The hand-arm vibration calculator.
Enter a tool's vibration magnitude and get its HSE exposure points per hour and per minute, and how long it can be used before reaching the EAV and ELV. The same arithmetic that runs inside the Toolminder app.
Vibration magnitude
m/s²0
Points limits
The standard HSE values — 100 and 400 points — are the maximums. Where occupational health has set someone a reduced personal limit, as Toolminder supports, enter it here to see their times. The ELV always stays above the EAV.
Enter a tool's vibration magnitude in m/s² to see its HSE points and how long it can be used before the EAV and ELV.
This calculator is provided as general guidance only and does not replace a vibration risk assessment under the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. Exposure in the field should be based on recorded tool usage, not estimates.
How the numbers work
Points make vibration exposure comparable.
The HSE's points system scores daily hand-arm vibration exposure on a single scale: 100 points is the Exposure Action Value, equivalent to 2.5 m/s² A(8), and 400 points is the Exposure Limit Value, equivalent to 5 m/s² A(8). A tool earns roughly 2 × magnitude² points per hour of trigger time, which is why a small rise in magnitude cuts safe usage time so sharply.
A calculator answers "how long could this tool be used today?" That's planning, not proof. Actual daily exposure depends on real trigger time across every tool an operator picks up, which is exactly what Toolminder's HAV monitoring records automatically as the day happens.
Before you trust the magnitude
Manufacturer figures are often not representative.
The HSE advise that manufacturer-quoted vibration values are typically measured under controlled conditions and often understate real-world use. For figures you can rely on, Earlsmere offer on-site vibration testing of the actual machines you run.
Ask about vibration testingReady to see it in action?
Book a walkthrough with the team, or download the app and take a look around.