The importance of the Havs and the HAVs not
Every day, thousands of tradespeople and technicians rely on power tools to get the job done — from tightening bolts on rail tracks to grinding metal in workshops. But behind the noise and movement lies an invisible risk that can cause lasting harm: Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV).
At Durofix, continuous improvement and user safety go hand-in-hand. That’s why our Product Manager, Michael, recently led a series of HAVs quality assurance tests to ensure every Durofix tool not only performs at peak power — but also protects the people who use it.
What Is Hand-Arm Vibration (HAV)?
Hand-Arm Vibration is the transfer of vibration energy from power tools and machinery into the user’s hands and arms. Over time, repeated exposure can lead to a serious, and often irreversible condition known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
HAVS affects the nerves, blood vessels, and joints, resulting in symptoms such as:
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers
- Reduced grip strength
- Pain and stiffness in the hands and wrists
- Increased sensitivity to cold
In severe cases, even simple tasks — like writing with a pen or turning a key — can become extremely difficult.
The Real-World Impact of HAVS
The consequences go beyond the individual.
For employers, unmanaged vibration risks can result in:
- Heavy fines from health and safety breaches
- Personal injury claims
- HSE (Health & Safety Executive) investigations
- Reduced productivity and damaged morale
The important thing to remember is this:
HAVS is not a disease — it’s an injury. And injuries can be prevented.
Once damage occurs, it’s permanent. Prevention is therefore the only solution.
What the Law Requires
Under UK regulations, employers must assess and manage vibration exposure risks in the workplace. That involves understanding two key measurements:
- Vibration Exposure Level
– The amount of vibration produced by a tool, measured in metres per second squared (m/s²). - Exposure Time (Trigger Time)
– The actual time a worker spends using the vibrating tool — not the full shift length.
The law defines two important thresholds:
- Exposure Action Value (EAV): 2.5 m/s² A(8)
→ When workers reach this level, employers must take action to reduce risk. - Exposure Limit Value (ELV): 5.0 m/s² A(8)
→ This is the maximum legal daily exposure — it must never be exceeded.
By understanding both vibration levels and trigger time, companies can make informed, data-driven decisions about tool rotation, job scheduling, and worker safety.
Partnering with The Castle Group for Reliable Measurement
To ensure our data is accurate and traceable, Durofix has partnered with The Castle Group, a leading name in environmental measurement and monitoring technology for over 50 years.
Their advanced equipment and sensors allow us to measure real-world vibration levels across our full tool range — from impact wrenches and grinders to drills and sanders. Each sensor is meticulously calibrated to deliver precise readings under controlled conditions.
What We’re Testing — and Why It Matters
During our recent testing sessions, we examined questions such as:
- Which industries face the highest HAV exposure risks?
- What is the standard testing procedure for measuring hand-arm vibration?
- What differences do users experience when switching from a 5.0 m/s² tool to one below 5.0 m/s²?
These insights help us continually refine our tool designs, ensuring that Durofix products remain among the lowest-vibration, highest-performance tools in their categories.
Results That Matter
Preliminary data already shows that Durofix tools consistently perform below industry averages for vibration output — demonstrating our commitment to both performance and user safety.
By lowering vibration levels, we’re not only helping reduce fatigue and injury risk but also enhancing precision and long-term comfort for professionals who depend on their tools every day.
Built for Performance. Engineered for Safety.
At Durofix, safety isn’t an afterthought — it’s part of our design DNA.
From smart motor control to advanced vibration dampening and ergonomic design, every innovation we make aims to protect both productivity and wellbeing.
Because the best tools don’t just get the job done —
they make sure you can keep doing it for years to come.
Customers who trust Durofix
