HAV-Sentry

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is caused by occupational exposure to vibrating powered hand tools which are used for significant lengths of time. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulation 2005 has set the following exposure limit values and action values:

(a) the daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s² A(8);
(b) the daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8).

The measurement of vibration is mainly based on BS EN ISO 5349-1:2001 for the hand and arm, and is defined by three variables: frequency, intensity of the displacement or maximum acceleration suffered by the body, and direction, composed of three orthogonal axes: x (from back to front), y (from right to left) and z (from the feet to the head).

The textile embedded monitoring technology, represented by the Aegis Vibration Sensing and Alert Unit, is assembled in a replaceable liner glove, to be worn with or without protection gloves. Vibration exposure levels are calculated based on real-time acquired vibration data by the minimally intrusive sensing unit found in the palm. Sound and visual indicators provided by the control unit found on the back of the hand inform the wearer when the threshold exposure action and limit values are reached.

Note: The HAV-Sentry system adopts the hand-held adaptor design detailed in the Annex D of the BS EN ISO 5349-2:2001. In addition, it measures the gripping force applied by the operator. Although no current guidance exists to evalute this additional factor it is recognised it is relevant and important to improving vibration risk assessment.

Tags are individually assigned to each operator and used to pair with the Aegis Vibration Sensing and Alert Unit at the start of each shift. There is no need for the operator to carry the ID Tag once it has been assigned.

The Docking Station provides the means to charge the Aegis Vibration Sensing and Alert Unit and download its stored data to the online Dashboard, which provides data analysis and automated risk assessment reports. The measurements recorded are operator specific A(8) exposure trends, grip strength, vibration peaks and RMS amplitudes.