Hand Arm Vibration Awareness (HAVS) Training Course

Even though the dangers of exposure to vibration may not appear to seem particularly significant, the effects can cause substantial injury and are often irreversible. Regular exposure to vibration at work can be the cause of painful and disabling disorders of the nerves, joints and blood vessels.

How long does it take to develop hand/arm vibration syndrome?

Hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) has a range of symptoms, from experiencing tingling and numbness in fingers to the loss of strength in hands.

The time it takes for symptoms to appear varies from person to person. Some people will begin to experience symptoms after only a couple of months of exposure, whereas for others it could take years. However, symptoms are likely to worsen with continued vibration exposure.

How can you reduce the risk of hand arm vibration?

It is important that any worker who regularly operates machinery that exposes them to vibrations knows how to manage the risks of HAVS. Employers should ensure that any worker that is regularly exposed to vibration should undertake a HAVs training course.

Hand Arm Vibration Awareness Training – key points

• Experience: This course is suitable for delegates that work in construction/operate machinery that regularly exposes them to vibrations
• Duration: One hour
• Assessment: Final test
• Teaching method: E-learning.

Hand Arm Vibration Awareness Training – aims and objectives

The Hand Arm Vibration training course provides an introduction to the risks that are associated with exposure to HAVS. Delegates will learn about Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and why it is important to prevent these disorders.

It is crucial that any organisations that operate machinery and equipment which creates vibrations comply with relevant legislation and have procedures in place to protect the health and safety of their employees. As a result, delegates will be taught the best ways to ensure safety when operating this machinery.

Hand Arm Vibration Awareness Training Outcomes

By the end of the HAVS training course, delegates will be able to successfully identify the long and short-term health risks that are associated through exposure to vibration, and how to minimise these risks. Delegates will also learn about the benefits of keeping logs of the length of time that they have used equipment, the appropriate length of time for safely using equipment and at which point you must stop using equipment so as not to become overexposed to vibration.

Upon completion of the Hand Arm Vibration training, delegates are required to take a final test comprising 10 questions. Once they have successfully passed the test, delegates will then be issued with a Hand Arm Vibration Awareness training certificate, which is immediately available to download and print.

SOCOTEC’s Hand Arm Vibration training course is suitable for employees that oversee the use of machinery and equipment that creates vibrations, helping to minimise risk and ensure that the machinery is being operated safely. HAVS training would also be useful for any employee that wants to learn about the occupational health risks associated with regular vibration exposure.

Hand Arm Vibration Awareness Training Course – overview

The HAVS awareness training course comprises three interactive modules, followed by a final assessment that delegates must complete to successfully pass the course. The modules are as follows:

1. Overview
2. Reducing vibration injuries– delegates will explore the health-related impacts of exposure to hand arm vibration through a series of case studies. This module will also highlight how failing to reduce exposure can lead to serious long-term health implications.
3. Health surveillance – delegates will learn about why it is important to actively monitor health in relation to hand arm vibration exposure.
4. Test – undertake a final assessment covering the entire course content to demonstrate your understanding.

If you’re booking the HAVS training online course for over 20 people, please use the form below and we will provide you with a quote. For bookings of less than 20, please make your purchase online.