Tackling hand-arm vibration

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has launched a CD-ROM for managers and safety specialists on managing the risks from hand-arm vibration (HAV) to complement existing published materials.

The successful management of hand-arm vibration is designed to be used as a training aid and a reference source, and uses video clips, sound and animation. The HSE says it will help managers to meet their duties under existing law and assist in compliance with new laws on vibration currently under discussion within the European Union.

Hand-arm vibration syndrome is the name given to a group of diseases, including vibration white finger (VWF). Recent research estimates that over one million people in Britain are exposed to HAV above the HSE's recommended action level, and that around 300,000 have symptoms of VWF.

The HSE recommended action level is 2.8 metres per second squared and although this is not covered by specific legislation, negotiations in Europe may lead to legally binding action levels.

Copies of The successful management of hand-arm vibration, price £95, can be obtained from HSE Books (see box on page 18).