What Is a Hand-Arm Vibration Test? A Complete Guide for Employers

Hand-arm vibration (HAV) is the vibration transmitted from work tools and equipment into workers’ hands and arms. This often occurs when using hand-held power tools like drills, grinders, and chainsaws, and prolonged exposure can result in severe health issues such as hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome. These risks make HAV testing and vibration control essential to workplace safety.

What Is a Hand-Arm Vibration Test?

A hand-arm vibration test measures the vibration levels produced by industrial tools and equipment, helping employers understand their workers’ vibration exposure. The test evaluates hand-transmitted vibration to identify tools posing significant risks and help ensure compliance with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations.

Why Is HAV Testing Important?

Health Risks of Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome

Long-term exposure to vibration can lead to:

• HAVS: damages blood vessels, nerves, and muscles, causing pain and reduced hand function.
• Vibration White Finger: a common symptom of HAVS which leads to numbness and loss of dexterity.
• Musculoskeletal Disorders: chronic arm and hand issues.

Legal Obligations

Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers must regularly assess and reduce exposure ‘as far as reasonably practicable’. Non-compliance can result in hefty penalties.

Workplace Productivity

Regular testing prevents injuries, maintains productivity, and minimises compensation claims.

How Do You Measure Hand-Arm Vibration Exposure?

1. Measurement: devices like vibration meters or accelerometers are attached to tools or workers’ hands to measure vibration magnitude (m/s²).

2. Duration Recording: track how long each tool is used daily.

3. Comparison: test results are compared to these key limits and limit values:

• Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² (requires control measures).
• Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5.0 m/s² (stop tool use or rotate tasks).

4. Analysis: data is evaluated to ensure safety and compliance.

Who Needs HAV Testing?

Industries at risk include:

• Construction: workers using jackhammers, drills, and other power tools are exposed to vibrations, which can lead to serious conditions like hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS). Therefore, it is crucial to monitor and control vibration levels.
• Manufacturing: operating grinders and polishers on production lines exposes operators to vibration risk over prolonged periods.
• Forestry and Agriculture: chainsaws, trimmers, and similar equipment generate significant vibration, putting operators at risk of developing HAVS symptoms.
• Mining and Quarrying: prolonged exposure to vibrations from breaking rocks or drilling can cause severe hand and arm conditions.
• Utilities and Maintenance: extended use of compactors, grinders, and impact wrenches for installation, maintenance, and repair work often occurs in tight schedules or adverse conditions, increasing the risk of hand-arm vibration at work.
• Railway Maintenance: track maintenance and repair tasks involve tools like impact wrenches, ballast tampers, and rail grinders. The repetitive nature of the work and high vibration levels make this industry particularly hazardous.
• Automotive and Aerospace Industries: precision work often requires prolonged use of grinders, sanders and polishers during assembly, repair, or finishing processes.
• Paving and Roadworks: the combination of high vibration levels from vibrating rollers, compactors, and pneumatic drills to lay asphalt, prepare foundations, and repair road surfaces increases the risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome.
• Oil and Gas Industry: workers in offshore and onshore operations use vibrating tools for drilling, cutting, and maintenance. The harsh environments often demand prolonged tool use, increasing cumulative exposure.

Common Factors Across These Industries:

• Frequent use of hand-held vibrating tools.
• Long exposure durations without adequate breaks or rotations.
• Tasks requiring precision increase the likelihood of prolonged tool use.
• Limited adoption of modern low-vibration tools or engineering controls in some sectors.

Employers in these industries must prioritise regular HAV testing to assess the risk, implement control measures, and educate workers on safe practices to reduce the risks associated with HAVS and ensure compliance with health and safety regulations.

Staying Compliant with UK HAV Regulations

Steps for Employers:

To protect workers and ensure compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, UK employers must do the following:

Conduct a Vibration Assessment

• Identify all tools and equipment that may expose workers to harmful vibrations.
• Evaluate the potential vibration magnitude and exposure duration for each tool.
• Categorise tools and tasks into low, moderate, or high-risk levels to prioritise action.

Perform Regular HAV Testing

• Use approved devices such as vibration meters to measure actual exposure levels.
• Schedule periodic tests based on the frequency of tool use and changes in equipment or processes.

Train Workers on Safe Practices

• Educate workers on the risks of hand-arm vibration exposure and how to minimise them.
• Implement job rotation strategies to reduce daily exposure time.
• Train workers to maintain tools properly, including sharpening blades and replacing worn components to reduce unnecessary vibration.

Keep Detailed Records of Assessments

• Document all risk assessments, vibration measurements, and exposure points for tools and tasks.
• Keep logs of worker exposure times, testing dates, and maintenance schedules.
• Ensure records are readily available for audits or inspections by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Specific UK Regulations and Guidelines

In the UK, compliance with the following regulations and guidelines is mandatory.

Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

• Requires employers to assess and monitor workers’ exposure to vibration.
• Mandates implementation of measures to reduce exposure as far as reasonably practicable when the 2.5 m/s² exposure action value (EAV) is reached.
• Prohibits further exposure beyond the 5.0 m/s² exposure limit value (ELV) without immediate action.

HSE Guidance on Vibration Exposure

• HSE provides detailed guidelines, including the use of vibration calculators to estimate exposure points and risks.
• Recommends best practices for tool maintenance, engineering controls, and safe work methods.

ISO 5349 Standards for Vibration Measurement

• Ensures consistency in how vibration levels are measured and reported.
• Defines methods for calculating exposure from hand-held tools and hand-guided equipment.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

• Employers must perform a general risk assessment and take preventive measures for all workplace hazards, including vibration.

Employers who adhere to these steps and regulations can mitigate risks, protect workers, and avoid legal and financial consequences associated with non-compliance.

Regulatory Actions

The two most common actions taken are:

• Implement engineering controls if EAV is exceeded.
• Stop tool use if ELV is reached.

How to Reduce the Risk of HAVS

There are several things those in charge of workplaces can do to help reduce HAV risks:

• Choose low-vibration tools designed to minimise vibration.
• Ensure tools are balanced and well-maintained.
• Try using personal protective equipment (PPE) like anti-vibration gloves.
• Implement safe work practices by rotating tasks and reducing exposure duration.

Where to Get HAV Testing Services

Implementing a robust HAV test and management system is crucial for workplace safety. Control Gear has IOSH-certified engineers who can help you establish an effective HAV strategy, offering:

• On-site surveys of current tools
• Comprehensive HAV vibration analysis
• Detailed reports with vibration data
• EAV and ELV evaluations
• Trigger time risk assessments
• A ‘Traffic Light’ tool exposure system
• Proactive tool maintenance plans

Our team of occupational health and safety approved engineers ensures your workplace stays compliant while protecting your employees.

Hand Arm Vibration Testing

It is not just about compliance but about protecting workers and improving workplace safety.

By conducting regular tests, adopting appropriate control measures, and investing in modern equipment, you can reduce risks, ensure compliance, and create a healthier, more productive workforce.

Start taking proactive steps today to safeguard your workers and your business. Consult the experts at Control Gear for the best advice on HAVS risks specific to your business.