That’s where our HAV Calculator can help. Designed for safety and accuracy, this free online tool takes the guesswork out of calculating daily vibration exposure and helps you stay compliant with legal requirements. Try the calculator here.
Understanding Hand-Arm Vibration and Compliance
Hand-Arm Vibration refers to the vibration transmitted from tools and equipment into a worker’s hands and arms during use. Over time, repeated and extended exposure can damage nerves, blood vessels and joints, which can lead to pain, numbness and long-term disability.
In the UK, the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 set exposure action values (EAV) and exposure limit values (ELV) to protect workers’ health. These require employers to assess vibration exposure, implement controls where needed and keep records of risk assessments and control measures. Getting exposure calculations right can be challenging. That’s why a simple, accurate calculator is a valuable part of your compliance toolkit.
What is the GAP HAV Calculator?
The GAP HAV Exposure Calculator is an easy-to-use tool that helps you calculate daily vibration exposure levels quickly and accurately. It’s the perfect tool for safety managers, supervisors, site managers or anyone responsible for health and safety planning.
How the Calculator Works – Step by Step
Using our HAVS Calculator is quick and simple:
- Enter your product – Choose the required tool for your job
- Input vibration data - Enter the vibration magnitude (m/s²) for each tool or machine (this is typically available in the manufacturers technical specs)
- Add exposure times – For each tool, input the estimated daily duration your workers use it
- Run the calculation – The calculator processes the data and provides the daily vibration exposure (A(8)) for each use
- Compare against legal values – Use the result to check if exposure is below the exposure action value or close to the exposure limit value
This process removed manual calculations, saving time and reducing risk of human error.
Benefits of Using GAP’s HAV Calculator
Here’s how the HAV Calculator adds value to you and your team:
- Accurate exposure assessment – Quickly calculates daily vibration exposure based on real usage patterns
- Saves time and reduces errors – No need for manual maths or spreadsheets, just input the data and let the calculator do the rest
- Better risk assessments – Use the results to justify tool rotations, schedule breaks or invest in new equipment
- Improves worker health and safety – By knowing the exposure levels, you can make informed decisions that protect workers from long-term health
Tips for Better HAVS Management
On top of utilising GAP’s HAV Calculator, here are some top tips you can implement for extra safety:
- Train workers on safe usage durations and the risks of prolonged use
- Rotate tasks If exposure approaches action values
- Always use accurate vibration data from the manufacturers
- Use our calculator to review and refine plans
Staying compliant with vibration exposure regulations doesn’t have to be complicated. With our HAV Exposure Calculator, you get a fast, reliable way to estimate daily exposure, support risk assessment and make informed decisions that protect both your team and your business.
