Guide
Comply with vibration at work regulations
How to meet your legal duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Covers hand-arm vibration (HAV), whole-body vibration (WBV), exposure limits, and health surveillance for HAVS.
Regular use of vibrating tools and equipment can cause permanent, disabling conditions. Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) affects blood vessels, nerves, and joints in the hands and arms. Whole-body vibration can cause back problems.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess and control vibration exposure. These regulations particularly affect construction, manufacturing, forestry, and any sector using power tools or operating vehicles over rough terrain.
Hand-arm vibration exposure
Hand-arm vibration (HAV) occurs when holding vibrating tools or work pieces. The regulations set specific exposure values:
Common sources of hand-arm vibration
Many common tools and equipment cause significant hand-arm vibration:
HAVS develops gradually: Early symptoms include tingling and numbness after using vibrating equipment. As the condition progresses, fingers go white in the cold (vibration white finger), grip strength reduces, and fine dexterity is lost. These effects are permanent and can end careers.
Risk factors: Exposure time, vibration magnitude, grip force, cold conditions, and individual susceptibility all affect risk. Smoking significantly increases the risk of vascular symptoms.
Whole-body vibration exposure
Whole-body vibration (WBV) is transmitted through the seat or feet, usually from vehicles or work platforms:
Common sources of whole-body vibration
WBV mainly affects vehicle operators, particularly those driving over rough terrain:
How to assess and control vibration risks
-
Identify vibration exposure
List all tasks involving vibrating tools or equipment. Include occasional as well as regular use. Note which workers are exposed and for how long.
-
Estimate exposure levels
Get manufacturer vibration data for equipment. Use HSE's exposure calculator to estimate daily exposure. Compare against action and limit values.
-
Reduce exposure where possible
Can the task be done differently without vibration? Can you use lower-vibration equipment? Limit exposure time through job rotation? Ensure equipment is well-maintained?
-
Provide information and training
Train workers on vibration risks, early symptoms to watch for, and how to reduce exposure. Emphasise importance of reporting symptoms early.
-
Arrange health surveillance
If exposure is at or above the action value, or there's a risk of HAVS, arrange regular health checks. Early detection allows intervention before permanent damage.
-
Keep records
Document your assessment, exposure estimates, control measures, and health surveillance results. Review when circumstances change.
Health surveillance requirements
Health surveillance is essential for detecting early signs of damage:
What health surveillance involves:
- Questionnaires: Regular questions about symptoms (tingling, numbness, white finger episodes)
- Clinical examination: If symptoms are reported, a medical examination by a qualified health professional
- Tier 1-5 assessment: Classification from self-reporting through to referral to specialist
If HAVS is diagnosed: Review controls, consider alternative work, continue surveillance. The condition can progress even after exposure stops, so ongoing monitoring is important.
Record retention: Keep vibration health surveillance records for 40 years - longer than most other health records because effects can manifest long after exposure.
Practical control measures
For hand-arm vibration:
- Choose low-vibration tools and keep them well-maintained
- Use the right tool for the job - don't force tools
- Limit exposure time and rotate tasks
- Keep hands warm - cold increases risk
- Do not grip tools tighter than necessary
- Anti-vibration gloves have limited effectiveness but can help keep hands warm
For whole-body vibration:
- Improve road and floor surfaces
- Select vehicles with good suspension systems
- Maintain suspension in good condition
- Reduce speed on rough surfaces
- Ensure seats are properly adjusted
- Limit driving time on rough terrain
Common questions
Are anti-vibration gloves effective? They provide limited protection against high-frequency vibration but do not significantly reduce the low-frequency vibration from most power tools. Their main benefit is keeping hands warm.
What if workers already have symptoms? Refer them for medical assessment, review their exposure, and consider alternative work. Early action can prevent permanent disability.
Can workers refuse to use vibrating equipment? If they have reasonable concerns about health risks, take them seriously. Review the assessment and consider whether additional controls are needed.
What about occasional tool users? Even occasional exposure counts toward daily exposure. Include all uses in your assessment.