An educational library of workplace documents — purpose, who completes them, when they are used, typical fields, common mistakes and how they connect. Linked to workplace safety, workplace training, occupations, industries and employment documents. Informational only — template examples, not legal advice or official documents; employers remain responsible and using a document does not guarantee compliance.
What a hand-arm vibration risk assessment is
A hand-arm vibration (HAV) risk assessment identifies tasks using vibrating tools — grinders, drills, breakers and similar — estimates the exposure, and records the measures that reduce the risk of conditions affecting the hands and arms, such as vibration white finger.
This page is an educational overview with a simplified example. It is not an official template, not jurisdiction-specific and not legal advice — the employer decides what their vibration assessment must cover.
Purpose
- Identify tasks and tools that expose workers to hand-arm vibration.
- Estimate exposure based on tool, task and time.
- Record controls — lower-vibration tools, limited exposure, maintenance.
- Set out health surveillance and how exposure is managed.
Who completes it
- A competent person appointed by the employer, using tool and exposure data.
- With knowledge of the tools, tasks and how long they are used.
- Reviewed within the organisation’s own process.
- It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the assessor is competent.
When it is used
- Where vibrating hand tools are used regularly.
- When tools, tasks or working patterns change.
- When health surveillance suggests early symptoms.
- On a review cycle defined by the employer.
Typical fields
- Task, tool and date.
- Vibration data for the tool and the time it is used.
- Estimated exposure and who is affected.
- Controls — tool choice, maintenance, job rotation, exposure limits.
- Health surveillance, actions and review date.
- Example fields only — adapt to the tools and the applicable law.
Common mistakes
- Estimating exposure from tool data alone, ignoring real trigger time.
- Using worn or poorly maintained tools that vibrate more.
- Relying on anti-vibration gloves as the main control.
- Never reviewing it after tool or task changes.
Document workflow
A hand-arm vibration risk assessment sits within the wider risk assessment and informs tool selection, the safe system of work, exposure management and health surveillance. Findings feed training and toolbox talks; a change or symptom report triggers a review.
See the related documents below for what is commonly used with a hand-arm vibration risk assessment.
Retention (high level)
Vibration assessments and related health records are generally kept for as long as they are relevant, with some health records retained for a long period, in line with the employer’s obligations and data-protection duties. Specific retention periods vary by jurisdiction.
This page does not state a required period — confirm retention with the applicable law and the official authority.
Completing and sharing as a PDF
Vibration assessments are commonly completed and stored as PDFs alongside the risk assessment and tool records. Exporting to PDF supports documentation; it does not make the assessment official or guarantee compliance.
Employer checklist
- Base exposure on real trigger time, not just tool ratings.
- Choose lower-vibration tools and keep them maintained.
- Manage exposure through job rotation and limits.
- Arrange health surveillance where indicated and review regularly.
Worker notes
- Use the right tool for the job and report worn or faulty ones.
- Take breaks from vibrating tools as planned.
- Report tingling, numbness or other early symptoms.
Country considerations
Vibration exposure action and limit levels and health surveillance rules vary by country, and the official authority differs. This page is high-level and general — it is not a statement of any country’s law and not a guarantee that a document is valid anywhere.
Always confirm the current requirements with the official authority for your country and a qualified professional.
Who is responsible
The employer is responsible for assessing and controlling vibration exposure, arranging health surveillance where required, and compliance. This page is an educational overview with a template example; it does not determine what your assessment must contain, does not make a workplace compliant and does not transfer responsibility.
Export, edit and share documents
The documents, policies and templates this involves can be exported, edited, signed, stored and shared as PDFs with the HELPERG PDF Editor.
Free, printable HR & employment resources
Practical, ungated resources to put this into action — no signup.