAVS check with the use of this template.
Vibration Risk Assessment Template
This vibration risk assessment template can help construction managers monitor the vibration magnitude of the vibrating tools or equipment to be used by their workers and set time limits before use. Let construction workers put their digital signature to signify their agreement to the set the time limit. Use this template to effectively implement a systematic plan for job rotations in a construction site.
HAVS Tools Assessment Template
A HAVS tools assessment template is used to ascertain that all tools and equipment undergo thorough inspections before use. Start by providing a description of work and list down the tools to be used for the operation. Do a site walkthrough to check if the area is safe and free from potential hazards. Evaluate if the workers are competent, wearing appropriate PPE and are not under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Next, inspect if the hand and power tools pass quality standards and are free from damages like cracked blades, fraying cords, worn out handles and loose parts. Lastly, take photos of tools which need repair or replacement for documentation. Also, cite recommendations and important reminders to improve hand and power tools safety.
