Total Air Tool Services carries out on-site Hand Arm Vibration (HAV) testing for industrial power tools across the UK. Testing is performed using a UKAS-traceable tri-axial accelerometer to measure the vibration magnitude of each tool under working conditions. Every tool receives its own certificate. A full management report covering operator exposure, action values and recommendations is issued with every visit.
What HAV Testing Is and Why It Is Required
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is an occupational disease caused by regular and prolonged use of vibrating hand-held tools. It affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles and joints of the hands, wrists and arms. The damage is permanent and progressive, there is no medical treatment that reverses it once it has developed.
Under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005, employers are legally required to assess and manage the risk of HAVS in their workforce. The regulations set two key values:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² A(8), the daily exposure level at which an employer must take action to reduce vibration risk.
- Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5 m/s² A(8), the maximum daily exposure permitted. Employers must not allow workers to exceed this.
The HAV Testing Process
Testing is carried out on-site at your facility. We work through your tool fleet systematically, testing each tool under representative operating conditions.
Measurement method
Vibration is measured using a tri-axial accelerometer mounted to the tool at the operator grip point. Each tool is run under load, drilling, grinding, impacting, fastening or other relevant application, to capture the vibration magnitude at the point of actual use. Multiple measurements are taken per tool and the mean is calculated.
What is tested
We test all categories of industrial hand-held power tools: pneumatic impact wrenches, nutrunners, grinders, sanders, drills, chisels, hammers, riveters, and electric assembly tools. Tools do not need to have been supplied by us, we test any make and model.
Per-tool certification
Each tool tested receives its own certificate recording the measured vibration magnitude (m/s²), the date of test, the tool identification, and the maximum permissible daily trigger time at that vibration level. Certificates are issued in a format suitable for inclusion in your COSHH and risk assessment records.
The Management Report
Following testing, we issue a full management report covering the entire tool fleet tested. The report includes: measured vibration magnitude for each tool; calculated maximum trigger times at EAV and ELV for each tool; operator exposure assessment based on current or estimated trigger times; identification of tools exceeding or approaching the EAV; recommendations for exposure reduction, tool rotation or replacement where applicable; and an action plan summary suitable for presenting to health and safety auditors.
The report is issued within five working days of the site visit as standard.
Who Needs HAV Testing
Any employer where workers regularly use hand-held vibrating tools is subject to the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Industries where HAV testing is routinely required include automotive manufacturing, aerospace, rail, general engineering, construction, fabrication, food production and utilities.
HAV testing is particularly relevant when tools are repaired or replaced and vibration output may have changed; when new tools are introduced to the fleet; when operators report symptoms associated with HAVS; when health surveillance identifies workers approaching or exceeding EAV; or when an existing risk assessment is due for review. Vibration levels can change after repair, read about our air tool repair service.
Combining HAV Testing With Tool Servicing
A tool's vibration output is not fixed. Worn bearings, damaged components and improper lubrication all increase vibration magnitude above the manufacturer's nominal figure. A tool that tested below the EAV when new may exceed it after extended use without servicing.
We carry out air tool repair and preventive servicing from our Kenilworth depot. Combining a scheduled service visit with on-site HAV testing gives an accurate picture of each tool's current vibration output and mechanical condition at the same time, reducing site visit frequency and giving employers a complete compliance and maintenance record in a single operation. Read about our air tool service and preventive maintenance.
Coverage and Scheduling
On-site HAV testing is available across the UK from our service centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire. We cover the Midlands, Southwest, South and South East of England as our primary service area, with nationwide visits available by arrangement.
A free written quote is issued within two working days of enquiry. Quote requests should include an approximate number of tools to be tested and your site location.
