Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Awareness Training

Introduction

Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a serious and irreversible condition caused by prolonged exposure to vibration, commonly through the use of hand-held or hand-guided power tools. Symptoms may present as Vibration White Finger (VWF) or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, often emerging in as little as six months of frequent tool use.

HAVS is not an illness in itself, but rather the permanent result of nerve, blood vessel, and joint damage. Once symptoms appear — numbness, tingling, reduced grip strength, or whitening of the fingers — there is no cure.

That’s why prevention through awareness and control measures is absolutely critical. This comprehensive PowerPlus HAVS Awareness Course will help your team understand the risks, legislation, risk assessments, and the practical steps required to reduce vibration exposure.

Who Should Take This Course?

This course is ideal for any worker who operates vibrating equipment as part of their job. It is especially relevant to those who use:

Hand-held power tools (e.g., grinders, road breakers)
Hand-guided machinery (e.g., powered lawnmowers, floor saws)
Hand-fed machines (e.g., pedestal grinders, forge hammers)

The course is highly applicable across a range of sectors, including:

Construction and civil engineering
Vehicle manufacture and repair
Forestry and land management
Foundries and metalworks
Parks, gardens, and grounds maintenance
Shipbuilding and repair
Utilities (gas, water, telecoms)

No previous training is required. This course is designed for operational, maintenance, and supervisory personnel.

Course Objectives

By completing this course, participants will:

Understand what HAVS is, how it develops, and the symptoms
Be aware of UK legislation concerning vibration exposure at work
Learn how to conduct or contribute to vibration risk assessments
Explore best practices to reduce and control vibration risks
Understand how to minimise vibration transmission through correct tool handling and maintenance
Gain confidence in recognising and reporting early symptoms

Course Content Overview (Videos)

Video 1: HAVS Overview

⏱ Duration: 3 minutes 52 seconds

What is HAVS and why it matters
The causes, symptoms, and consequences
Real-world case studies and examples

Video 2: Legislation

⏱ Duration: 5 minutes 08 seconds

An overview of the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Employer and employee duties under UK law
Exposure Action Values (EAV) and Exposure Limit Values (ELV)

Video 3: Risk Assessments

⏱ Duration: 7 minutes 54 seconds

Identifying vibration hazards in your workplace
Evaluating who is at risk and to what extent
Practical tips for carrying out a vibration risk assessment

Video 4: Reducing and Controlling Risks

⏱ Duration: 6 minutes 27 seconds

Job rotation and break planning
Tool selection, maintenance, and usage techniques
Use of anti-vibration handles and gloves

Video 5: Reducing Vibration Transmissions

⏱ Duration: 5 minutes 27 seconds

Tool and equipment modifications
Surface and environment considerations
Effective monitoring and feedback loops

Assessment and Certification

Upon completion, learners can complete a short assessment to reinforce learning outcomes. Successful participants will receive a Certificate of Completion, demonstrating their awareness of HAVS and their commitment to workplace safety and health compliance.

Benefits of This Course

Prevents life-altering, irreversible conditions
Helps your business comply with UK vibration safety regulations
Reduces absence, injury claims, and long-term ill health
Equips staff with practical strategies for safer tool use
Can be completed in under 30 minutes