Vibration (Hand–Arm Vibration)

Hand–arm vibration (HAV) occurs when vibration from powered hand tools or hand-guided machinery is transmitted into the hands and arms of the user. Regular exposure to vibration can damage blood vessels, nerves and joints in the hand and arm and may lead to Hand–Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).

HAVS can cause symptoms including tingling, numbness, loss of strength and dexterity in the hands, and episodes of finger blanching (commonly known as vibration white finger). In severe cases these effects may be permanent and can significantly affect an individual’s ability to perform fine tasks.

The risk depends on both the magnitude of the vibration and the duration of exposure, i.e. how long an individual uses vibrating equipment. However, vibration-related injury is preventable if exposure is properly assessed and controlled. It is therefore important that the Department controls exposure to vibration for its staff, students and anyone else who may be affected.

There are a number of things to consider when managing the use of tools or machinery which could pose a risk of harm from excessive vibration.

Legal & Regulatory Framework

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to prevent or reduce risks to health and safety from exposure to vibration at work.

These Regulations impose a hierarchy of control measures triggered by exposure action values, as shown below.

Exposure Action Value (EAV)

Daily vibration exposure of 2.5 m/s² A(8) averaged over an 8-hour working day.

If this value is reached or exceeded the Regulations require employers to:

  • assess the risk from vibration exposure
  • introduce a programme of controls to reduce exposure so far as reasonably practicable
  • provide appropriate information, instruction and training
  • implement health surveillance where appropriate.

Exposure Limit Value (ELV)

Daily vibration exposure of 5 m/s² A(8) averaged over an 8-hour working day.

Exposure must not exceed this limit value. Work activities should be organised so that individuals are not exposed above this level.

Risk Assessment

The responsibility for controlling vibration lies with the Supervisor (for students and research staff) or the Line Manager (for academic-related and assistant staff).

Supervisors or Line Managers should lead or oversee vibration risk assessments specific to their laboratories or workshops:

  • Inventory of equipment: Identify all tools or equipment that generate vibration (for example grinders, drills, saws, sanders or other powered hand tools).

When an inventory has been prepared the Department Safety Office will arrange for identified tools or equipment to be assessed to give an indication of the vibration levels that users may be exposed to. During the assessment the Supervisor or Line Manager will be required to provide a competent member of staff to operate the tool or machinery.

When the exposure level is known Supervisors or Line Managers may need to introduce control measures to reduce the risks identified. Consideration should be given to both the vibration magnitude and the duration of use (trigger time) when determining the overall exposure. Where appropriate, exposure estimates may be calculated using manufacturer vibration data and estimated trigger times. The HSE vibration exposure calculator may be used to support these assessments.

Other factors that may increase the risk of vibration injury should also be considered during the risk assessment. These may include working in cold environments, the need for high grip forces, poorly maintained tools, and the use of inappropriate accessories or attachments.

Control Measures

Use the hierarchy of control to reduce risk — not just PPE.

  1. Elimination / substitution

  • Avoid the use of vibrating tools where possible or use lower-vibration alternatives.
  • When purchasing or hiring equipment, priority should be given to tools designed to minimise vibration exposure or with lower declared vibration emission values.

When selecting equipment, information provided by the manufacturer regarding declared vibration emission values should be considered as part of the purchasing process, however these levels are obtained under “laboratory” conditions and are not necessarily a true reflection of tool use “in the field”.

  1. Engineering controls

  • Maintain equipment in good condition. Poor maintenance (for example worn bearings, blunt cutting parts or unbalanced components) can significantly increase vibration levels.
  • Where possible, make use of vibration-reducing features such as:
  • anti-vibration handles or mounts
  • damping materials or isolators
  • correctly balanced accessories and attachments.

These features should be inspected regularly to ensure they remain effective.

  1. Organisational controls

  • Limit the trigger time for high-vibration tools. These are identified by the use of the red, amber, green labels.
  • Schedule work so that no one individual is exposed for excessive periods and, where necessary, rotate tasks to reduce individual exposure.
  • Work should be planned so that vibration exposure is minimised. This may include ensuring the correct tool is used for the task and avoiding excessive force or gripping when operating tools.
  • Tools will be marked to outline the severity of risk. Items of highest risk will have a red label/tag, those where use should be monitored, but are not at the highest risk, will have an orange label/tag, and lowest risk items where there is unlikely to be any harm caused during routine use will have a green label/tag.

