HSL is to hold a number of one-day Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) courses covering:

• Legal Aspects
• Risk Assessment and Vibration Measurement
• Health Surveillance
• Health Effects and Classification

The courses will be held at the Health and Safety Laboratory, Harpur Hill, Buxton, Derbyshire on the following dates:

Date
Wednesday 8 October 2008

Introduction
Research commissioned by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) suggests that over 1 million people continue to be exposed to high levels of hand arm vibration in the workplace.

This one-day course is designed to provide an overview of the regulations, risk assessment and measurement, with more detailed information about how to implement a health surveillance programme, specifically the role of the responsible person. Sessions will be included on the health effects and classification of HAVS.

Legislation
In May 2002 the Council of Ministers and European Parliament adopted a joint text for a Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive regarding exposure risks arising from vibration sources.

On 6 July 2005 the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations (COVAWR) came into force implementing the Directive. The regulations and supporting guidance define the legal obligations on employers to assess and control the risks from vibration exposure.

HSL has contributed to the preparation of the COVAWR and HSE's guidance on the regulations. HSL makes hand arm vibration measurements on behalf of HSE and has conducted HSE-funded research for the input into, and validation of, international standards for instrumentation, machinery, control measures and personal protective equipment.

Who should attend?
The course is designed for those who are looking to take on the role of "responsible person" in the tiered approach to health surveillance. It is also suitable for occupational health nurses and occupational health physicians just embarking on health surveillance for HAVS. In addition Health
& Safety Representatives or managers wanting a general overview aboout HAVS in particular health aspects.

What you can expect from the course?
The programme will start with an introduction to HSL. The morning sessions will cover legal aspects and risk assessment of HAVS and hand arm vibration measurement. Lunch will be included in the course fee and a tour of the laboratory and facilities will take place during the break.

After lunch delegates will be divided into three groups and will attend three parallel interactive workshops on Health Surveillance, Health Effects / Classification and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ). Delegates will be invited to submit questions prior to their attendance at the course if they so wish for the FAQ workshop.

The day will conclude with a panel discussion and ample opportunity to respond to any unanswered questions that may have arisen during the course.

Presenters may include:
• Paul Pitts, Head of Noise and Vibration Section
• Sue Hewitt, Higher Scientist, Noise and Vibration Section
• Howard Mason, Principal Scientist, Health Effects Section
• Kerry Poole, Senior Scientist, Health Effects Section
• Alison Codling and Jacqui Foxlow, Faculty of Occupational Medicine, HAVS Approved Occupational Health Nurses

The cost of the one-day course is £350 + VAT (to include course notes, lunch, refreshments and a certificate of attendance).

  To register online please click here

For further information email: training@hsl.gov.uk or contact the Training Unit at HSL directly on 01298 218806.

  Details of hotels in the Buxton area can be found at www.visitpeakdistrict.com

HSL is also running a one-day workshop on Human Vibration Measurement and several two-day HAVS courses. Click below for details:

  Human Vibration Measurement Workshop at HSL
  Two-day HAVS courses at HSL

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