E125:05 29 September 2005

HSE publishes new guidance on the hand arm vibration

HSE has published a comprehensive guide on Hand-arm vibration (HAV) . The guide, “Hand-arm vibration: Con trol of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005” gives advice of what needs to be done to reduce and control the risks of HAV under the Control of Vibration Work Act 2005.

The launch of the guide coincides with the first in a series of 15 noise and vibration roadshows, which started in Glasgow on 27 September. The new guide is aimed at employers, health and safety advisors, specialists and occupational health professionals.

Exposure to HAV occurs in many industries, particularly where the use of power tools is extensive, like in the construction, mining and manufacturing industries. The book includes practical guidance on a number of issues like: how to do risk assessments, estimating vibration exposure and arranging health surveillance to name a few. There are additional chapters providing technical and medical guidance for vibration technicians and medical and nursing staff.

Notes for editors

• Hand-arm vibration: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (L140) (ISBN 0 7176 6125 3) replaces “Hand-arm Vibration (HSG 88).
• The guide costs £13.95 and is available from HSE Books and bookshops generally.
• HSE are running a series roadshows around the UK, jointly with EEF, the manufacturers’ association, on the new vibration regulations throughout the year.

Dates for Noise and Vibration Road Shows 2005

• Glasgow 27 September
• Sheffield 28 September
• Hook (Near Basingstoke) 29 September
• Hadleigh (Near Ipswich) 4 October
• Belfast 5 October
• Washington (Near Newcastle) 7 October
• Birmingham 14 October
• Warrington 18 October
• Leeds 19 October
• Barleythorpe (Near Leicester) 20 October
• Wales (Bridgend) 1 November
• London 3 November

Sounds Off – Noise Reduction at Work Conference

• 11 – 12 October 2005, Earls Court Conference Centre, London

HSE priced and free publications are available by mail order from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury Suffolk, CO10 2WA; Tel: 01787 881165; Fax: 01787 313995; Website:

Public Enquiries : HSE InfoLine, tel: 0845 345 0055, visit: www.hse.gov.uk/contact or write to: HSE InfoLine, Caerphilly Business Park, Caerphilly CF83 3GG.

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