| Tool | Vibration Magnitude (m/s²) | Task Points/Hour | Time to EAV (hours) | Time to ELV (hours) | Exposure Duration (Hours) | Exposure Duration (Minutes) | Partial Exposure A(8) | Partial Points |
|---|
| Daily Exposure (m/s² A(8)) | Daily Exposure Points | Risk Level | Recommendation | Controls |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 - 2.5 | 0 - 100 | Low | No action needed, continue monitoring | Regular maintenance of tools and equipment |
| 2.5 - 5.0 | 101 - 400 | Moderate | Implement control measures, monitor regularly |
|
| 5.0+ | 401+ | High | Immediate action required to reduce exposure, use PPE and reassess work practices |
|
Low Risk (0 - 2.5 m/s² A(8) or 0 - 100 points): No immediate action required but continue monitoring the vibration levels to ensure they remain within safe limits.
Moderate Risk (2.5 - 5.0 m/s² A(8) or 101 - 400 points): Employers should introduce technical and organizational measures to reduce exposure. Regular monitoring should be conducted to ensure exposure levels are controlled.
High Risk (Above 5.0 m/s² A(8) or above 400 points): Immediate action is required to reduce exposure. This may involve changes in work practices, using different tools, providing personal protective equipment (PPE), and implementing health surveillance programs to protect workers' health.
This calculator follows the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance for calculating daily A(8) exposure values. The A(8) value represents the 8-hour energy-equivalent frequency-weighted vibration total value in metres per second squared (m/s²).
The Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) Exposure Calculator is designed to help employers and safety professionals assess the risk of hand-arm vibration exposure in the workplace. This calculator is based on the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, implemented by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in the UK. Similar guidelines are recommended by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) and referenced by OSHA in the United States. Additionally, the Safe Work Australia and WorkSafe New Zealand guidelines also align with these standards, making this calculator relevant for use in these regions.
A(8) is the 8-hour energy-equivalent frequency-weighted vibration total value. It represents the average vibration exposure over an 8-hour working day.
The HSE sets an Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and an Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5.0 m/s² A(8). Above EAV requires action, above ELV is prohibited.
Vibration magnitude should be measured using appropriate vibration meters or obtained from tool manufacturer specifications. The HSE provides guidance on measurement procedures.
Controls include using low-vibration tools, regular maintenance, job rotation, rest breaks, anti-vibration gloves, and proper work techniques.
Assessments should be conducted when new equipment is introduced, work practices change, or at least annually as part of regular health and safety reviews.
