Reduce

Hand Arm
Vibration
Health Risks

expertise. in every case.

Introduction

“HSE estimates that there are around 300,000 people with advanced
stage of vibration white finger (VWF), which is the most well-known
form of hand-arm vibration syndrome. Hundreds of new cases of VWF
are assessed each year by the Department of Social Security under
the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit scheme. VWF is also one of
the most common reasons for occupational ill health claims made
against employers.”

HSE leaflet INDG175rev

“Health risks from hand arm vibration

(Advice for employers).
”
Image courtesy of HSE – ING 175rev

This booklet gives important information on the ways employers can

help avoid risks from hand arm vibration and the injury it might cause.
 Who is at risk?
The people most at risk from hand arm vibration are those who regularly
operate high vibration tools such as drills, breakers, grinders, etc.

How quickly can Hand Arm Vibration cause health

problems?
For some it may take only months of exposure for symptoms to appear,
for others it may take years.

What are the symptoms?

Exposure to excessive levels of vibration can cause a range of injuries
collectively known as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) which present
the following symptoms:

• Pins and needles.

• Pain and numbness in the fingertips.

• Reduced sensitivity of touch.

• Painful wrists.

Page 3 – ING 175rev • Damage to muscles, bones and joints.

 WHAT DOES THE LAW REQUIRE ME TO DO ABOUT THESE RISKS?
By Law employers must?
Health and safety law requires you to do a number of things to
protect your employees.

You should:
• Assess the risk to the health of employees and plan for its control.
 assess the risk to the health of your employees and plan for
its control • Manage the Risk.
 manage the risk

 provide suitable equipment for your employees use

• Provide suitable equipment for your employees’ use.
 maintain equipment correctly

 give your employees information and training on health risks

and safe use of the equipment • Maintain equipment correctly.
 provide health surveillance of your employees where risks
cannot be eliminated
• Give your employees information and training on health risks and the
 provide reports to the relevant enforcing authority on cases of
HAVS in your workforce safe use of equipment.
 consult your safety or employee representative on your
proposals to deal with vibration hazards
• Provide health surveillance of your employees where risks cannot be
Page 10 – ING 175rev completely eliminated.

• Provide reports to the relevant authorities of cases of HAVS in your

workforce.

• Consult with your safety or employee representative on proposals to

deal with vibration hazards.

Vibration levels of tools is measured in units

called m/s2.
What are Tool Manufacturers required to do by law?
• Design and construct equipment which will cause the minimum risk of
What do the units of measurement mean? vibration injury.
Vibration magnitude is usually measured in
terms of acceleration.
During vibration a point will accelerate (and
• Provide you with warning of any residual risks from vibration.
decelerate) rapidly as it moves one way
and then back again. Acceleration can be • Provide you information based on accurate vibration levels that can be
measured over three axes (ie forward-back, used to assess the risk and control exposure time.
up-down and side to side). Tools vibration must
be quoted as the three axes measured
(Vector Sum).
• Provide you with instructions on how to use the equipment to avoid the
risks from vibration.

Internationally agreed test codes exist which set out specific methods for
vibration testing (e.g. BS 50144 for electrical power tools).
Many of the test codes do not represent the way tools perform in the
workplace and site vibration levels are much higher than those recorded
in Laboratory tests.
Differences of 3 to 5 times have been measured.
The HSE recommends that testing should be carried out in accordance
with BS EN ISO 5349 part 2 practical guidance for measurement at the
workplace.

