What is HSG170?
HSG170 is the Health and Safety Executive's practical guidance document on reducing the risk of hand-arm vibration injury in the workplace. This publication provides comprehensive advice on identifying, assessing, and controlling exposure to hand-arm vibration (HAV) from powered hand tools and equipment, helping employers protect workers from serious and irreversible health conditions.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) is a painful and disabling condition caused by regular and frequent exposure to vibration from powered hand tools and equipment. The condition affects the blood vessels, nerves, muscles, and joints of the hand, wrist, and arm. Vibration white finger (VWF), the vascular component of HAVS, causes fingers to turn white and become painful, particularly in cold conditions. The neurological effects include tingling, numbness, and loss of grip strength.
HSG170 addresses this significant occupational health issue by providing practical solutions that employers can implement to reduce vibration exposure. The guidance covers everything from selecting low-vibration equipment to organising work patterns that minimise exposure, and from maintaining tools in good condition to implementing health surveillance programmes.
The document is essential for any workplace where workers regularly use vibrating tools, including construction, engineering, manufacturing, automotive repair, forestry, and grounds maintenance. By following HSG170 guidance, employers can prevent the development of HAVS and comply with the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005.
Who Needs This Document?
Primary Audiences
Construction Contractors whose workers use power tools such as breakers, grinders, and drills face significant HAV risks. HSG170 provides the practical guidance needed to manage these risks effectively while maintaining productivity.
Engineering and Manufacturing Managers responsible for operations involving grinding, polishing, riveting, and other processes using vibrating tools need this guidance to protect their workforce from vibration-related injury.
Health and Safety Professionals working in industries where HAV exposure is common use HSG170 to develop exposure assessments, control strategies, and health surveillance programmes.
Grounds Maintenance and Landscaping Businesses using equipment such as chainsaws, hedge trimmers, and strimmers need to understand and control the vibration risks their workers face.
Secondary Audiences
Small Business Owners in trades where power tools are regularly used often lack specialist health and safety support. HSG170 provides accessible guidance for understanding and managing HAV risks.
Occupational Health Providers involved in health surveillance for workers exposed to HAV use this guidance to understand the workplace context and the technical measures that should complement medical monitoring.
Tool and Equipment Suppliers should understand HSG170 to advise customers on low-vibration alternatives and proper use of equipment to minimise exposure.
Workers and Their Representatives benefit from understanding HAV risks and the measures employers should be taking to protect them, enabling meaningful engagement in risk management.
Key Topics Covered
Understanding Hand-Arm Vibration
HSG170 explains how hand-arm vibration causes harm:
Vascular Effects - Vibration damages the small blood vessels in the fingers, causing them to close down in response to cold. This causes the characteristic white finger episodes, followed by redness and pain as blood flow returns.
Neurological Effects - Damage to nerves causes tingling, numbness, and loss of sensation in the fingers and hands. This can affect the ability to perform fine work and detect temperature and pain.
Musculoskeletal Effects - Prolonged exposure can damage muscles, bones, and joints, leading to weakness, pain, and reduced grip strength.
The guidance emphasises that HAVS is irreversible once established - prevention is the only effective approach.
Assessing Vibration Exposure
HSG170 provides practical guidance on assessing HAV exposure in the workplace:
Identifying Exposure - Determine which workers use vibrating equipment and for how long. Consider all tools and processes that transmit vibration to the hands.
Estimating Exposure Levels - Use manufacturer's vibration data, HSE's vibration database, or direct measurement to determine the vibration magnitude of tools in use.
Calculating Daily Exposure - Combine vibration magnitude with duration of use to calculate daily vibration exposure. The guidance provides simple methods and calculator tools for this.
Comparing with Exposure Limits - The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations set an Exposure Action Value (EAV) of 2.5 m/s² A(8) and an Exposure Limit Value (ELV) of 5 m/s² A(8). Employers must take action to reduce exposure when the EAV is exceeded and must not exceed the ELV.
Selecting Low-Vibration Equipment
One of the most effective ways to reduce HAV exposure is to choose tools and equipment with lower vibration levels:
Anti-Vibration Features - Modern tools often incorporate features designed to reduce vibration transmission, including damped handles, balanced mechanisms, and isolation mounts.
Alternative Processes - Sometimes a different approach can eliminate or significantly reduce vibration exposure. For example, diamond blade cutting may produce less vibration than hammer drilling.
Tool Matching - Using the right tool for the job, properly matched to the work, often reduces both vibration exposure and trigger time compared to using inappropriate equipment.
Manufacturer Data - When purchasing equipment, consider the declared vibration values and select lower-vibration options where available.
Maintaining Tools and Equipment
Proper maintenance significantly affects vibration levels:
Regular Servicing - Worn components, damaged mountings, and general deterioration increase vibration output. Regular maintenance keeps tools operating within design parameters.
