Education and Training

HAVS - Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome

In 2004 the Faculty published a major evidence review, Clinical Testing and Management of Individuals Exposed to Hand Transmitted Vibration, and developed a new certificate qualification in the assessment of Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). This was done in conjunction with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE); the certificate is an indication of competence in this area that is recognised by HSE inspectors.

The syllabus for this qualification is intended to guide the training of occupational health care professionals in the requirements for health surveillance for a workforce exposed to hand-transmitted vibration, and in the diagnosis and management of an individual with HAVS. It is aimed at health professionals working in the UK occupational health setting, rather than in a medicolegal setting.

The qualification is supported by the HAVS evidence review, a summary version of which is also available in leaflet form (see publications, below).

Courses are currently available at the Health and Safety Laboratory, Buxton (contact: training@hsl.gov.uk), the Institute of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Birmingham (contact: j.acton@bham.ac.uk) and the University of Glasgow (contact d.garrett@clinmed.gla.ac.uk)

Please click on the links below for further information.

HAVS – Publications

HAVS – Syllabus

HAVS – General information for course providers

HAVS – Course approval