  1. Personal protective measures

  • Gloves may be provided where appropriate. However, it should be noted that gloves are not a primary control measure for vibration exposure and do not significantly reduce vibration transmission.

Thermal gloves may be beneficial in cold environments to help maintain good circulation in the hands.

Training and Supervision

Supervisors or Line Managers should ensure that:

  • All staff and students who may use vibrating equipment receive appropriate training covering:
  • The risks associated with vibration exposure and what HAVS is
  • Symptoms to watch for, e.g. example tingling, numbness, or whitening of the fingers. Individuals should be encouraged to report symptoms to their Supervisor or Line Manager as early as possible, as early reporting allows exposure to be reviewed and control measures improved before symptoms become more severe.
  • Correct use of tools, including avoiding excessive grip or force
  • The importance of tool maintenance and how to report faults
  • How exposure duration contributes to vibration risk
  • When and how to use PPE and its limitations.
  • Periodic supervised practice should be undertaken to ensure that individuals are working in a safe and controlled manner.
  • Supervisors and Line Managers should provide information, instruction and supervision as part of induction and ongoing work.

Health Surveillance

Occupational Health (OH) may undertake health surveillance where, following risk assessment, individuals are identified as regularly exposed to vibration at or above the Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8).

Health surveillance is intended to detect early symptoms of Hand–Arm Vibration Syndrome so that appropriate action can be taken.

Health surveillance should also be undertaken where employees are at other forms of risk e.g., have pre-existing diagnosis of HAVS, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome or other possible relevant condition

Supervisors and Line Managers should flag such cases and ensure those exposed are referred to Occupational Health where appropriate. Supervisors and Line Managers can arrange health surveillance for your students or employees.  The individual should complete form OHF25 -  HAVS initial assessment

Records of employees registered on the health surveillance programme should be maintained. Outcomes of health assessments will be communicated to the employee by Occupational Health, with summary information made available to the Supervisor or Line Manager and Department Safety Office where appropriate and with the consent of the employee.

Monitoring, Review, and Continuous Improvement

Supervisors and Line Managers should periodically review vibration risk assessments, especially if:

  • new equipment is introduced
  • working practices change
  • there is a complaint or incident
  • health surveillance raises concerns.
  • Records should be maintained of:
  • control measures implemented
  • training provided
  • exposure assessments
  • health surveillance participation.
  • Staff and students should be encouraged to report early symptoms such as numbness, tingling or whitening of the fingers, as early reporting allows exposure risks to be reviewed and control measures improved.

Purchasing Tools and Equipment

Key Features to Look For When Buying

  • Low Vibration Emission: Select models explicitly engineered to dampen vibration. For instance, a low-vibration tool operating at 3 m/s² allows for over 5 hours of trigger time before reaching the Exposure Action Value (EAV), compared to just 13 minutes for a high-vibration tool.
  • High Efficiency & Power: Tools that are too small or unsuitable for the task require prolonged use, which significantly increases exposure time. High-performance abrasives also allow work to be done using less pressure and time.
  • Ergonomic Design: Choose tools with comfortable grips to minimize the grip force needed to operate them. Avoid tools where cold air from the exhaust blows directly onto the operator's hands.

Maintenance of Tools and Equipment

Maintaining tools to mitigate HAVS involves checking several specific components and following best practices:

  • Sharpening of Blades and Bits: Keep all cutting tools, such as drill bits, chisels, and saw blades, properly sharpened. Dull tools require the operator to push harder, increasing both exposure time and vibration transmission.
  • Replacing Consumables: Regularly check and replace abrasive wheels, grinding discs, and other consumables. Worn or imbalanced accessories drastically increase vibration levels.
  • Checking Anti-Vibration Mounts: Many tools feature shock absorbers, dampening materials (like rubber handles), or counterweights. Inspect and replace these components regularly, as worn mounts lose their shock-absorbing capabilities.
  • Lubrication and Moving Parts: Grease moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer. Seized or poorly lubricated gears and pistons cause internal friction, which transfers aggressive shockwaves to the operator's hands.
  • Inspecting Fasteners: Ensure all bolts, handles, and casings are tightly secured. Loose parts lead to excessive rattling, increasing the tool's overall vibration magnitude.

Further guidance

UoC – HSD050P Control of Hand Arm Vibration at Work

HSE – L140 Hand-arm vibration: The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

HSE – INDG175 Hand-arm vibration at work: A brief guide

HSE – The hand-arm vibration exposure calculator

Updated 02/07/2026