Hand-Arm Vibration (HAVS) Assessment
HAVS surveys under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 and HSE HSG 247. Tool vibration measurement, points exposure calculation, EAV 2.5 m/s² A(8) and ELV 5.0 m/s² A(8) assessment, health surveillance triggers and practical control programme.
HAVS — the slow-burn workplace risk
Hand-arm vibration (HAVS) is a chronic occupational disease caused by sustained exposure to vibrating tools — chainsaws, breakers, grinders, drills, polishers, sanders, scabblers, needle guns and many others. The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set an Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and an Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5.0 m/s² A(8), with a parallel duty for whole-body vibration where forklift trucks, plant or vehicles are operated.
The HSE has a long-running enforcement focus on HAVS — routinely targeted in proactive inspection campaigns, with prosecutions under the 2005 Regulations and personal injury claims from affected workers both well-established. The condition typically presents as Vibration White Finger (VWF, the Raynaud's-like circulatory effect), reduced tactile sensitivity, grip strength loss and chronic pain.
We carry out HAVS assessments using either the HSE Points Exposure system (manufacturer-supplied vibration magnitudes combined with measured exposure time per task) or direct vibration measurement per BS EN ISO 5349 where the manufacturer data is missing or unreliable.
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HAVS Risk Assessment
Full Regulation 5 risk assessment: tool inventory, exposure time per worker per shift, points exposure calculation, EAV / ELV evaluation. Suitable for the most common workplace scenarios.
Tool Vibration Measurement
Direct measurement of tool vibration magnitude per BS EN ISO 5349 with triaxial accelerometers, for cases where manufacturer data is missing, suspect or unrepresentative.
Points Exposure System Setup
Implementation of the HSE points exposure system at the workplace, with daily exposure cards or digital trigger-time logging to support ongoing compliance.
Health Surveillance Programme
Reg 7 health surveillance programme design: pre-employment baseline assessment, annual review, and tiered referral to occupational health specialists where symptoms are reported.
Control Programme Design
Practical engineering and procedural controls: tool selection (anti-vibration handles, lower-vibration alternatives), task rotation, work-hardening practices, anti-vibration gloves (with the caveat that EN ISO 10819 gloves give only limited and frequency-specific benefit).
Whole-Body Vibration (WBV)
Where forklift trucks, plant operators or other vehicles are operated, parallel WBV assessment per BS EN ISO 2631-1 with the same EAV / ELV framework.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do I need a HAVS assessment?
When any worker uses vibrating hand tools for sustained periods. The HSE published list of high-vibration tools includes most powered hand tools used in construction, joinery, foundry, gardening / arboriculture, vehicle workshops and manufacturing. If you use any of those tools for more than a few minutes a day per worker, you need an assessment.
What are the action thresholds?
EAV (Exposure Action Value): 2.5 m/s² A(8). At or above the EAV, the employer must implement control measures and health surveillance starts. ELV (Exposure Limit Value): 5.0 m/s² A(8). Exposure above the ELV must not occur — processes must be controlled below this level.
What is the points exposure system?
The HSE simplified calculation: 100 points = EAV; 400 points = ELV. Each tool contributes points per minute of trigger time based on its vibration magnitude. Total daily points across all tools and tasks is compared to 100 / 400. Convenient for day-to-day site management and exposure logging.
Are anti-vibration gloves effective?
Limited and frequency-specific. EN ISO 10819 anti-vibration gloves provide measurable attenuation only at higher frequencies (above ~150 Hz) and can even amplify vibration at lower frequencies. They should not be relied on as a primary control — engineering controls (tool selection, task design, rotation) come first.
How much does a HAVS assessment cost?
A risk-assessment-only HAVS for a single workplace using manufacturer data and the points exposure system typically starts from around £600 to £1,000 plus VAT. Full measurement of tool vibration per BS EN ISO 5349 (where manufacturer data is missing or suspect) typically £900 to £1,500 per workplace. Combined with workplace noise dosimetry on the same visit: typically £1,500 to £2,200.