Image courtesy of HSE
HSE states that testing should be done in
accordance with BS EN ISO 5349 Mechanical
Vibration Measurement and evaluation of
human exposure to hand-transmitted vibration.
Part 2 Practical Guidance for measurement at
the work place.
“Many of the these test codes do not represent the tools performance at
work and vibration levels in the work place may be much higher than those
occurring in this type of “laboratory” test. Even so, tool manufacturers’
instructions must inform users of the residual risks, safe use and, where
necessary, training instruction.”
HSE leaflet INDG 338 Power Tools: how to reduce vibration health
risks. Guide for employers.
Vibration levels of tools vary according to many influencing factors
e.g. Base material, direction of use e.g. wall, floor or ceiling, inserts type,
diameter or length, age of tool, operatives handling and so on.
Manufacturers have a duty to test their tools to assess this variation and
inform the users of any residual risk.
The Challenge to the Construction Industry
For an employer to be certain that the vibration figures quoted by
manufactturers are reliable and accurate enough to include in a risk
assessment it is important that they have been based on real life vibration
levels that have been measured in accordance with BS EN ISO 5349 for
each specific task or application of the tool.
Real life vibration levels are much higher than manufacturers laboratory test
data, this means that tools can only be used for short periods of the day,
hence productivity becomes a challenge. The other problems encountered,
when these higher workplace figures are used for a risk assessment are:

• Operatives are not able to measure the actual trigger time and control
measures become difficult.

• Tool vibration may vary with age and condition of tool.

• Consumables affect performance if they do not exactly match the tool

or are in a worn condition.

• Other influencing factors such as, operator competence (training) tool

handling, grip force, etc.

Vibration exposure
The symptoms of HAVS are likely to appear or worsen where the daily
vibration exposure A(8) “daily dose” is high. This exposure depends on the
vibration level of the tool and how long it is used for. Vibration is expressed
as m/s2 (metres per second square). Tools vibration are referred to in these
units. Vibration exposure A(8) is also expressed in these units.
There are two exposure values which are often referred to:

– Exposure Action Value A(8)

– Exposure Limit Value A(8)

These values are legally defined. At any level of exposure, the risk must be
eliminated or reduced to the lowest level reasonably practical. If exposure is
above the Action Value the employer must have a programme of actions to
control the exposure / risk and must have a programme of health
surveillance in place for exposed employees.
 For example, an operative carrying out an operation using a tool that has a
vibration level of 2.5 m/s2 can work with that tool for a period of eight hours
in a day before reaching Exposure Action Value. If the vibration level of the
tool is higher, then the time of work is reduced accordingly for an equivalent
exposure. (See HSE new calculator on
http://www.hse.gov.uk/vibration/index.htm)

✔
Exposure below Action Value 2.5m/s2 A(8) Example of vibration level and working time which would reach the Exposure
If the assessment confirms the exposure is Action Value:
less than 2.5m/s2 in an eight hour working
day or equivalent you are below Exposure Tool vibration Allowed
Action Value.
level working time

8 hours
2.5 m/s 2
per day
Exposure above Action Value 2.5m/s2 A(8)
18 minutes

?
If the exposure is up to 5m/s in an eight
2
13.5 m/s 2
per day
hour working day or equivalent then
employers must take action to protect
employees, e.g. control measures, health Another example.
surveillance, job rotation, alternative
methods, etc. A tool that has a vibration level of 5 m/s2 can be used for a period of eight
ACTION REQUIRED hours in a day before reaching Exposure Limit Value. The employer must in
this case ensure that health surveillance and control measures are in place
and that alternative methods are considered and used when possible.

✖
Exposure above Limit Value 5m/s2 A(8)
Example of vibration level and working time which would reach the Exposure
It will be against the law if exposure
exceeds 5m/s2 or equivalent in an eight hour Limit Value:
working day.
Tool vibration Allowed
NOT ALLOWED
level working time

8 hours
5 m/s 2
per day

71 minutes
13.5 m/s 2
per day

These limit values are set as the maximum and must not be exceeded.
Conclusion of the examples overleaf:
A tool that has a vibration level of 13.5 m/s2 can be used for 18 minutes
per day before reaching Action Value. OR it can be used from 18 to 71
minutes in a day under certain conditions e.g. health surveillance, but
must not be used over 71 minutes in any day. Exposure is then against
the law and immediate action must be taken to ensure this does not
happen again.
The Action and Limit Values are in accordance with the recent EC Physical
Agent Directive that sets out the two daily exposure values. These are not
actual vibration levels of tools but are Daily Exposure Values A(8) which also
take into account exposure time.

How Hilti Can Help ?

