Hand arm vibration policy and assessments

Hand arm vibration comes from using hand-held power tools such as chainsaws, hammer drills and hedge trimmers.  Too much exposure can cause painful and disabling disorders of the blood vessels, nerves and joints. 

You can read more about hand arm vibration at work on the Health and Safety Executive website. 

We have a legal duty to assess, control and minimise the risk of ill health resulting from using vibrating equipment.  

Hand arm vibration policy 

The Hand and Arm Vibration policy helps managers control the impact on employees exposed to vibration.  

Hand and Arm Vibration Policy (HSP 9.36) (DOCX, 178MB) 

Hand arm vibration syndrome assessments 

Health surveillance is a system of repeated health checks that identify signs ill health caused by work. Occupational health provides health surveillance for employees at risk of ill health from using hand-held power tools. 

Health surveillance is carried out to: 

• detect early signs of vibration-related illness in employees who regularly use hand-held vibrating tools 
• help prevent illnesses from getting worse 
• provide reports on your fitness to continue working with hand-held vibrating tools