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HAND- VIBRATION SYNDROME (HAVS) David W. Smith, Extension Safety Program

When we think about the hazards of power tools, The primary cause of HAVS is holding high- vibration is not high on our list. However, for many frequency vibrating tools with the hand. The risk of American workers, vibration hazards pose both developing HAVS increases with the magnitude of acute and chronic health problems. Daily exposure the vibration and the length of exposure. Other to hand and arm vibration by workers who use factors include (1) the grip, push, or force used to vibrating tools powered by compressed air, guide and apply vibrating tools, (2) the pattern of gasoline, or electricity can cause physical damage exposure, (3) how much of the hand is exposed to to the hands and . Occupations in which the vibration, (4) cold temperatures, and (5) workers are at particular risk include construction, smoking. All of these factors tend to constrict blood forestry, foundry, quarry, shipyard, railroad, vessels, which in turn restricts blood flow to the assembly manufacturing, mining, and agriculture. affected part of the body.

WHAT IS HAVS? SYMPTOMS

One of the most common vibration-related problems The effects of HAVS range from mild, short-term is hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). While it “tingling” sensations in the to severe pain has been long recognized that vibration affects the and loss of dexterity. Common symptoms include hands and arms, it was not until 1983 that scientists what is known as Raynaud’s phenomenon: agreed on a definition of HAVS. HAVS is a condition which can affect the circulation, sensory, ¾ Whitening (blanching) of fingertips occurs and motor , and can cause muscular-skeletal after cold or damp exposure. This is due to problems. Also known as “vibration white ,” the small blood vessels narrowing. “dead finger,” and “Secondary Raynaud’s ¾ Bluish discoloration of the of fingers and Syndrome,” HAVS is a condition associated with the hands occurs as the oxygen is used up from destruction of the small blood vessels and with the reduced blood supply of the narrowed damage in the fingers. blood vessels. ¾ Fingers turn bright red. This is due to the COMMON CAUSES blood vessels opening up again (or dilating) when proper blood flow resumes. This may HAVS was first recognized around 1900 with the cause tingling, throbbing and pain. introduction of pneumatic tools that were used in quarries and mines. Since then, a multitude of The symptoms of Raynaud’s phenomenon can last time- and labor-saving hand tools have been for minutes or for several hours, and the amount of developed for practically every major construction, pain and discomfort varies for each individual. mining, manufacturing, repair,and agricultural task. Raynaud’s phenomenon is more likely to occur These powered hand tools include chain saws, during the winter, on cold, windy days. This grinders, sanders, drills, power hammers, mowers, condition can also appear during the summer, blowers, and machine tools that expose workers to though usually when the hands are wet. For some high levels of vibration. workers, these symptoms develop months or years after finishing work with vibrating tools.

Other symptoms of HAVS may be more permanent ¾ Keep hands warm and blood flowing to in nature if not diagnosed and treated early. fingers as much as possible. ¾ Do not smoke. Chemicals in tobacco can ¾ Numbness, with or without tingling, happens inhibit proper blood circulation. before, during, or after blanching. In severe cases, permanent numbness may extend Treatment along affected fingers. If you use high-frequency vibrating power tools ¾ Sense of touch and pain perception is and experience any of the symptoms listed reduced, sometimes permanently. This previously, see your doctor. Also, report these condition may prohibit individuals from symptoms to your employer. It is your detecting potential hazardous conditions, employer’s responsibility to ensure that you such as hot surfaces. work in a safe environment. If symptoms are ¾ Decreased and inability to severe, refrain from using vibrating tools until sustain muscle power can prohibit workers you receive medical attention. from performing certain required jobs, thus affecting productivity. HAVS symptoms vary for each individual ¾ Clumsiness and loss of dexterity not only depending on the level and length of exposure affect the individual but place co-workers in to vibrating tools. Thus, treatment options will more danger. also vary. However, if you suspect that you ¾ Permanent blood circulation damage to have HAVS, the following recommendations fingers is possible. may help to minimize short-term effects and ¾ Permanent blue-black appearance in fingers prevent long-term disabilities. occurs in severe cases. ¾ Purchase low-vibrating tools. Check with HAVS can pose considerable safety risks to product manufactures to determine the affected workers. Loss of grip strength, for vibration level compared to similar tools. example, can cause a worker to drop an object, ¾ Limit exposure to vibrating tools. Take putting the worker and co-workers at risk of injury. frequent breaks, warm fingers, and Loss of dexterity in the hands may increase the return normal blood circulation to hands potential for accidents while performing inherently and fingers. dangerous tasks. In addition, HAVS can seriously ¾ Investigate alternative tools or methods interfere with home activities and hobbies, reducing to complete tasks. Inform management the quality of life. of the need for modification. ¾ Talk to your doctor about prescribed PREVENTION AND TREATMENT medicine. Some medicines, such as The severity of symptoms generally dictates the beta-blockers and anti-migraine level of treatment, though taking measures to medicines, cause blood vessels to prevent HAVS is the best medicine. Following are narrow, making the symptoms of HAVS several steps to prevent workers who use vibrating worse. tools from developing HAVS. ¾ Stop smoking. The chemicals in tobacco can cause the small blood Prevention Tips vessels to narrow, making symptoms of HAVS more severe. ¾ Hold tools as loosely as possible and in ¾ Change jobs. In severe cases where varying positions. damage is progressing, the best solution ¾ Ensure tools are properly maintained. may be to remove yourself from the ¾ Use tools correctly, and use the right tool for exposure completely. the job. If the tool requires excessive grip force or requires long exposure to complete DON’T IGNORE THE SYMPTOMS. the job, then consider using a more CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR AND NOTIFY appropriate tool. YOUR EMPLOYER. ¾ Use anti-vibration gloves. ¾ Take regular breaks of at least 10 minutes All programs and information of Texas AgriLife away from the tool. Short bursts of intense Extension Service are available to everyone without work are better than long periods of work regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, handicap or without a break. national origin.