Hand Arm Vibration

Hand Arm Vibration, or HAV’s, is a painful and disabling condition caused by power tools and machinery. If you regularly work with power tools, compactor plates, road saws and breakers, brush cutters, lawn mowers and hedge trimmers, or any other power tools, you could be at risk.

Here at Brandon Hire, we always try to supply you with low-vibration tools that are well maintained, along with expert advice and guidance. There are some simple measures you can take to protect yourself -

• Make sure you buy or hire low-vibration tools and look after them
• Always use sharp points, chisels and blades
• Keep warm and keep your blood circulating by flexing your fingers and hands during breaks
• Make sure you always use the right tool for the job

If you’re an employer, our nationwide team of HAV specialists can help you assess risk, then minimise or even prevent it, tailor-making guidance and solutions to your particular circumstances. And we have the largest database of independent field data, as well as the latest in HAV management systems, including -

• Reactec HAVmeter
• The HAVi and HAVi Manager Compliance system
• Toolminder

Brandon Hire have produced two sets of HAV data posters in PDF format with each set of posters displaying HAV data for five groups of tools and equipment:

1. Landscape, Gardening and Site Preparation Tools and Equipment
2. Power Tools
3. Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Tools
4. Construction Tools part 1 & 2

By clicking on the blue download button you can access a range of posters with manufacturers HAV data, HSE HAV 'Points' per hour, Time to reach Exposure Action Value (EAV), Exposure Limit Values (ELV) and sound pressure - dB(A). Manufacturers HAV data may not represent the actual vibration levels encountered in the workplace but, it is extremely useful for carrying out initial risk assessments.

Click on the orange download button to download a range of posters displaying manufacturers HAV data and sample data with applications from the INVC database of 'independantly tested-field data'. Independantly tested field data better represents real-use tool vibration exposure levels and can help you to create accurate, meaningfull risk assessments. The field data shown represents a small sample of information we have available. If you require HAV data on specific tools and equipment please email targetrisk@brandonhire.co.uk with the manufacturers name, model, description and your specific application and we will advise you on the data available.

To find out more about HAV talk to your regional HAV Specialist by contacting your local Brandon Hire. Call Target Risk on 0117 971 8527 or email: targetrisk@brandonhire.co.uk