In heavy-industry bolting operations, torque tools deliver critical performance — but those same tools can also pose serious health risks. At Industrial Bolting, we help companies understand and manage one of the most significant concerns related to vibration exposure: Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). HAVS is a cumulative occupational injury caused by repeated vibration exposure, making awareness and prevention essential for teams using pneumatic or electric torque tools.

What Is HAVS?

HAVS is a progressive disorder resulting from prolonged exposure to vibration. It affects three key systems in the hand and arm: vascular (blood vessels), neurological (nerves), and musculoskeletal (muscles and joints).

Why Bolting Professionals Are at Risk

Tools frequently used in bolting—especially impact wrenches and other power torque guns—produce high levels of vibration. These tools can exceed safe exposure thresholds, making repeated or prolonged use a genuine concern.

Real‑World Impacts

According to EHS Today, HAVS is often irreversible once symptoms progress. In heavy‑industry settings, untreated HAVS can lead to long-term disability: reduced dexterity, chronic pain, and decreased productivity, not just on the job but off-duty as well.

Strategies to Mitigate HAVS in Bolting Operations

Choose Low‑Vibration Tools

Selecting tools designed for low vibration—such as torque tools with multipliers—can drastically reduce risk.

Maintain and Monitor Tools

Well-maintained tools vibrate less. Ensure regular servicing, inspect for worn parts, and check vibration levels on site rather than relying solely on manufacturer data.

Implement Work‑Practice Controls

• Limit exposure time: schedule 10–15-minute breaks each hour to reduce daily vibration dose.

• Rotate tasks so workers alternate between vibrating and low-vibration tools.

• Train operators to grip tools lightly and let the tool do the work—an overly tight grip amplifies vibration risk.

• Encourage workers to keep their hands warm; cold hands reduce blood flow and increase vulnerability.

Use Engineering Controls

To reduce transmitted vibration, use damping solutions (e.g., isolation mounts, elastomeric materials) on the tool housing and work surfaces.

Industrial Bolting Is Your Partner in Vibration Safety

At Industrial Bolting, protecting performance and worker safety go hand in hand. With full-service locations in Merrillville and Westfield, Indiana, we provide calibration, maintenance, and repair services to help reduce risks such as HAVS. Contact us at (888) 781-2007 for expert support tailored to your bolting operations.

Trotto, Sarah. 2015. “Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.” Safety+Health, October 25. https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/13117-hand-arm-vibration.

Elofson-Callahan, Cari. 2022. “Workers Using Power Tools May Be at Risk for Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome.” SRBX Newsletter, February. San Rafael, CA: SRBX. https://www.srbx.org/uploads/1/1/7/6/117626900/havs_srbx_newsletter_article_02.2022.pdf.