Sander HAVS calculator One worker’s estimated daily hand-arm vibration exposure across all their tools.
- Free, no account
- 100 points after 21 min to 37 min on HSE’s figures
- Nothing is stored
Only the time the tool is running in their hands. Breaks add up, they do not reset it.
Not counted yet: type not chosen.
Daily exposure
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Not counted yet: Sander (type not chosen).
About this estimate
Based on HSE-published data (HSE, Vibration risk assessment, Table 1 "Some typical vibration levels for common tools", read 16 September 2026) and, for a named make and model, the figure its maker declares in its manual or product information. HSE and the makers have not reviewed or endorsed this calculator. An estimate to support an exposure assessment, not a measurement, a risk assessment or a compliance certificate.
Orbital and random-orbital sander vibration
HSE publishes 2 figures for sanders, one for each type below. HSE’s rule of thumb is that regular use of some rotary tools for more than about an hour a day is likely to pass 100 points.
| Type | 100 points after | 400 points after |
|---|---|---|
| Random-orbital sander 12 m/s², range 6 to 14 | 21 min | 1 h 23 min |
| Orbital sander 9 m/s², range 4 to 12 | 37 min | 2 h 28 min |
An hour on a sander is 162 to 288 points
Points are 2 × vibration² × hours of trigger time: 162 an hour at 9 m/s², 288 at 12 m/s². Every other tool that person uses adds to the same day. If you have the sander’s own figure from its handbook or a measurement, enter that instead.
| Daily exposure | What the employer must do |
|---|---|
| Under 100 points | Keep exposure as low as you reasonably can. Workers who already have symptoms still need protecting. |
| 100 points Action value, 2.5 m/s² A(8) | Reduce exposure, and give training and health checks to those regularly exposed. |
| 400 points Limit value, 5 m/s² A(8) | Cut exposure at once, find out why, and change the work so it does not happen again. |
Sources
- HSE, Vibration risk assessment and tool figures
- HSE, Hand-arm vibration advice for employers
- HSE, INDG175: Hand-arm vibration at work
- Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005
Figures for other tools: HAVS chart for common tools. HSE has not reviewed or endorsed this calculator.