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Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005

Hand-arm vibration: calculator and risk assessment

Hand arm vibration (HAV) from breakers, grinders, SDS drills and compactors causes permanent damage to the nerves, blood vessels and joints in the hands. Use the free calculator below to work out daily exposure, then see how to assess and control it.

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Updated · Written from HSE guidance and the regulations · Sources

Hand-arm vibration: calculator and risk assessment: free calculator

Hand-arm vibration exposure calculator

Exposure points method

Points = 2 × vibration² × hours. 100 points = exposure action value (2.5 m/s² A(8)); 400 points = exposure limit value (5 m/s² A(8)). Use the tool manufacturer's declared value or measured data. Example values are for illustration only.

The action and limit values

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set two daily exposure values, averaged over an 8-hour day, written A(8):

  • Exposure action value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² A(8), equal to 100 exposure points. Above this you must take action to reduce exposure and provide health surveillance.
  • Exposure limit value (ELV): 5 m/s² A(8), equal to 400 exposure points. This must not be exceeded.

Symptoms of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)

  • Tingling and numbness in the fingers, which may stop people sleeping
  • Loss of feeling and grip strength
  • Fingers going white (blanching) in the cold or wet, then red and painful as they recover
  • Pain and stiffness in the hands and wrists

Carpal tunnel syndrome can also be caused by vibration. The damage is usually permanent, so early reporting matters.

Controls

  1. Change the method so vibrating tools aren't needed: crushers instead of breakers, diamond drilling, remote-controlled equipment.
  2. Choose lower-vibration tools and keep them maintained; sharp bits and balanced discs vibrate less.
  3. Limit trigger time per person and rotate tasks.
  4. Keep hands warm and dry; provide gloves for warmth (anti-vibration gloves aren't a reliable control).
  5. Health surveillance for anyone regularly above the action value.

Vibration exposure record

HAV-REC · Rev A
NameToolVibration (m/s²)Trigger timePoints
Total daily points
Action taken if over 100 points
Supervisor / date
Free to use. Adapt it to your job before use; a template is a starting point, not a finished assessment.
Download Word (.docx)Download PDF

Worked example

A groundworker uses a breaker rated at 12 m/s² for 30 minutes and a plate compactor at 6 m/s² for 1 hour:

  • Breaker: 2 × 12² × 0.5 = 144 points
  • Compactor: 2 × 6² × 1 = 72 points
  • Total: 216 points, above the action value of 100 but below the limit of 400.

Action needed: reduce trigger time or switch to lower-vibration equipment, record it in the risk assessment, and include the worker in health surveillance.

Frequently asked questions

How are hand-arm vibration exposure points calculated?

Exposure points = 2 × (vibration magnitude in m/s²)² × trigger time in hours. 100 points a day is the exposure action value and 400 points the exposure limit value.

What is the exposure action value for hand-arm vibration?

2.5 m/s² A(8), or 100 exposure points in a day.

Is HAVS reportable under RIDDOR?

Yes, hand-arm vibration syndrome and carpal tunnel syndrome are reportable occupational diseases under RIDDOR when diagnosed by a doctor in a worker whose job involves regular use of vibrating tools.

Sources

This guide is written from the legislation and HSE guidance below. Last checked 23 October 2026.