Hilti provides solution based on real life data using real life data that is
gathered under working conditions on site, that takes into consideration the
variations that occur due to different operators, direction of work, the age of
the tool plus other operating and environmental factors.

The Hilti solution is featured as a case study in HSE CD190.

 Useful tool selection information:
Expressed as work done rather than stating recommended exposure times
in hours of daily use, the Hilti system for Tool selection matches the
correct machine and consumables to the task and accurately identifies the
amount of work that can be safely carried out before the legal exposure
level is reached.

This product selector takes into account:

Battery Hammers Drilling into concrete / masonry optimum possible
Real life vibration levels, Tool and Consumable
TE-C - connection end
performance.
Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
A task led approach that first identifies the 4 5 6 8 10 12 14 16
number of 100mm holes drilled or openings TE6-A 375 4.7 140 (570)

chiselled during one working day without

exceeding the legal exposure values. The 2-4 kg Rotary Hammers
vibration values used for the product selector, TE-C - connection end
Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
have been gathered from real life test situations
4 5 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 28
for reliability. TE2-M 600 2.6 120 (500)
If the number of holes required is not found on TE6-C 650 2.5 120 (500) 90 (360)

TE15-C 710 3.9 60 (260)

the first line, move down until you find a
TE16-C 800 3.9 70 (270) 40 (160)
number that matches or exceeds the amount of
work you need to perform. The left hand column 4 kg Combihammers
will give you the designation of the Hilti Tool, its TE-T - connection end
power and bit connection type. This product Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm

selector is based on : 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 32
TE35 830 4.9 150 (640) 80 (320)
• 100mm hole depth
• 40 N/mm2 concrete 5-7 kg Combihammers
• Hilti drill bits and chisels are used TE-Y - connection end
This selector is not valid if other types of inserts Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
are used or operatives are not certified by the 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 35 37 40
TE56-ATC 1100 6.6 50 (190)
employer. TE76-ATC 1300 7.9 25 (100) 15 (60)

7 & 10 kg Breakers
Type Watt Kg Size of opening (in mm)

TE76-ATC 1300 7.9 312 x 312 x 100 (634 x 634 x 100) TE-Y
TE905 1600 11.3 590 x 590 x 100 (1190 x 1190 x 100) TE-S

1st number (2nd number)

1st number (2nd number)

Maximum number of holes that can be Maximum number of holes that can be
drilled before reaching Exposure Action drilled before reaching Exposure Limit Value
Value 2.5m/s2 in one day. 5m/s2 in one day.

Drilling selector chart

Item no 99252
 Vibration
in m/s2
Maximum daily
usage time before
HAE colour coding
reaching Exposure
Limit Value Hilti supports the Hire Companies and Contractors represented by the Hire
Over 10 assess risk
Association Europe (HAE) and the Construction Confederation, who together
with other partners in the industry have developed a colour coding system
for labelling tools according to the vibration level produced.
5 to 10 2 hours
Each level designates maximum daily use or the correct action to take that
will avoid risk to the operator.
below 5 8 hours
The figures relate to the maximum number of hours the tool can be used in
a working day.

Battery Hammers Drilling into concrete / masonry optimum possible

This traffic Light system is based on the Exposure Limit
TE-C - connection end
Value (5m/s2) i.e. if you follow this system you still need Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
4 5 6 8 10 12 14 16
to take action e.g. TE6-A 375 4.7 140 (570)

control measures, surveillance, job rotation, alternative

2-4 kg Rotary Hammers
methods, etc.
TE-C - connection end
Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
4 5 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 28
TE2-M 600 2.6 120 (500)
TE6-C 650 2.5 120 (500) 90 (360)

TE15-C 710 3.9 60 (260)

TE16-C 800 3.9 70 (270) 40 (160)

Hilti’s solution covers both

4 kg Combihammers
TE-T - connection end exposure Action and Limit
Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 value of the new Physical
TE35 830 4.9 150 (640) 80 (320)
Agent Directive
5-7 kg Combihammers
TE-Y - connection end
Type Watt Kg Diameter range in mm
12 14 16 18 20 22 24 25 26 28 30 32 35 37 40
TE56-ATC 1100 6.6 50 (190)
TE76-ATC 1300 7.9 25 (100) 15 (60)

