Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

Introduction

Image of an X-ray handResearch commissioned by HSE suggests over 1 million people continue to be exposed to high levels of vibration in the workplace.

In May 2002 the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament adopted a joint text for a Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive regarding exposure risks arising from vibration sources. This defined the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to these risks. This Directive has come into force and Member States must comply from July 2005.

The HAVS assessment unit at HSL opened in1998 and has performed assessments on over 9000 workers. Staff have conducted HSE-funded research into HAVS including new testing techniques such as Finger Systolic Blood Pressure (FSBP) and thermography, as well as studies on disability caused by HAVS. In 2004, HSL published a systematic review and guidance on the use of objective testing for HAVS commissioned by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.
This comprehensive course is designed for occupational health nurses and physicians. It will set out the key areas of HAVS assessment and provide guidance on how to assess and manage cases of HAVS. Time has been set aside for question and answer sessions. Please note when booking this course you will be required to quote your NMC or GMC number.

At the end of the course there will be an assessment of competence and those who are successful will be entitled to apply to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine for a Certificate of Competence.

The course will cover:

• Health surveillance;
• Legal requirements for health surveillance;
• Pathophysiology;
• Control of vibration;
• Clinical assessment;
• Standardised tests;
• Case management.