Understand how HAV testing protects workers and keeps your business compliant.

This guide breaks down the components of a proper HAV risk assessment – from legal exposure limits and exposure points to testing methods, HAVS health surveillance and control strategies that reduce vibration harm.

Long-term use of vibrating tools can cause permanent nerve damage, yet many workplaces still underestimate the risk. Hand-arm vibration testing helps you understand real exposure levels, prevent harm and support your legal duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

In this guide, we’ll explain what HAV testing involves, how exposure points work, when health surveillance is needed, and how Velocity Safety delivers accurate on-site hand-arm vibration assessments.

🔑 Key Takeaways: HAV Risk Assessments

  • HAV testing measures real tool vibration: readings are combined with trigger time to estimate daily exposure.
  • Exposure points matter: 100 points is the Exposure Action Value and 400 points is the Exposure Limit Value.
  • HAVS is preventable but irreversible: employers need risk assessment, exposure control and health surveillance where required.

Here’s what this guide covers:

What is Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)?

Hand-Arm Vibration refers to the vibration transmitted into a worker’s hands and arms when using tools like breakers, grinders, drills, and strimmers.

Prolonged exposure can cause:

HAVS is a serious, irreversible condition – but it is entirely preventable with proper risk management.

Why HAV Testing Matters

The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (enacted under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974) require employers to:

  • Assess vibration exposure
  • Control risks wherever reasonably practicable
  • Monitor exposure and review controls regularly
  • Introduce health surveillance where required

HAV testing helps you generate the exposure data needed to comply with these duties – and reduce the risk of enforcement, claims, or harm.

Who Is at Risk?

HAV risks exist in any setting where vibrating tools are used frequently. High-risk sectors include:

  • Construction & Civil Engineering
  • Rail & Infrastructure
  • Manufacturing & Assembly
  • Grounds & Landscape Maintenance
  • Utilities & Local Authority Works
  • Facilities Management

Even occasional use of high-vibration tools can exceed legal thresholds – especially where workers rotate across jobs.

What is a Hand-Arm Vibration Test?

A HAV test measures the vibration magnitude of a tool (in m/s²) and combines it with usage duration to calculate daily exposure points.

Used to:

  • Quantify vibration exposure per task or tool
  • Identify high-risk equipment or jobs
  • Set safe trigger times using HSE’s ready-reckoner

⚠️ Important: HAV testing is not the same as HAVS health surveillance

  • HAV measurement testing measures tool vibration output and exposure levels.
  • HAVS health surveillance checks workers for signs and symptoms of vibration-related ill health.

How Do Exposure Points Relate to a HAVS Risk Assessment?

HAV exposure points are a simple way to compare different tools, trigger times and tasks against the legal exposure thresholds.

The calculation uses two main pieces of information: the vibration magnitude of the tool and how long the worker uses it during the day. Higher vibration levels and longer trigger times create more exposure points.

In a HAV risk assessment, exposure points help you decide whether action is needed, whether trigger times must be reduced, and whether workers may need health surveillance.

  • 100 exposure points is equal to the Exposure Action Value.
  • 400 exposure points is equal to the Exposure Limit Value.
  • If a worker uses several vibrating tools in one day, the exposure points are added together.

The HSE hand-arm vibration calculator helps estimate daily exposure from tool vibration magnitude and usage time.

Legal Limits: EAV vs ELV Explained

Under UK law, two key thresholds apply (measured as an A(8) average over an 8-hour day):

Level Value Meaning
EAV (Exposure Action Value) 2.5 m/s² or 100 points You must assess and reduce exposure, and introduce health surveillance where appropriate
ELV (Exposure Limit Value) 5.0 m/s² or 400 points The legal maximum — must not be exceeded under any circumstances

🧾 Quick Glossary: EAV vs ELV

  • EAV: Exposure Action Value — the level where employers must take action to reduce risk.
  • ELV: Exposure Limit Value — the legal maximum daily exposure level that must not be exceeded.