7 & 10 kg Breakers
Type Watt Kg Size of opening (in mm)

TE76-ATC 1300 7.9 312 x 312 x 100 (634 x 634 x 100) TE-Y
TE905 1600 11.3 590 x 590 x 100 (1190 x 1190 x 100) TE-S

1st number (2nd number)

✔ ✖
Exposure below Action Value Exposure Above Action Value Exposure Above Limit Value

?
2.5m/s2 A(8) 5m/s2 A(8) 5m/s2 A(8)
If your risk assessment confirms the If the exposure is up to 5m/s2 in an It will be against the law if
exposure is less than 2.5m/s2 in an eight hour day or equivalent then exposure exceeds 5m/s2 or
eight hour day or equivalent you are employers must take action to protect equivalent in an eight hour day.
below Exposure Action Value. employees, e.g. control measures,
health surveillance, job rotation, NOT ALLOWED
alternative methods, etc.

ACTION REQUIRED

Vibration Maximum daily In this solution most

in m/s2 usage time before
reaching Exposure electrical tools are in the
Limit Value
red zone. Hilti’s solution
Over 10 assess risk can be used to overcome
this problem.
5 to 10 2 hours
Remember that this system
is based on Exposure Limit
Value and control meas-
below 5 8 hours ures, health surveillance,
etc, has to be done
 Other products and applications
Hilti has developed a product selector that is targeted to Mechanical and
Electrical applications. Example: how many pipes can be cut or bevelled
without taking action.

Cutting and bevelling pipes Grinding steel welds

Cutting channels Cutting cable trays

Hilti training material:

On correct use of tools and how to reduce the risks of Hand Arm Vibration,
What does this Training in the correct methods of using machines and consumables and
training cover? best practice not only reduces the risk of Hand Arm Vibration but can
 Background on Hand Arm Vibration (HAV)
improve productivity.
 Tool Handling and selection
 Alternative methods: Purpose built folder:
Diamond Drilling, Direct Fastening Complete with trainers notes has been designed for you to teach operatives
 Certification how to reduce HAVS risk. This folder has also been designed so that training
Number:

can take place either on site or in an office.

Certificat
Hilti Powee of Attendan
This is to
record that r Tools ce
Training

Topics covered include:

has atten
ded a traini
ng cours
e on safe
use of the
Subject following
s covered tools:
Hilti (Gt.
Britain) 1. HAV
:
1 Trafford Limited syndrome
Trafford Wharf Road 2. Perso
nal Healt
background
Park, Manc 3. Selec h & Safet
Freephone hester y
Freefax: : 0800 886 100 M17 1BY ting the
4. Vibra correct tool,
0800 886 tion expos insert
Internet:
http://www200 5. Altern ure
.hilti.co.uk ative Meth guideline
NB: An indivi 6. Tool ods
Handling
question. dual’s competenc 7. Addit
ional Inform
The perfo e depends Trained
the tool ation by
handling rmance values

• Background on HAVS.
not only
material behaviour given on origin Date
etc There of the user, (number of holes al training but
fore value the main or concr also upon
s given
are guide tenance of the ete volume remo practical experience
lines only. tool, the
Advice in insert tool, ved) can vary. The in the use of
respect the sharp values are the tool
to this is ness of in
available the inser influenced by
from the t tool and
address the base
above.

• How to reduce HAVS health risk.

