exposure · Free · Open Source · MIT

Hand-Arm Vibration Calculator

HAV A(8) daily vibration exposure. Based on HSE UK L140 / ISO 5349-1 / EU 2002/44/EC. Results shown with the full formula so you can verify. Zero signup, zero tracking, zero data sent to a server — all calculation is client-side.

Inputs

Vibration magnitude (m/s²)

Exposure duration (hours)

Daily vibration exposure · ABOVE ACTION

2.57

m/s² A(8)

EAV: 2.5 m/s² A(8)

ELV: 5 m/s² A(8)

Raw JSON result

{
  "value": 2.57,
  "unit": "m/s² A(8)",
  "actionLevelExceeded": true,
  "limitExceeded": false,
  "regulation": "HSE UK L140 / ISO 5349-1 / EU 2002/44/EC",
  "eav": 2.5,
  "elv": 5,
  "partialDoseMs2h": 52.92
}

Overview

About the Hand-Arm Vibration Calculator

Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV) exposure A(8) under HSE UK L140 / ISO 5349-1 / EU 2002/44/EC. Exposure Action Value (EAV) is 2.5 m/s² — above this, employers must implement a vibration risk reduction programme. Exposure Limit Value (ELV) is 5.0 m/s² — above this, work must stop.

HAVS (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) and Vibration White Finger are the reportable outcomes. Primary exposed populations: construction (breakers, grinders, chipping hammers), forestry (chainsaws), foundries (deburring, grinding), and pipeline maintenance.

Formula

A(8) = a × √(T / 8)

Regulation

HSE UK L140 / ISO 5349-1 / EU 2002/44/EC

How to use

Step-by-step: using the Hand-Arm Vibration Calculator

1
Measure or look up the vibration magnitude (m/s², weighted RMS) of the tool in use.
2
Estimate exposure duration in hours — trigger time, NOT clock time holding the tool.
3
Read A(8). If above 2.5 m/s² (EAV), action required. If above 5.0 m/s² (ELV), stop.

Worked examples

Hand-Arm Vibration Calculator — real-world examples

Breaker operator, 3 hours trigger time

Tool magnitude 12 m/s² × √(3/8) = A(8) ~7.3 m/s². Above ELV (5.0) — exposure must stop. Reduce exposure time (<1.4h to stay below ELV) or swap tool.

Who uses this calculator

Used by safety professionals worldwide

●Construction HSE managers using impact and rotary tools
●Occupational hygienists assessing tool-vibration programmes
●Regulator compliance teams (HSE UK, EU member states)
●Tool manufacturers publishing A(8) data for buyers

Watch out for

Common mistakes when calculating hand-arm vibration calculator

⚠Using clock time instead of trigger time. Trigger time = hand actually on the running tool, not lunch + cleanup + idle.
⚠Using the manufacturer's single-axis value when triaxial measurement is required for comparison to EAV/ELV.
⚠Ignoring the additive effect of multiple tools in a shift. Daily A(8) is the ENERGY sum, not average.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What is A(8)?+

The daily vibration exposure normalised to an 8-hour reference period: A(8) = a × √(T/8) where a is the vibration magnitude and T is actual exposure time in hours.

What's the HAV action level?+

EAV = 2.5 m/s² A(8) triggers formal risk reduction programme. ELV = 5.0 m/s² A(8) requires exposure to stop.

Regulation citations

Authoritative sources

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