Consumable Condition - Blunt blades, worn abrasives, and damaged bits increase the force and time needed to complete work, increasing vibration exposure. Replace consumables before they become ineffective.
Anti-Vibration Components - Dampers, mounts, and handles specifically designed to reduce vibration must be maintained and replaced when worn.
Pre-Use Checks - Train operators to check tools before use and remove damaged equipment from service.
Organising Work to Reduce Exposure
How work is organised significantly affects HAV exposure:
Job Rotation - Alternating vibrating and non-vibrating tasks throughout the day reduces individual exposure. Plan work to avoid concentrated exposure periods.
Trigger Time Reduction - The actual time tools are operating against the workpiece (trigger time) determines exposure. Techniques that reduce unnecessary operation reduce exposure.
Work Planning - Where possible, schedule high-vibration work for shorter periods. Consider whether some tasks can be done by other methods or at different stages.
Pace of Work - Time pressure that encourages continuous tool use increases exposure. Allow adequate time for work without forcing continuous operation.
Worker Protection and Welfare
HSG170 covers measures to protect individual workers:
Warm and Dry - Cold increases the risk and severity of HAVS symptoms. Ensure workers can keep warm and dry, provide heated rest facilities, and consider heated handles for tools.
Grip Strength - Excessive grip increases vibration transmission. Train workers to use minimum necessary grip and ensure tools are appropriate for the task.
Anti-Vibration Gloves - While not a substitute for other controls, anti-vibration gloves may provide some protection, particularly from high-frequency vibration. Select gloves appropriate to the frequency range of tools in use.
Health Information - Ensure workers understand the risks of HAV and the importance of reporting symptoms early. Early detection allows intervention before irreversible damage occurs.
Health Surveillance
The Regulations require health surveillance for workers likely to be regularly exposed above the EAV:
Baseline Assessment - Before starting exposed work, establish baseline health status through questionnaire and, where appropriate, clinical assessment.
Regular Monitoring - Periodic questionnaires and assessments detect early signs of HAVS, allowing intervention before serious damage develops.
Clinical Examination - Where symptoms are reported, clinical examination determines the nature and extent of any condition.
Fitness for Work - Health surveillance informs decisions about continued exposed work. Early-stage HAVS may allow continued work with reduced exposure; advanced cases may require removal from exposure.
Using This Guidance
Step 1: Identify Where HAV Occurs
Survey your workplace to identify all tasks involving vibrating tools and equipment. Consider routine operations, maintenance activities, and occasional tasks. Document the tools used and the workers affected.
Step 2: Assess Current Exposure
For each exposed group, estimate vibration exposure:
- Identify the vibration magnitude of tools in use
- Estimate typical daily trigger times
- Calculate daily exposure using HSE's calculator or ready reckoner
- Compare results with the EAV and ELV
Step 3: Implement Control Measures
Based on your assessment, implement measures to reduce exposure:
- Substitute high-vibration tools with lower-vibration alternatives
- Improve maintenance to keep tools operating optimally
- Reorganise work to reduce individual exposure times
- Provide welfare facilities to keep workers warm
- Ensure workers understand correct techniques
Step 4: Establish Health Surveillance
For workers exposed above the EAV:
- Implement a health surveillance programme
- Ensure workers understand the importance of reporting symptoms
- Act on health surveillance findings to protect affected workers
- Use results to evaluate the effectiveness of controls
Step 5: Review and Improve
Regularly review your HAV management programme:
- Monitor exposure levels and compare with previous assessments
- Review health surveillance results for trends
- Evaluate new tools and technologies that may reduce exposure
- Update risk assessments when circumstances change
Why It Matters
Preventing Irreversible Injury
HAVS cannot be cured once established. The only effective approach is prevention. Following HSG170 guidance prevents workers developing this painful and disabling condition that affects their work and daily life.
Legal Compliance
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess and control HAV risks. HSG170 provides the practical guidance needed to meet these legal duties. Failure to comply can result in prosecution and significant fines.
Compensation Claims
HAVS is a prescribed industrial disease, and affected workers may claim compensation. Employers who have failed to assess and control risks face substantial liability. Following HSG170 guidance demonstrates due diligence and reduces legal exposure.
Workforce Retention
Workers who develop HAVS may be unable to continue in their roles, leading to loss of experienced staff. Prevention maintains your skilled workforce and avoids the costs of recruitment and training.
Productivity
Healthy workers are more productive. Symptoms of HAVS affect grip strength, dexterity, and ability to work in cold conditions. Preventing the condition maintains worker capability and productivity.
Business Reputation
Employers known for poor occupational health practices struggle to recruit and retain good workers. Demonstrating commitment to preventing HAVS through following guidance like HSG170 enhances your reputation as a responsible employer.
Worker Wellbeing
Beyond legal and business considerations, preventing HAVS is simply the right thing to do. Workers trust employers to provide safe working conditions, and preventing occupational disease honours that trust.