3
REDUCING HEALTH RISKS • Tools selection and handling.
Training Folder item No 99061
• Examples of alternative methods.
Tools vibration and performance may vary over Free Maintenance and Service.
the age of the tool and as the tool parts wear
out. The variation may depend on the type or For two years Hilti full service cover ensures regular servicing and
make of tool. Hilti has overcome this problem maintenance, keeping tools vibration and performance constant. This free of
by introducing an electronic digital counter on
relevant tools. These tools are also equipped
charge service includes wear and tear, labour transport and parts.
with indicator light, after a programmed number
of hours of trigger time, which has been
carefully selected, a warning light comes on,
warning the operative that the tool needs service
and after convenient warning time the tool will Provision of a free 2 Year Full Service Cover on tools
stop working and will have to be serviced.
This way you are always sure that tools are
to ensure regular servicing and maintenance
serviced at correct intervals to ensure constant that keeps tools vibration and performance constant.
performance and vibration throughout the life
of the tool.
Hilti’s Free Of Charge tool service includes
changing worn out parts, oil, electrical safety
check, timer reset.

Control Measure: Electronic runnng time counter.

If vibration cannot be avoided then monitoring Alternative methods:

and surveillance must be implemented.
The Hilti range of products offers opportunities for selecting alternative
methods of working when traditional methods would represent a risk.
For example Powder Actuated Fastening or diamond drilling which carry no
Hand Arm Vibration risk.
DX Example

DX Exposure
Application A(8) = 2.5m/s2

DX 460, wood, X-ZF 62 1000 fixings

power setting shot fired nail
red 2 into concrete

Securing formwork support. Diamond Drilling drill stand.

Installing safety barrier. Wire saw.


BS EN ISO 5349 is adhered to in this test e.g.
Organisation and duration of the measurements,
location of accelerometer, check and verification
of measurements, evaluation of uncertainties,
reporting of information and so on.
Other features of the Hilti solution (preferred supplier agreement):
On site vibration measurement:
For those special applications where no vibration data is available then Hilti
engineers can offer on site vibration measurement in
accordance with BS EN ISO 5349, this also includes
providing a risk assessment report.

Similar to the way the standard product
selector is derived this is done by measuring
vibration and performance in real life.
Then calculating the exposure time and how
much work is produced during this time
Customer specific Product selectors:
Based on your specific product and application requirement.
A customer version of the product
selector can be designed to establish
the amount of work that can be carried
out on specific task.

Train the trainer programme:

One day course on how to conduct HAVS training.

Records of individuals that have been trained Systematic Recording:

or instructed on how to reduce HAVS risk for the
purpose of inspection, health surveillance or A certification scheme for operatives that can be used for tracking reporting.
internal administration.
Number
:

Certifica
Hilti Pow te of Attendan
This is to
record tha er Tools ce
t
Training
has attended
a training
course on
safe use
Subjects of the follo
wing tool
covered s:
Hilti (Gt.
Britain) 1. HAV
:
1 Trafford Limited syndrome
Trafford Wharf Road 2. Per
son al
backgroun
d
Par Health &
Freephone k, Manchester 3. Sele Safety
: 080 0 886 100 M1 7 1BY cting the
Freefax: 4. Vibr correct tool
0800 886 ation exp ,
Internet:
http://w 200 5. Alte osure guid insert
ww.hilti.co rnative Met eline
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question. vidual’s compet 7. Add
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address the base
above.
What can I do to control the risk?
There are many things you can do, several of
High Quality Consumables
which may cost very little and could also
improve productivity and product quality. Worn out consumables significantly increase vibration exposure risk.
For example:
Productivity decreases as the consumable item wears out, tasks take longer
...maintain tools to the manufacturer’s to perform and the operator suffers unnecessary extra exposure to the
specifications to avoid worsening vibration.
dangers of Hand Arm Vibration Injury.
For example:
...keep tools sharp. HSE publication INDG 175
Advice to Employers

example of what happens to a worn out chisel

Hilti have adopted two product innovations to reduce the danger of increased
HAVS risk due to the wear of inserts.

Similar to a tread mark on tyres, when the Wear Marks

mark is not visible this means the drill bit is
worn out.
Indicates when a drill bit is worn beyond safe practical use.

