Hand Arm Vibration Risk Assessment

Hand arm vibration risk assessment helps you identify harmful exposure before it becomes a serious health issue.

If your team uses vibrating tools, there is a real risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).

AEC provides practical, site-based hand arm vibration assessment services that help you understand exposure, reduce risk, and stay compliant.

Protect your workforce from vibration risk

👉Request a hand arm vibration risk assessment quote

Why hand arm vibration risk assessment matters

Regular exposure to vibration can damage the hands and arms over time.

This can lead to:

numbness and tingling
reduced grip strength
pain and circulation issues
long-term HAVS

A proper HAVS risk assessment helps you:

identify high-risk tools
measure real exposure
reduce long-term health risks
support compliance

What our HAV assessment includes

Our hand arm vibration testing and assessment focuses on real working conditions.

We will:

review tools and equipment
assess vibration exposure levels
identify at-risk workers
review current controls
provide clear, practical recommendations

We can also support wider workplace health through:
workplace exposure monitoring services
workplace noise monitoring services

Not sure if your team is at risk?

Speak to an occupational hygiene specialist

Understanding HAVS and exposure limits

Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) develops from repeated exposure over time.

Two key limits apply:

Exposure Action Value (EAV)
Exposure Limit Value (ELV)

A proper vibration exposure assessment looks at real usage, not just tool data.

You may also need:
COSHH risk assessment services
Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Assessment

Who needs a hand arm vibration assessment?

You likely need a workplace vibration assessment if your team uses:

drills, grinders, or breakers
cutting or sanding tools
maintenance equipment
construction or landscaping tools

Common industries include:

construction
manufacturing
utilities
maintenance

If tools are used regularly, a HAV assessment UK is essential.

Why choose AEC

AEC focuses on practical, usable results.

You get:

clear, simple reporting
real-world recommendations
compliance support
efficient site-based assessments

We do not overcomplicate the process. We help you fix the problem.

Useful guidance

For official guidance, see:

HSE hand arm vibration guidance
How to assess vibration risk (HSE)
HAVS and vibration exposure guidance (GOV.UK)

Do not wait until symptoms appear

Protect your team and stay compliant today.

👉Book your hand arm vibration assessment

FAQ

What is a hand arm vibration risk assessment?

A hand arm vibration risk assessment measures how much vibration workers are exposed to and identifies the risk of HAVS.

Why is HAVS risk assessment important?

HAVS can cause permanent damage. A HAVS risk assessment helps prevent this by identifying and controlling exposure early.

What jobs need hand arm vibration testing?

Any job using vibrating tools regularly may require assessment. This includes construction, maintenance, and manufacturing roles.

What does AEC provide in a vibration exposure assessment?

AEC reviews tools, tasks, and exposure levels, then provides clear recommendations to reduce risk.

How do I know if I need a hand arm vibration assessment?

If workers regularly use vibrating tools, you should carry out a hand arm vibration assessment to understand and control risk.

How do I book a hand arm vibration risk assessment?

Request a hand arm vibration risk assessment quote

Testimonial

AEC carry out all of our monitoring from noise assessments, to air monitoring for respirable silica and hand-arm vibration assessments for tools used across our sites. The hygienists are very knowledgeable and flexible to our shift patterns and the monitoring is always carried out in a safe manner.

NSG, Pilkington Glass

When planning our monitoring exercise, we naturally obtained a number of quotes. We selected AEC Ltd, partly on cost effectiveness but also on the pre-survey service they offered which included a free site visit to accurately assess the monitoring required. All the staff we dealt with were professional and knowledgeable. The written reports were comprehensive, timely and as well as detailing legal requirements, also offered best practice recommendations.

Herefordshire, Ludlow & North Shropshire College

When planning our noise monitoring exercise, we naturally obtained a number of quotes. We selected AEC partly on cost effectiveness but also on the pre-survey service they offered which included a free site visit to accurately assess the monitoring required. All the staff we dealt with were professional and knowledgeable. The written reports were comprehensive, timely and as well as detailing legal requirements, also offered best practice recommendations.

Client of noise and exposure monitoring services. Leading UK College.

Meet the team

David Russon

Occupational Hygienist

David Russon is AEC’s Occupational Hygiene Manager and a Licentiate Member of the Faculty of Occupational Hygiene (LFOH). He has extensive experience delivering workplace exposure monitoring, COSHH Assessments, Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) Assessments, and Indoor Air Quality assessments across a wide range of industries.

David Russon, Occupational Hygiene Manager at AEC, specialising in COSHH and exposure monitoring.

Jon McCarthy

Occupational Hygienist

Jon McCarthy is an Associate Member of the BOHS Faculty of Occupational Hygiene with extensive experience conducting workplace exposure monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and hand-arm vibration (HAV) Assessment for organisations across the public and private sectors.

Oliver Snowden

Occupational Hygienist

Oliver Snowden supports AEC’s occupational hygiene team in delivering workplace exposure monitoring, Noise Monitoring, and Indoor Air Quality Assessment across multiple industries. He is currently progressing through the BOHS occupational hygiene examination modules.