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.

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