Innovative manufacturing process ensures that Polygon Chisels

the inner core of the chisel is much harder than
the out side, this ensures the chisel stays
Polygon shape offers less resistance and reduced sticking effect, keeping
sharp. Extensive tests showed that performance constant high performance.
stays constant through out the life of the chisel.
The Polygon geometry ensures that dust
escapes easier and hence reduces the sticking
effect which is very well known for increasing
vibration risks, damaging tool connection end
and reducing productivity.
Vibration reduction considered on all handles
of tools and dampers are added to reduce
High Quality Tools
vibration on side and rear handle. Tools Example TE76ATC
geometry, weight and mechanic is designed to
obtain an optimum balance of performance Low Vibration –
and vibration over the life of the tool.
Optimised mechanics, dampers and absorbers, developed with over forty
years experience.

This technology works on similar principle to ATC Innovation (Active Torque Control) –
that of an air bag in cars.
Sensors inside the tool detect the jamming of Reduces wrist injuries, grip force and HAVS risk and increased
the tool and stop the tool from rotating. reliability.
This has the following benefits:
1. Reduce wrist injuries
2. Allow users to apply lower grip force and
hence lower HAVS risk
3. Reduce connection end damage due to
excessive force used to remove jammed
chisel. Damaged connection end may also
increase vibration of tools.

High quality parts not only make the Robust Design –

tool last longer, but also help in
keeping vibration and performance of Motor, gears, clutch and bearings are engineered to withstand the harsh
tool constant throughout the life of construction environment.
the tool.

Dust ingress into the tool can increase the wear Three stage seals –
of the tool and hence increase vibration and
reduce performance. Prevents wear and tear on bearings and gearing from the ingress of dust
and other particles.
 Advanced lubrication –
The use of oil rather than grease is the Hilti option, the lubricant qualities of
oil being greater than grease.

The manufacturing process of oil lubrication is

much more difficult than grease due to the high
technology used to achieve an effective seal.
Hilti’s advanced sealing methods ensure an oil
tight seal, which coupled with the magnetic
removal of fragments, prevents damage of
moving parts reducing wear to the minimum.
Note: two loop chamber is used so that the
hammering mechanism is completely isolated
from the gearing mechanism to ensure no
expensive damage.
Patent cooling –
Constant airflow through the machine maintains a low temperature so that
oil is not evaporated during operation, this ensures smoother running and
longer efficient working life.

Hammering mechanism and gearing parts

generate high temperatures due to friction.
Cooling therefore is crucial to increase tool life
time, and keep the performance and vibration
constant throughout the life of the tool.

Full metal housing –

The motor and gear housing are cast in a high impact resistant Magnesium
Alloy for durability and longevity.
The AVR system in the WSR 1400 is an
optimised version of a counter balance system
Durability –
to reduce the vibration to the lowest level.
Combined with the large rear grip and optional Gears manufactured from Carburized metal to extend active working life
front grip allowing for comfortable handling in and reduce machine downtime.
any application or position.

Handling –
Anit-vibration systems built into the tool to minimise vibration, and large
padded grips for operator comfort.
WSR 1400 AVR - Active Vibration Reduction.
 Designing out the Risk

Use Hilti’s new anchor design software

The software will calculate the optimum (PROFIS).
anchors for the application which will then Select an appropriate base plate or
allow you to choose anchors with the lowest make your own by simply entering your
drilling requirement. required load values.
This means drilling time can be reduced to the
minimum, hence reducing HAVS health risk.
Important Information
Suggestions to Employers:
Employers should consider a pre-employment assessment of new workers
who will be exposed to significant amounts of vibration to assess whether
the employee has already developed symptoms of HAVS, particularly finger
blanching on cold exposure, pins and needles, numbness and any
impairment of manual dexterity. A simple questionnaire is available. At the
same time the opportunity would exist for instruction in the correct usage
of the tools and advice about reporting to managers the onset of HAVS
symptoms.

Arrangements should be made for regular follow up assessments at 12

monthly intervals to record the presence or absence of symptoms.
Strategies for individual management of symptoms in terms of reduced
exposure and possibly redeployment need to be agreed.

Dr. Roger Marcus.

 Hilti (Gt. Britain) Limited
1 Trafford Wharf Road
Trafford Park
Manchester
M17 1BY

Tel: 0800 886 100

Fax: 0800 886 200
www.hilti.co.uk

03081708

expertise. in every case.