Hand-arm vibration: reducing vibration

on Nov 03, 2026

Short answer: hand-arm vibration (HAV) occurs when you work with vibrating tools for long periods, such as a demolition hammer, rotary hammer or angle grinder. You reduce vibration mainly at the source: choose the right, well-maintained machine, use sharp bits and chisels, let the machine do the work and limit the time per day. Gloves keep your hands warm, but are not a reliable solution against vibration.

Read this article in Dutch as well: Handarmvibratie (HAV): trillingen beperken.

What is hand-arm vibration?

With hand-arm vibration, the vibration of a machine travels through your hands into your arms. This happens with every vibrating tool, but especially when demolishing, chiselling, drilling into concrete and grinding. Working briefly once is not a problem. The risk lies in years of daily work with vibrating machines.

Symptoms build up slowly and are often permanent:

fingers turning white, especially in the cold;
tingling and numbness in the fingers;
less strength and less feeling in the hands;
pain in wrists, elbows and shoulders.

⚠️ Do you have white fingers or tingling after work? Report it to your supervisor and the occupational physician. The sooner you act, the better.

Limits in outline

Employers must assess and reduce exposure to vibration. In outline, there is an action value of 2.5 m/s² and a limit value of 5 m/s², averaged over an eight-hour working day. The vibration level of a machine is stated in the manual. The actual vibration also depends on the job, the condition of the machine and your posture.

Reducing vibration: from source to person

Tackle the best measures in this order.

Measure	Example	Effect
Organise work differently	less demolition, saw or drill in advance	vibration disappears or drops sharply
Choose the right machine	heavy demolition hammer for heavy work, rotary hammer for drilling	less time needed, less force on your hands
Maintenance and bits	sharp chisels and discs, machine serviced	less vibration and less pressure
Good technique	let the machine work, do not push hard	less vibration to the hands
Limit time	alternate tasks, breaks	lower daily exposure
Personal protection	warm hands, dry gloves	less risk in the cold

The right machine for the job

A machine that is too light has to be pushed hard and takes longer. That increases the load. For light drilling, an RH26 SDS-plus rotary hammer or RHS20 cordless rotary hammer is handy. For heavier drilling in concrete, an RH36VS SDS-plus rotary hammer or an RH40 SDS-max rotary hammer fits. For demolition, choose a real demolition hammer, such as the DH10J SDS-max demolition hammer or the DHH48J heavy demolition hammer. Use an IDS20 hammer drill for light drilling, not for concrete. Read more about Stalco machines in our brand blog on Stalco and about quality in our blog on recognising quality tools.

A blunt bit vibrates more and needs more force. So replace your SDS-max pointed chisel and your SDS-plus concrete drill bit in time.

Worker with helmet, high-visibility overalls and work gloves carrying an angle grinder

Working with an angle grinder

An AG125 angle grinder or AG230 angle grinder also vibrates. Imbalance from a worn or damaged disc causes extra vibration. Always use the side handle, hold the machine with two hands and replace discs that run out of true. Read more about the risks in our blog on working with an angle grinder.

Good technique

Let the machine do the work. Pushing hard sends more vibration into your hands.
Hold the machine with a firm but relaxed grip.
Alternate vibrating work with other tasks and take breaks.
Keep your hands warm and dry. Cold makes symptoms worse. Also read our safety tip on working safely in the cold.
Have machines checked regularly and report vibration that noticeably increases.

PPE with vibrating tools

Vibrating work often comes with dust and noise. Wear work gloves with nitrile coating for grip and warm hands, earmuffs against the noise of demolition hammers and safety goggles against flying fragments. When drilling and demolishing concrete, an FFP2 dust mask is needed against dust. Read more about hearing protection in our blog on hearing protection and about gloves in our buying guide for work gloves.

👷 Reducing vibration starts with craftsmanship: the right machine, sharp bits and good technique. Not sure which machine suits your work? Ask an experienced colleague or professional for advice.

💡 Record per project which machines you use and for how long. That quickly shows where you can reduce the load.