From the Guidelines
The highest form of control for Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) under the hierarchy of controls is elimination of the vibration hazard. This approach is based on the principle of removing the source of the hazard, which in this case is the vibration. Although the provided evidence does not directly address HAVS, the concept of a hierarchy of controls is applicable across various occupational health hazards, including HAVS. The idea of elimination as the highest form of control is supported by the general principle that removing the offending material or substituting it with a non-hazardous alternative is the most desirable intervention, as seen in the management of asthma 1. In the context of HAVS, elimination would involve completely removing the source of vibration from the workplace, which could be achieved through redesigning the work process or using alternative methods that don't require vibrating tools. Some examples of elimination include:
- Replacing manual vibrating tools with automated processes
- Using different construction methods
- Implementing alternative work techniques that don't involve vibration exposure This approach is considered the most effective because it completely removes the hazard rather than just reducing exposure, thus providing the most reliable protection against HAVS. Other control methods, such as substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, or personal protective equipment, are less effective because they still allow some level of vibration exposure. Therefore, elimination of the vibration hazard should be the primary goal in controlling HAVS, as it addresses the root cause of the problem and provides the highest level of protection for workers.
From the Research
Hierarchy of Controls for HAVS
The hierarchy of controls is a framework used to minimize or eliminate hazards in the workplace. In the context of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), the hierarchy of controls can be applied to reduce the risk of vibration exposure.
Highest Form of Control
The highest form of control for HAVS under the hierarchy of controls is:
- Elimination or substitution of vibrating tools and equipment with alternative production techniques or low-vibration machinery 2
- Engineering controls, such as modifying tools and equipment to reduce vibration, and implementing routine preventative maintenance regimes 2, 3
Other Controls
Other controls that can be implemented to reduce the risk of HAVS include:
- Administrative controls, such as controlling exposure durations and implementing medical surveillance 3, 4
- Personal protective equipment, such as anti-vibration gloves, although their effectiveness is limited and may introduce adverse effects 2, 5
Limitations of Personal Protective Equipment
While anti-vibration gloves may provide some reduction in vibration exposure, they are not a reliable means of controlling HAVS and may introduce adverse effects such as increasing grip force and reducing manual dexterity 2, 5. Therefore, they should not be relied upon as the primary means of control.