Table 2 Stockholm (Revised) Hand-arm Vibration
Syndrome Classification System(1)
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| HAND-ARM VIBRATION SYNDROME |
| Latency Period Increased by Using ErgoAir® Anti-vibration Gloves |
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Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome Repetitive trauma associated with excessive vibration and shock transmitted to the hands and arms represents a significant health risk in U.S. industry. It is estimated that between two to four million workers are exposed to on-the-job hand-arm vibration and shock in U.S. industry and that around 50% of these workers either have or will develop symptoms associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Hand-arm vibration syndrome is defined in ANSI S2.70 as: the complex of peripheral vascular, neurological, and musculoskeletal disorders of the hand and arm that are associated with industrial exposure to hand-transmitted vibration. Nerological symptoms associated with HAVS include finger tingling and numbness due to damage to nerve receptors in the fingers. Vascular symptoms include finger blanching, particularly in response to cold provocation, due to damage to the small blood vessels in the fingers. Symptoms associated with HAVS are classifide by the Stockholm Vibration Syndrome Classification System (Table 1). Figures 1 - 4 show pictures of hands with the four stages associated with the vascular component of HAVS. In advanced stages, HAVS can result in the loss of tactile discrimination and manipulative dexterity. When the level of vibration exposure to the hands is excessively high, symptoms associated with HAVS can appear within as little as one year's time. |
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Table 2 Stockholm (Revised) Hand-arm Vibration
Syndrome Classification System(1) |
 Figure 1 Vascular Staage1 |
 Figure 2 Vascular Staage 2 |
 Figure 3 Vascular Stage 3 |
 Figure 4 Vascular Stage 4 |
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Latency Period for Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome The latency period for hand-arm vibration syndrome is the time it takes for the first symptoms to appear. These symptoms are normally associated with the sensorneural component associated with HAVS. The latency period is determined by many factors. The most significant factor, however, is the vibration exposure associated with the amplitudes of the vibration and shock energy transmitted to the hands and arms. Vibration exposure is affected by the types of vibrating tools that are used by a worker and the work processes in which these tools are used. The latency period associated with the onset of HAVS symptoms can be significantly increased by reducing vibration exposure. This can be accomplished by adjusting work processes to minimize vibration exposure and exposure time, by selecting low-vibration tools, and by using anti-vibration gloves. |
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