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HAND-ARM VIBRATION
SYNDROME |
Latency
Period Increased by Using Antivibration Gloves
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| Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome |
| Repetitive trauma associated with excessive vibration
directed into the hands and arms is a significant health problem in U.S. industry. It is
estimated that between two to four million workers are exposed to on-the-job hand-arm
vibration in the U.S. and that around 50% of these workers either have or will develop
symptoms associated with hand-arm vibration syndrome
(HAVS). HAVS is associated with the
destruction of the small blood vessels and with nerve damage in the fingers. HAVS is
caused by excessive vibration directed into the hands from vibrating hand tools and
vibration-intensive work processes. Symptoms associated with HAVS usually show up as a
combination of finger blanching, particularly in response to cold, and progressive finger
numbness. Symptoms associated with HAVS were first classified by the Taylor-Pelmear
Classification System (Table 1). The classification of HAVS symptoms was later refined by
the Stockholm Vibration Syndrome Classification System (Table 2). 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. |
Table 1
Stage Assessment for Hand-arm Vibration Syndrome(1) (Tayler-Pelmear
Classification System)
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Table 2 Stockholm (Revised) Hand-arm Vibration
Syndrome Classification System(1)
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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. The latency period is determined by many factors.
The most significant factor, however, is the amplitudes of the vibration energy into
the hands and arms or the vibration exposure. 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 antivibration gloves. |
ErgoAir®, Inc. Hand-arm Vibration Technical Information
Copyright © 1998, ErgoAir®, Inc
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