Carrying out a Hand-Arm Vibration Risk Assessment

Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) is a significant occupational hazard, affecting workers who regularly use hand-held power tools, machinery, or equipment. Prolonged exposure to vibrations can lead to serious health conditions, including Hand-Arm Vibration syndrome https://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/hav/yourhands.htm which can cause damage to blood vessels, nerves and joints. Conducting a thorough hand-arm vibration risk assessment is crucial in managing the risks and ensuring worker safety. 

Understanding the risks - The risk of injury depends on several factors:

• Intensity and frequency of the vibration

• Duration of exposure

• Vibration levels in the environment

• Tools or machinery use

• Work practices (“e.g.”. grip strength, posture)

Common tools that pose vibration risks include power drills, grinders, chainsaws, and jackhammers. The risk increases with the duration of exposure and the vibration intensity of the tools.

Step-by-step HAVS risk assessment

1.) Identify the tools and equipment – The first step in the hand-arm vibration risk assessment is to identify all the tools and equipment used by employees that may produce vibrations you should:

• List all hand-held and hand-guided tools

• Include equipment such as grinders, saws, drills or hammers

• Check manufacturer specifications for vibration exposure levels or use vibration measurement tools to quantify exposure.

Measure Vibration Exposure – to assess the vibration levels, use vibration measuring equipment such as accelerometers, to evaluate the intensity and frequency of vibrations generated by each tool. The vibration exposure can be expressed in terms of:

• Vibration magnitude (m/s2): The higher the value, the greater the risk. Anything 2.5 or below is classed as low, between 2.5 and 5.0 is moderate and above 5.0 is high. 

• Exposure duration: How long the worker is exposed to vibration in a typical workday. 

 For accurate assessment:

• Measure at the point where workers grip the tool

• Consider both daily exposure and vibration magnitude

2.) Calculate the Daily Vibration Exposure – Using the data collected from vibration measurements, calculate the daily vibration exposure, you can do this using a Vibration Calculator

3.) Evaluate the Risk – Once the vibration levels and exposure times are known, assess the risk to workers. A (8) which refers to a specific action level used to access vibration exposure is above 2.5 m/s2 this indicates the action level and employers must take steps to control exposure, such as reducing exposure time, introducing rest breaks or providing vibration-damping equipment. 

A value of A(8) above 5 m/s2 is known as the ‘Exposure Limit Value’. This means that immediate action is required to reduce exposure below this level to prevent serious health damage. 

4.) Implement Control Measures – Once the risks have been identified, control measures must be implemented to reduce exposure. These include: 

• Limiting exposure time

• Use lower-vibration tools

• Vibration damping gloves 

• Maintenance and repairs

• Training and awareness on spotting the signs of HAVS 

5.) Monitor and Review – A hand-arm vibration risk assessment should not be a one-time task. It’s important to:

• Regularly monitor vibration levels as equipment or work practices change

• Review risk assessments once a year or whenever there are changes in the tools used or workers exposure times

• Ensure ongoing employee training to keep safety at the top of your mind 

Documentation and record keeping – proper documentation of the risk assessment, including tools assessed vibration levels, exposure durations and control measures implemented is essential for compliance with workplace health and safety regulations. It also helps track improvements or adjustments made over time.

A well-conducted hand-arm vibration risk assessment can significantly reduce the chances of workers developing HAVS or other vibration-related health conditions. By identifying hazards, measuring exposure, implementing control measures and maintaining an ongoing monitoring process, employers can create a safer workplace and protect the long-term health of their employees. 

If you’re interested in undertaking a full training course in Hand-Arm Vibration from an experienced and qualified training provider specialising in the construction industry, then consider one of our HAVS training courses: HAVS Training Courses.