HAVS is a condition that encompasses damage to the sensorineural, vascular and or musculoskeletal system of the upper limb resulting from regular use of vibrating hand tools. The common symptoms are tingling and numbness (neurological system), blanching of fingers (vascular system) and pain (musculoskeletal system).

Provides clinical assessments of workers who operate vibrating hand tools such as grinders and rock drills for hand arm vibration syndrome.

Procedure for carrying out HAVS clinical assessment:

• A workplace representative such as an occupational health nurse refers workers suspected of HAVS because of regular use of vibrating hand tools.
• Obtain the workers’ occupational and medical history.
• Perform physical examination.
• Conduct standardized tests for HAVS.
  • Thermal Aesthesiometry – Assesses temperature sensation.
  • Vibrotactile Threshold – Assesses vibration sensation.
  • Cold Provocation – Assesses vascular damage.
• Staging of symptoms