Hand-Arm Vibration training courses – from briefings to full competency

The INVC is the IOSH approved HAV training organisation – and the major provider of HAV and noise competency training in the UK and Ireland. We developed and run the general courses for IOSH and other training organisations plus a wide range of customised in-house versions for major companies.

The non-academic approach means the full HAV competency training course takes only 2 days, not the conventional 5…

All hand-arm vibration training courses are run by practicing consultant engineers with many years of experience in the field – not academics or perpetual trainers… This makes the training highly practical and effective with a style and content that is appreciated by busy professionals.

Hand-Arm Vibration Training Course Options

Hand-Arm Vibration IOSH Competency Course: 2 days

We developed and run the IOSH occupational vibration competency course that combines the full management briefing with the highly practical workshop covering the calculation of risk, vibration measurement instrumentation and accurate field vibration measurements on a variety of tools. It also covers the use of field vibration information from other hand-arm vibration database sources. IOSH certification is based on successful completion of a written test covering all aspects of the occupational vibration training course.
Delegates can attend the briefing and the workshop on separate occasions.

HAV Master Class – what is best practice for your circumstances?

Misunderstanding disingenuous Hand Arm Vibration monitoring marketing material for the latest generation of instruments can put hands and safety policies at risk. Caveat emptor.

We recently published a white paper providing a definitive guide to ISO 5349 compliant vibration measurement in response to questions about new vibration measurement systems, particularly re the latest hand-held, glove or wrist mounted transducers. Whilst they can sometimes be useful tools, unfortunately, some of the claims being made are disingenuous and end users have misunderstood the limitations inherent in these vibration measurement techniques – with potentially serious consequences.

Where these techniques do not conform to measurement standards, the results cannot be compared with the regulatory action and limit values. Put simply, none of these alternative measurement techniques provide values that can be used for a reliable assessment of the levels of vibration to which operators are exposed as detailed in ISO 5349. The HSE has published new guidance specifically about the same topic that may change the way you measure, monitor and manage HAV risk. Despite the very simple and direct guidance from the HSE, there still seems to be considerable confusion about what constitutes best practice – confusion that appears to be deliberately fueled by some commercial interests.

The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), for example, has ruled against claims that wrist-mounted transducers are capable of measuring to ISO 5349. As these can be very muddy waters for non-vibration specialists to navigate, we have put together a HAVS risk best practice “GPS” practical workshop to help organisations make the best decisions for their own particular circumstances.

The HAV Master Class is both a public and an in-house workshop. It provides a detailed review of both the practical implications of the HSE guidance and of the limitations of the newer vibration measurement and monitoring systems, demystifying the claims. It also provides an update to current best practices and an expert forum in which to discuss your existing risk management procedures and reports to check whether changes should be made in the future. Many organisations make vibration risk management far more complicated and costly than is necessary.

Made me think about HAVS in a different way. Martin Smith Group HSE Director

Send me more details of the HAV Master Class

Hand-Arm Vibration Management Briefing + Regulation Update: 2 – 6 hours
There is no effective PPE for occupational vibration; symptoms are under reported; settlements are high (up to £200,000) and most assessments are inaccurate. This Hand-Arm Vibration training course shows you exactly how to manage the problem, providing delegates with a detailed programme of best practice to minimise both risks and costs.

Surprised at some information – not as complicated as first thought. Could save time and money in future in how we deal with HAVs.: Darryl Dawson, manager

Hand-Arm Vibration Risk Assessment Training: Field Measurement of Vibration: 1 day
This can be run as an independent vibration training course or as a follow-up to the management briefing. It provides the practical training needed to acquire practical Hand-Arm vibration measurement and risk assessment skills. It is a practical vibration measurement training workshop covering risk assessment and measurement across a range of typical tools. Hand-arm vibration assessments are substantially more difficult than noise assessments – our experience has shown that a high percentage of the measurements taken across the UK are based on faulty techniques that do not give accurate results – negating their usefulness for risk assessment and management. This vibration training course also includes risk assessment from sources such as vibration databases.

Well presented, enjoyable and informative – now aware that minimal resources should be spent on measuring HAVs – focus on controlling exposure e.g. education and maintenance: Daniel Bright: Sheffield Council Tree manager

Whole Body Vibration Competency Course
This is either a stand alone course or an extension to the HAV competency vibration training course that adds the theoretical and practical workshop elements required to become competent in Whole Body Vibration (WBV) measurements and risk assessment.

It was very useful to get the practical real-life insight as well as the technical side (which was presented very understandably). Neville Hime; NERC Corp H&S advisor.

EDUCATIONAL : MOTIVATIONAL : HAND-ARM VIBRATION TOOLBOX TALKS

Hand-Arm Vibration Toolbox Talk: 30mins – 1 hour
Graphic illustrations of the effects of vibration on the hands (using supplied props and procedures) to motivate and educate personnel as to the risks of working with vibrating tools. It also details the practical measures they can take to minimise the risks through personal behaviour and actions.

Hand-Arm Vibration Toolbox Talk : ditial media
The short motivational course on hand-arm vibration is also available as digital media. This makes life easier for safety and training professionals by providing training material and resources for use in-house. They include multimedia elements and full script documentation. Support is also available as an initial INVC presentation to train trainers. Customised versions can also be generated if required.

Training the Trainers: Hand-Arm Vibration Training for in-house Trainers – half to 1 day
This is a short vibration training course specifically designed to train in-house personnel to roll-out the toolbox talk (and HAV management briefings if required) across an organisation. It provides companies with a turn-key programme complete with all training materials.

SPECIALISED AND BESPOKE VIBRATION TRAINING COURSES

Specialised vibration training courses are also available, either in-house or at our premises covering topics such as Product Noise and Vibration Testing, Machine Condition Monitoring, Digital Recording and Analysis, Signal Processing and Analysis …