HAV levels by tool type
HSE PDF table showing typical tool vibration values
Values referenced in this table are in variance to levels quoted by power tool manufacturers.
This variance occurs due to the different ways in which tool vibration is measured.
Unlike power tool manufacturers, who have no idea what conditions the tool is going to be used in, HSE guidelines are able to take in to account typical operating environments where:
- workpieces might vibrate
- tools might not be at their sharpest
- an operator’s working position might not be ideal
By contrast, power tool manufacturers present figures based upon a BS EN standard test that is designed to allow comparisons from tool to tool.
Pneumatic Hammer
HSE recommended initial vibration value
(25 m/s2)
Electric Drill
HSE recommended initial vibration value
(8 m/s2)
Conclusion:
A worker can use an electric drill for 3x longer than a rivet buster
Example Comparison
Rivet Buster Vs Electric Core Drill
Tool vibration values for Air operated tools: (Source HSE table)
| Tool Type | Notes | Range | Recommended Initial Value | |
| Lower | Upper | |||
| Demolition or rotary hammer | Can give very high vibrations if operators push too hard. Maintaining sharp drill bits is important | 10 | 21 | 18 |
| Pneumatic hammers | 10 | 29 | 25 | |
Tool vibration values for Electric Core Drilling: (Source HSE table)
| Tool Type | Notes | Range | Recommended Initial Value | |
| Lower | Upper | |||
| Drills - Standard Drill Bit | Vibration values can vary across the many sub-categories (eg small to large) and different materials being worked. Larger drills tend to give higher vibration values. Maintaining sharp drill bits is important | 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Drills - Hole Saw | 4 | 12 | 10 | |
| Drills - Core 78 - 107mm |
Can give very high vibrations if operators push too hard. Maintaining sharp drill bits is important | 6 | 8 | 8 |
Conclusions: (Using the data above and the HSE Ready Reckoner)
| A Pneumatic Hammer (25 m/s2) would reach an | ACTION Level | in | less than 5 minutes of use |
| A Pneumatic Hammer (25 m/s2) would reach its | EXPOSURE Limit | after | 15 minutes of use |
| An Electric Drill (8 m/s2) would reach an | ACTION Level | after | 1 hr of use |
| An Electric Drill (8 m/s2) would reach its | EXPOSURE Limit | after | >3 hrs of use |
A VersaDrive® Magnetic Drilling Machine (<2.5 m/s²)* would not reach an ACTION level until over 6 Hours of use.
*Actual measured vibration level
This shows the enormous advantage of using electric drills rather than pneumatic impact tools for the removal of rivets in the construction industry.