Description. Hand-arm vibration is the result of forces from two sources: the tool itself, and the interaction between the tool and the material worked on. 275-8. 2. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 were introduced to better protect workers from vibration at work and came into force in July 2005. ‘The Stockholm workshop scale for the classification of cold-induced Raynaud’s phenomenon in the hand arm vibration syndrome’, Scand J Environ Health 1987, Vol. The vibration from the machine is caused by the forces required to operate it, for example, to accelerate the piston in a breaker. The longer the mechanics had been on the job, the more likely they were to exhibit hand-arm vibration syndrome symptoms. Hand-arm vibration syndrome stages are measured with the Stockholm Workshop Scale (SWS). Symptoms include numbness, tingling, and loss of nerve sensitivity. It is the result of prolonged work with vibrating tools, and the effects of vibration are cumulative. Hand-arm vibration syndrome: A disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to vibration, specifically to the hands and forearms while using vibrating tools. HAVS has three main components: 1. Vibration syndrome stages and symptoms. In occupational safety and health, hand arm vibrations (HAVs) are a specific type of occupational hazard which can lead to hand arm vibration syndrome. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by occupational exposure to vibrating hand tools. 手-手臂振動症候群（英語： Hand-arm vibration syndrome 或 ，簡稱HAVS）又稱為振動白指病（vibration white finger），是在1918年所創的名詞，由Alice Hamilton醫師發現此症候群與手-手臂振動暴露時間和使用頻率有關；而長時間的暴露會導致末梢循環障礙、末梢神經障礙及肌肉骨骼障礙 。 Loss of dexterity may occur. The hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a painful and potentially disabling condition of the fingers, hands, and arms due to vibration. Prescription for the hand-arm vibration syndrome - updated - In 2004, the Industrial Injury Advisory Council Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) caused by exposure to vibration at work is preventable, but once the damage is done it is permanent. It is commonly known as HAVS and it affects the fingers, hands and arms – hence the name. Exposure to hand arm vibrations is a respectively newer occupational hazard in the work place. Hand-arm vibration syndrome causes permanent changes in sensory perception in the extremities, which can lead to numbness of fingers, muscle weakness and, in some cases, bouts of white finger. Wikipedia describes VWF as: Vibration white finger, also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome or dead finger, is a secondary form of Raynaud’s syndrome, an industrial injury triggered by continuous use of vibrating hand-held machinery. • the use of hand-held powered percussive hammersin mining, quarrying, demolition, or on roads or footpaths, including road construction; or • the holding of material being worked upon by pounding machines in shoe manufacture. 4, pp. Hand arm vibration syndrome is a group of symptoms which accompanies prolong exposure to vibration from the use of hand-held vibrating tools. ↑ 16.0 16.1 Mason, H., Poole, K., Clinical Testing and Management of Individuals Exposed to Hand Transmitted Vibration. This can be minimized by using a tool that is designed to dampen vibrations. 13, No. Peripheral neuropathy of the hands that produces numbness, tingling, or both in a glove distribution.