Hand-Arm Vibration Awareness
Recognise HAVS and carpal tunnel early and keep vibration exposure within safe limits.
About this course
This short course introduces hand-arm vibration (HAV) and why it matters if you use power tools, breakers, grinders or compactors as part of your work. It is aimed at operatives, tradespeople and supervisors who regularly handle vibrating equipment on site or in the workshop.
You will learn what HAV is, the health conditions it can cause, the key legal limits employers must manage, and practical steps to reduce your own exposure.
The course runs entirely in your browser. You can stop at any point and pick up where you left off, and once you pass the final assessment you can download a PDF certificate straight away.
Who it's for
- Operatives using breakers, grinders and drills
- Groundworkers, highways and utility teams
- Supervisors managing exposure points and trigger times
- Anyone with tingling or numbness in the hands
Snippets from the course
Two short extracts taken straight from the course material, so you know exactly what you're signing up for.
Vibration white finger
Vibration white finger (VWF) is the vascular component of HAVS, where blood vessels in the fingers become damaged and go into spasm, particularly when exposed to cold.
Using manufacturer vibration data
Tool manufacturers publish vibration emission values, usually in m/s2, based on standardised testing. This data sheet figure is the starting point for exposure calculations.
What's covered
Welcome and Introduction
- Welcome to Hand-Arm Vibration Awareness
- Who this course is for
- How the course works
- Why hand-arm vibration matters
What Hand-Arm Vibration Is
- Defining hand-arm vibration
- Common tools that cause high vibration
- How vibration exposure is measured
- Whole-body vibration versus hand-arm vibration
Health Effects of Vibration Exposure
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
- Vibration white finger
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Recognising early symptoms
The Law: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
- Overview of the regulations
- Exposure Action Value (EAV)
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV)
- Understanding the points system
Assessing Vibration Exposure
- Why exposure assessment matters
- Using manufacturer vibration data
- Calculating trigger time
- Worked example: calculating daily exposure
Controlling Vibration Exposure
- The hierarchy of control
- Tool selection and maintenance
- Job rotation and limiting trigger time
- Taking breaks and keeping warm
Health Surveillance and Reporting
- What is health surveillance?
- Tiered surveillance approach
- Reporting symptoms early
- RIDDOR and vibration-related conditions
Summary and Putting It Into Practice
- Key points recap
- What good practice looks like on site
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Your responsibilities going forward
Final assessment
A longer multiple-choice assessment covering every module. Score 80% or more and your PDF certificate is issued immediately. You can retake it as many times as you need.
Start Hand-Arm Vibration Awareness now
8 modules, a test after each one and a final assessment — all in your browser, all saved as you go.
You'll be asked to sign in or create a free account first, then pay £29.99 (includes VAT at 20%) to unlock the course. Your progress and certificate are saved to your account.