Hand Arm Vibration Screening
The purpose of Hand Arm Vibration Screening (HAVS) health surveillance is to:
- Identify anyone exposed or about to be exposed to hand-arm vibration who may be at particular risk, for example people with blood circulatory diseases such as Raynaud’s Disease
- Identify any vibration-related disease at an early stage in employees regularly exposed to hand arm vibration and advise you on management
- Assisting you prevent HAVS disease progression and eventual disability
- Assisting employees staying in employment
- Check the effectiveness of your vibration control measures
Level 1 : Pre employment assessment (Referred to as HAVS - Tier 1)
- Completion of self-assessment questionnaire before exposure begins
- Questionnaire assessed by responsible person and or occupational health nurse advisor
- Those with possible symptoms will be referred to a specialist occupational health advisor (Level 3) and/or a specialist medical practitioner (Level 4).
Level 2 : Routine annual screening (Referred to as HAVS - Tier 2)
- Completion of a self-assessment questionnaire
- Questionnaire to be assessed by a responsible person
- Those with possible symptoms to be referred to a specialist occupational health advisor (Level 3) and/or specialist medical practitioner (Level 4)
- If symptoms are reported at any time they must be referred and not delayed until annual screening
- No symptoms after 3 years must be referred for clinical assessment (Level 3)
Level 3 : Clinical assessment (Referred to as HAVS - Tier 3)
- Clinical assessment by a specialist occupational health advisor for the vascular (circulatory) & neurological (nerve) function of the arm, wrist, hand and fingers: specific tests may include grip strength, Purdue pegboard (assess speed and manual dexterity) and monofilaments (assess sensory perception of the fingers)
- Referral to a specialist Doctor (Level 4) where symptoms are reported or clinical effects found
Level 4 : Formal diagnosis (Referred to as HAVS - Tier 4)
- Formal diagnosis for reporting under RIDDOR by a specialist medical practitioner
- Fitness for work issues/case management
- Possible referral for standardised testing and/or other specialist tests may be required
Level 5 : Standardised tests (Referred to as HAVS - Tier 5)
- In addition to clinical findings, standardised testing can be conducted if requested by a specialist medical practitioner
- Diagnosis still depends on the judgement of a specialist medical practitioner (Level 4)
If you would like further information on Hand Arm Vibration Screening, please contact Spirit Occupational Health Service on 01952 670665.
