Hand-Arm Vibration: Limits, Exposure Points and How Long Tools Can Be Used

Hand-arm vibration comes from using hand-held power tools, hand-guided equipment and from holding materials being worked by machines. Regular exposure can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and vibration-related carpal tunnel syndrome. Both are permanent, both are preventable, and both are reportable under RIDDOR.

Symptoms to look out for

• Tingling and pins and needles in the fingers
• Numbness, sometimes making it hard to feel or pick up small objects
• Fingers going white, then red and painful, especially in the cold and wet
• Loss of strength in the hands
• Pain, tingling or numbness in the hand and wrist, which can be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome

Early symptoms often appear at night. Anyone reporting them should be referred through health surveillance and kept under review.

The legal limits

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set two levels for daily hand-arm vibration exposure, averaged over an eight hour day, written as A(8).

For comparison, the whole body vibration levels, which apply to drivers of plant and vehicles, are 0.5 m/s² for the action value and 1.15 m/s² for the limit value.

The HSE exposure points system

Working out A(8) values by hand is fiddly, so HSE uses a points system. 100 points a day equals the exposure action value and 400 points a day equals the exposure limit value. Points per hour are worked out as 2 x (vibration value)². HSE’s own table rounds these figures slightly.

How long common construction tools can be used

The values below are typical figures HSE suggests for initial assessments. Real tools vary widely, so use the manufacturer’s data or measurements for the actual tool, and remember the times are trigger time: the time the tool is actually running in the hand, not the time on the job.

The difference between the two compactors is the strongest argument there is for buying or hiring low vibration equipment.

Controlling the risk

1. Eliminate. Can the job be done another way? Design out chasing and scabbling, use crushers instead of breakers, use remote-controlled demolition machines.
2. Choose lower vibration tools. Ask hire companies for vibration data and pick the lowest suitable tool.
3. Maintain tools. Blunt bits and worn mounts increase vibration. This links to PUWER maintenance duties.
4. Limit exposure time. Rotate jobs, plan the work, and use tool timers or points cards.
5. Keep hands warm and dry. Good circulation reduces the risk. Provide warm gloves and heated welfare.
6. Train people. Workers should know the symptoms, how to hold tools with the lightest safe grip and why reporting matters.

Anti-vibration gloves are not a reliable control. HSE says they cannot be relied on to reduce vibration and may even increase it at some frequencies, though gloves for warmth are still useful.

Health surveillance

Health surveillance is required for workers likely to be regularly exposed above the action value, and for anyone already diagnosed. HSE describes a tiered approach: an initial questionnaire, an annual questionnaire, then assessment by a qualified person and formal diagnosis by a doctor where symptoms are reported. Individual health records must be kept.

RIDDOR

When a doctor diagnoses HAVS or carpal tunnel syndrome linked to vibrating tools, and you receive that diagnosis in writing, the employer must report it under RIDDOR.

Reviewing your assessment

Review the vibration risk assessment whenever the work, the tools or the people change, after health surveillance shows a problem, and regularly in any case. HSE suggests a review at least every two years. HSE notes there are no known cases of HAVS where exposure is below 1 m/s².

Training that helps

Our hand-arm vibration eLearning course is a quick way to train operatives on the risks and controls, and pairs well with our noise eLearning, since many high vibration tools are also loud. For managers, health risks including vibration are covered in the NEBOSH National General Certificate and the NEBOSH Health and Safety Management for Construction certificate.

Where this fits in SMSTS and SSSTS

Occupational health on site, including vibration, noise and dust, is part of both courses, and supervisors are expected to recognise the signs and manage exposure. Our free SMSTS mock test and SSSTS mock test let you check your knowledge before the course or a refresher, and you can email yourself the results sheet at the end.

When you are ready, the five day SMSTS course is for site managers and the two day SSSTS course is for supervisors. If your certificate is due, the SMSTS refresher and SSSTS refresher keep it current.

Frequently asked questions

What is the daily limit for hand-arm vibration?

The exposure limit value is 5 m/s² A(8). The exposure action value, above which you must take action and provide health surveillance, is 2.5 m/s² A(8).

How many points is the action value?

100 points a day equals the exposure action value. 400 points a day equals the exposure limit value.

Do anti-vibration gloves work?

They cannot be relied on to reduce exposure. Use lower vibration tools and limit exposure time instead.

Is HAVS reportable under RIDDOR?

Yes, once a doctor diagnoses it in writing and links it to work.

Read the source

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, regulation 4; HSE guidance L140, Hand-arm vibration at work, and leaflet INDG175; HSE’s hand-arm vibration exposure calculator and ready reckoner, and its typical tool vibration values for initial assessment; and the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013, regulation 8. Facts checked on 6 October 2026.