What is L140?
L140 is the HSE's Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) and guidance for controlling hand-arm vibration under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. It provides detailed guidance on protecting workers from the health risks of using vibrating hand-held tools and hand-guided machinery.
Hand-arm vibration (HAV) can cause permanent and disabling damage to the hands and arms. The conditions caused - including Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) and carpal tunnel syndrome - affect blood circulation, nerves, muscles, and joints. Once established, the damage cannot be reversed.
L140 explains how to assess vibration exposure, what the legal exposure limits mean, and how to prevent harm through equipment selection, work organisation, and health surveillance.
Who Needs This Document?
L140 is essential for:
- Construction companies using breakers, grinders, drills, and power tools
- Engineering and manufacturing with grinding, polishing, and riveting operations
- Forestry and agriculture using chainsaws and brush cutters
- Road maintenance workers using breakers and compactors
- Motor vehicle repair using impact wrenches and grinders
- Foundries with fettling and grinding operations
- Shipyards using chipping hammers and needle guns
- Landscaping and grounds maintenance using strimmers and mowers
- Any industry where workers regularly use vibrating hand-held tools
Key Topics Covered
What is Hand-Arm Vibration?
Hand-arm vibration is vibration transmitted from work equipment into workers' hands and arms. Common sources include:
- Hammer drills and rotary hammers
- Breakers and demolition hammers
- Angle grinders and disc cutters
- Sanders and polishers
- Chainsaws and hedge trimmers
- Impact wrenches and screwdrivers
- Needle guns and chipping hammers
- Strimmers and brush cutters
Health Effects
L140 describes the conditions caused by HAV exposure:
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS):
- Vascular component (vibration white finger) - fingers go white and numb in cold
- Neurological component - permanent numbness, tingling, reduced sensitivity
- Musculoskeletal component - joint and muscle pain, reduced grip strength
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome:
- Compression of nerve in the wrist
- Tingling, numbness, and pain in thumb and fingers
- Weakness and difficulty gripping
These conditions are painful, debilitating, and permanent. Early stages may improve if exposure stops, but advanced cases are irreversible.
Exposure Limits
L140 explains the Regulations' exposure values:
| Limit | Daily Exposure Value | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Exposure Action Value (EAV) | 2.5 m/s² A(8) | Action required to reduce exposure |
| Exposure Limit Value (ELV) | 5 m/s² A(8) | Must not be exceeded |
Exposure is measured as an 8-hour time-weighted average (A(8)). Both the vibration magnitude of the tool and the daily exposure time affect the result.
Risk Assessment
L140 guides employers through HAV risk assessment:
- Identify work involving vibrating tools
- Identify workers at risk
- Estimate daily vibration exposures
- Compare against action and limit values
- Identify existing controls and their effectiveness
- Determine additional measures needed
- Record the assessment
- Review regularly and when circumstances change
Controlling Exposure
The hierarchy of vibration control:
- Eliminate - avoid processes requiring vibrating tools
- Substitute - use lower-vibration equipment or methods
- Limit exposure time - job rotation, work organisation
- Select low-vibration tools - use manufacturer vibration data
- Maintain equipment - poor maintenance increases vibration
- Provide information and training - ensure workers understand risks
- Health surveillance - detect early signs of damage
Health Surveillance
Health surveillance is required for workers regularly exposed at or above the EAV, or who may be at risk. L140 covers:
- Initial screening questionnaires
- Tier levels of health surveillance (1-5)
- When to refer for medical assessment
- Records and confidentiality
- Responding to HAVS diagnoses
- Fitness for continued work with vibrating tools
Information and Training
Workers must receive:
- Information on the health risks from HAV
- The results of risk assessments
- How to recognise and report symptoms
- How to minimise exposure
- The purpose of health surveillance
Legal Status
L140 is an Approved Code of Practice. Following its guidance is the clearest route to compliance with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Failure to follow the ACOP can be cited as evidence of non-compliance in enforcement proceedings.
Why It Matters
HAVS is a serious occupational disease:
The Scale of the Problem
- An estimated 2 million UK workers are exposed to potentially harmful HAV levels
- Over 300,000 people in the UK may have HAVS
- HAVS is one of the most common causes of occupational ill health claims
Impact on Workers
- Permanent disability - HAVS does not get better, only worse
- Loss of livelihood - workers may be unable to continue in their trade
- Daily suffering - pain, numbness, and difficulty with everyday tasks
- Cold intolerance - fingers going white and numb in winter
Consequences for Employers
- Civil claims - significant compensation payouts for HAVS cases
- Criminal prosecution - failure to control exposure is an offence
- Improvement notices - HSE can require immediate action
- Loss of skilled workers - experienced staff forced to change roles
Prevention is Possible
L140 provides the framework to prevent HAVS:
- Choose low-vibration tools
- Limit exposure times
- Maintain equipment properly
- Implement health surveillance
- Act on early symptoms
Practical Control Measures
| Measure | How It Helps |
|---|---|
| Low-vibration tools | Reduces exposure at source |
| Anti-vibration gloves | Limited benefit - keep hands warm, not for vibration |
| Job rotation | Shares exposure across workers |
| Breaks from vibrating work | Allows recovery between exposures |
| Sharp cutting tools | Reduces need for excessive force and time |
| Warm dry conditions | Good circulation reduces damage |
| Regular maintenance | Worn tools vibrate more |
Warning Signs of HAVS
Workers should report:
- Tingling or numbness in fingers
- Fingers going white (especially in cold)
- Difficulty picking up small objects
- Reduced grip strength
- Pain in hands, wrists, or arms
- Difficulty feeling things properly
Early detection allows early intervention. Advanced HAVS cannot be cured.
Further Resources
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 (legislation.gov.uk)
- HSE Hand-arm vibration web pages
- INDG175 - Hand-arm vibration at work (employee guidance)
- HSE Hand-arm vibration exposure calculator
This page summarises the ACOP L140. For full legal compliance, obtain and read the complete document from HSE. This summary is not a substitute for professional advice or the full ACOP text.