Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome ; Hand-arm vibration comes from the use of hand-held power tools and is the cause of significant ill health (painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints).

The amount of time you can safely use equipment varies depending on the type of tool, its condition, the materials you are working with and the job you are doing. It is essential that you check carefully to ensure you are not facing the risk of developing a hand-arm vibration-related disease, such as ‘vibration white finger’.

The length of exposure to hand-arm vibration is measured in metres per second squared (m/s²). You are at greater risk if you use a tool rated above 2.5 m/s² throughout an 8-hour working day. Continuous use of a tool rated above 5.0 m/s² represents a dangerously high risk.

The Construction Confederation and Hire Association Europe in partnership with the HSE have developed a simple ‘traffic light’ system of colour coding to show the vibration risks associated with tools and equipment.

HIGH Vibration Risk Equipment
Covers equipment over 5m/s2. Specific risk assessments will be required.

MEDIUM Vibration Risk Equipment
Covers equipment that may be used for two hours maximum each day without further assessment. Products at the low end of the amber range may be used for longer periods but must be justified by a risk assessment.

LOW Vibration Risk Equipment
Covers equipment that may be used intermittently throughout an eight hour day with low risk of vibration injury.

Much of the equipment and plant we offer for hire can be potentially dangerous if used incorrectly or without the correct Personal Protection Equipment (PPE). To assist you in maintaining safety standards, we have recommended the PPE that should be worn when using each item of hire equipment using a series of safety symbols.

	Safety/Steel toe cap boots
	Dust mask
	Eyewear protection
	Protective gloves
	Power breaker
	Safety helmet
	Welding shield/guard
	Ear defenders

We supply instructions for the safe and correct use of hired equipment wherever possible and provide both recommendations and solutions for high risk areas such as Working at Height, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), Noise at Work and Dust Extraction upon request. Training for safe usage of specific equipment is also available through THX.

THX has in place a Health & Safety Policy which is in accordance with Section 2 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. The safety of all personnel using our equipment is of primary importance to us and precautions are taken to minimise or, where possible, eliminate risks.

We strive to keep up to date with the latest developments and happenings within the industry and run a full, annually revised health and safety procedure which is set on and managed by a recognised organisation. THX regards this legislation as the minimum standard and expects management to achieve its targets without compromising health and safety.

We seek to provide quality tools which are tested and maintained to high standards by trained and qualified technicians. It is our policy to identify equipment which falls below these standards and repair, upgrade or remove these from our hire fleet as necessary.

We advise customers to make use of personal protection equipment (PPE) wherever applicable. This is indicated by clear annotation throughout this website and we hold the whole range available from stock.