Vibration Exposure — Hand-Arm (HAVS)
Construction and general industry · Ver en español
Talking points
- Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) causes white fingers, numbness, tingling, and loss of grip strength. It is irreversible once advanced.
- OSHA does not have a specific PEL for vibration, but NIOSH recommends limiting exposure to high-vibration tools (jackhammers, chipping guns, grinders) to less than 4 hours per day.
- Anti-vibration gloves can reduce some transmission but are not a substitute for limiting exposure time. Choose gloves specifically rated for vibration reduction.
- Maintain tools properly — dull bits, worn bearings, and imbalanced wheels increase vibration significantly. A well-maintained tool vibrates less.
- If your fingers turn white or numb after using vibrating tools, report it to your supervisor and see a doctor. Early symptoms are the warning — don't ignore them.
Ask the crew
How much time are you spending on vibrating tools each day — and are you rotating with other crew members?
Standards this talk is built on
- Section 5(a)(1)
A toolbox talk is a short safety briefing. It supports the training a standard requires; it does not replace it.
Run this talk with your crew and keep the record
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Sign-in sheet
Print this page to collect signatures, or run the talk in Jobsite and workers sign in on their phones.
| Name | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|
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