INTRODUCTION

1

This document contains internal guidance which has been made available to

the public. The guidance is considered good practice (rather than compulsory) but

you may find it useful in deciding what you need to do to comply with the law.

However, the guidance may not be applicable in all circumstances and any queries

should be directed to the appropriate enforcing authority.

2

HSE leaflet INDG 338 Power Tools. How to reduce vibration health risks.

Guide for employers, provides basic guidance to assist users of hand-held power

tools to take account of vibration emission data in the selection of suitable hand-held

power tools. INDG 338 should be read first for an introduction to this subject. This

information document is intended to provide additional technical guidance on this

HEALTH RISKS AND HAND-ARM VIBRATION (HAV)

3

There are several diseases caused by regular exposure to HAV and use of

hand-held power tools is associated with these. Further details are given in

INDG 338 and HS(G)88 Hand-arm vibration.

SELECTION OF HAND-HELD POWER TOOLS

4

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER 98)

regulation 4 places duties on employers and requires that hand-held power tools be:

suitable for the purpose for and working conditions in which they are to

be used;

used only for purposes for which they are suited; and

used only under conditions for which they are suitable.

5

Regulation 5 requires that work equipment is maintained in an efficient state,

in efficient working order and in good repair (efficient relates to how it might affect

health and safety).

6

In considering suitability of hand-held power tools, account should be taken of

the health risks from HAV. To do this, users will need to obtain information on

vibration emission from the tools they are considering.