What are the hand-arm vibration exposure limits?
Updated · UK law and HSE guidance
Short answer
For hand-arm vibration, the daily exposure action value is 2.5 m/s² A(8), equal to 100 exposure points, and the daily exposure limit value is 5 m/s² A(8), equal to 400 points. At the action value employers must reduce risk; the limit must not be exceeded on any day.
| Daily EAV | 2.5 m/s² A(8) |
|---|---|
| EAV points | 100 points |
| Daily ELV | 5 m/s² A(8) |
| ELV points | 400 points |
| Main law | Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 |
| ELV meaning | Must not be exceeded on any single day |
Understand EAV, ELV and A(8)
A(8) expresses daily vibration exposure normalised to an eight-hour reference period; it combines vibration magnitude and trigger time. The EAV is the level at which specific control action is required, not a safe/unsafe boundary. The ELV is a maximum daily exposure. Exposure from all relevant tools used by one worker during the day must be combined.
- Use representative magnitude and actual trigger time
- Do not confuse trigger time with the whole time a tool is held or available
- Use HSE's calculator for multiple tools or processes
Control exposure before relying on time limits
Eliminate vibrating work where possible, choose lower-vibration processes and suitable tools, maintain equipment and consumables, and redesign the task to reduce grip, feed force and exposure. Job rotation may redistribute exposure but does not remove the hazard. If the ELV could be exceeded, take immediate action to reduce exposure below it and identify why controls failed.
- Base purchasing on suitable performance data
- Plan and enforce realistic trigger-time controls
- Provide information and training on early symptoms and controls
Health surveillance and review
Provide health surveillance where workers are regularly exposed at or above the EAV, or otherwise at risk, and act on competent occupational-health advice. Keep assessment, control and health records as required, respecting medical confidentiality. Review exposure estimates after equipment, method or duration changes and after symptoms or control failures. Explain results and relevant controls to exposed workers. SitePaper can generate a HAVS risk-assessment record for competent review.
- Encourage prompt symptom reporting
- Do not use gloves as proof that vibration is controlled
- Check controls in use, not only calculated exposure
Sources
- HSE: Control of Vibration at Work Regulations
- HSE: Employers' HAV responsibilities
- HSE: Hand-arm vibration exposure calculator
This guide summarises UK law and HSE guidance for small businesses. It is not legal advice; check the sources and your own circumstances.