HSL is to run a number of two-day training courses on Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). These courses have been accredited by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

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

Dates
Tuesday 30 September - Wednesday 1 October 2008

Introduction

Research commissioned by HSE suggests over 1 million people continue to be exposed to high levels of vibration in the workplace.

In May 2002 the Council of Ministers and the European Parliament adopted a joint text for a Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive regarding exposure risks arising from vibration sources. This defined the minimum health and safety requirements regarding exposure of workers to these risks. This Directive has come into force and Member States must comply from July 2005.

The HAVS assessment unit at HSL opened in1998 and has performed assessments on over 9000 workers. Staff have conducted HSE-funded research into HAVS including new testing techniques such as Finger Systolic Blood Pressure (FSBP) and thermography, as well as studies on disability caused by HAVS. In 2004, HSL published a systematic review and guidance on the use of objective testing for HAVS commissioned by the Faculty of Occupational Medicine.

This comprehensive course is designed for occupational health nurses and physicians. It will set out the key areas of HAVS assessment and provide guidance on how to assess and manage cases of HAVS. Time has been set aside for question and answer sessions.

At the end of the course there will be an assessment of competence and those who are successful will be entitled to apply to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine for a Certificate of Competence at an additional cost of £155 + VAT.

The course will cover:
• Health surveillance;
• Legal requirements for health surveillance;
• Pathophysiology;
• Control of vibration;
• Clinical assessment;
• Standardised tests;
• Case management.

Presenters include:
• Paul Pitts, specialist in noise and vibration for 25 years.
• Faculty accredited HAVS occupational health nurse and physicians
• Dr Howard Mason, Principal Scientist at HSL and co-author of the FOM HAVS review

The cost of the two-day course is £575 + VAT (to include course notes, lunches, dinner at a local restaurant in Buxton on the first night and all refreshments).

  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 http://www.visitpeakdistrict.com

HSL is also running a one-day course on HAVS and the Role of the Responsible Person. Click below for details:

  HAVS - the Role of the Responsible Person

  Back to top