Vibration

The following products are available:

	Quest HavPro Hand-Arm Vibration Kit The HAVPro is a compact, lightweight; fully integrated 3 channel Vibration Monitor for obtaining tri-axial vibration measurements. >> More Details

Vibration 101 - Hand Arm Vibration Information

Hand arm vibration can be a significant health risk wherever powered hand tools are used for significant lengths of time. This is especially so in foundries construction and heavy fabrication including ship building.

HSE has identified some established good practice controls that can help to eliminate or reduce vibration risk in these industries and in others. HSE inspectors are promoting these controls during inspections in these sectors and will expect to see evidence of the elimination of vibration risks or of their reduction to the lowest level that is reasonably practicable. Where vibration risks remain, inspectors will be looking for evidence that the risks are being managed adequately and that suitable health surveillance is in place.

What are the early signs and symptoms to look out for?

• Tingling and numbness in the fingers (which can cause sleep disturbance).
• Not being able to feel things with your fingers.
• Loss of strength in your hands (you may be less able to pick up or hold heavy objects).
• In the cold and wet, the tips of your fingers going white then red and being painful on recovery (vibration white finger).

If you continue to use high-vibration tools these symptoms will probably get worse, for example:

• The numbness in your hands could become permanent and you won't be able to feel
  things at all;
• You will have difficulty picking up small objects such as screws or nails;
• The vibration white finger could happen more frequently and affect more of your fingers