How HAV Testing is Carried Out

Velocity Safety follows industry-standard testing by:

  • Attaching a calibrated accelerometer to the tool
  • Measuring real-time vibration magnitude during use
  • Recording daily usage duration (trigger time)
  • Calculating exposure points using the HSE’s ready reckoner

Each test identifies:

  • The tool’s vibration level
  • How long it can be safely used
  • Whether it falls into green (low), amber (moderate), or red (high risk) bands

What Equipment Is Used for HAV Testing and Monitoring?

HAV testing and HAV monitoring are related, but they are not exactly the same thing.

Professional HAV testing uses calibrated vibration measurement equipment to measure the actual vibration magnitude of tools during normal use. This helps create reliable exposure data for your risk assessment.

HAV monitoring equipment, such as exposure timers or tool-use tracking systems, can then help sites manage day-to-day usage, trigger times and worker exposure.

Common equipment includes:

  • Calibrated hand-arm vibration meters
  • Tool-mounted accelerometers
  • HAVi or similar exposure timers
  • Software-based exposure calculators
  • Digital tool and user reporting systems

Monitoring equipment can support compliance, but it should be based on accurate vibration data. A timer alone cannot tell you whether a tool is safe unless the vibration magnitude used in the calculation is reliable.

Do You Need HAVS Health Surveillance?

Yes – if workers are regularly exposed above the EAV, the 2005 Regulations require you to implement Health Surveillance.

⚠️ Even if HAV testing is carried out, you still need surveillance if exposure levels demand it.

When Should You Re-Test?

HAV testing should be repeated:

  • When new tools, accessories, or attachments are introduced
  • After health concerns or health surveillance identification
  • As tools age (vibration levels can increase over time)
  • At least annually as part of your vibration management plan

Book a Hand-Arm Vibration Assessment

Velocity Safety provides hand-arm vibration testing and measurement across the UK, helping employers assess exposure, set safe trigger times and support compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

  • On-site vibration assessments
  • HSE-aligned exposure calculations
  • Calibrated testing equipment
  • Advice on exposure points, safe trigger times and health surveillance

📞 Call: 01254 933 486
📩 Email: info@velocitysafety.co.uk
🌐 Or book a HAV assessment online

HAV Risk Assessment FAQs

Here are answers to common questions about HAV testing, vibration exposure points, HAVS health surveillance and employer duties under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.

What is a hand-arm vibration test?

A hand-arm vibration test measures the vibration magnitude of tools used by workers. That data is combined with trigger time to estimate daily exposure and decide whether controls, reduced usage times or health surveillance are needed.

What does EAV mean in HAVS?

EAV stands for Exposure Action Value. For hand-arm vibration, the EAV is 2.5 m/s² A(8), or 100 exposure points. Once this level is reached or likely to be reached, employers must take action to reduce exposure.

What does ELV mean in HAVS?

ELV stands for Exposure Limit Value. For hand-arm vibration, the ELV is 5.0 m/s² A(8), or 400 exposure points. Workers must not be exposed above this daily limit.

How do exposure points relate to a HAVS risk assessment?

Exposure points help convert tool vibration levels and usage time into a daily exposure score. This allows employers to compare real work activities against the EAV and ELV, identify high-risk tasks and set safe trigger times.

How do HAVS calculators help with compliance?

HAVS calculators help employers estimate daily vibration exposure, compare results with legal exposure values and record the evidence used in the risk assessment. They are only reliable if the vibration magnitude and usage time entered are accurate.

How often should HAV monitoring be conducted?

HAV monitoring should be reviewed whenever tools, tasks, materials, accessories or working methods change. Many businesses review exposure data annually as part of their vibration management programme, but higher-risk environments may need more frequent review.

Do anti-vibration gloves reduce HAV exposure?

Anti-vibration gloves should not be relied on as the main control measure for HAV risk. HSE says there is no personal protective equipment that can be shown to reliably reduce hand-arm vibration risk, although gloves may help keep hands warm and protect against abrasion.

Is HAVS health surveillance required?

Health surveillance is required where workers are likely to be exposed above the Exposure Action Value, or where they may be at risk for another reason. HAV testing and health surveillance are separate parts of a complete vibration management programme.

Learn more about our full HAV testing and measurement service.

Resources & Further Guidance