HAVS Trigger Time Chart — Free Reference for Construction Tools
Look up how long common construction, civils, and landscaping tools can be used before a worker reaches the EAV (Exposure Action Value) or ELV (Exposure Limit Value) for hand-arm vibration. Filter by tool type and toggle between typical and worst-case vibration estimates.
| Tool | Vibration (m/s²) | Time to EAV | Time to ELV | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Angle grinder (4.5", cutting)Grinding/Cutting | 5 m/s²(4–6) | 2h | 8h | Lower |
| Angle grinder (9", grinding)Grinding/Cutting | 8 m/s²(6–10) | 47m | 3h 8m | Medium |
| Breaker, electric (light)Breaking/Demolition | 11 m/s²(8–14) | 25m | 1h 39m | Medium |
| Breaker, pneumatic (medium)Breaking/Demolition | 18 m/s²(12–25) | 9m | 37m | High |
| Breaker, hydraulic (heavy)Breaking/Demolition | 15 m/s²(10–20) | 13m | 53m | High |
| Chainsaw (top-handle)Landscaping | 4 m/s²(3–5) | 3h 8m | 12h 30m | Lower |
| Chainsaw (rear-handle)Landscaping | 5 m/s²(4–7) | 2h | 8h | Lower |
| Chipping hammerBreaking/Demolition | 22 m/s²(15–30) | 6m | 25m | High |
| Cut-off saw / disc cutterGrinding/Cutting | 7 m/s²(5–9) | 1h 1m | 4h 5m | Lower |
| Hammer drill (SDS)Drilling | 13 m/s²(9–20) | 18m | 1h 11m | Medium |
| Impact wrenchFastening | 8 m/s²(5–15) | 47m | 3h 8m | Medium |
| Needle scalerSurface Prep | 18 m/s²(10–30) | 9m | 37m | High |
| Plate compactorCompaction | 13 m/s²(10–16) | 18m | 1h 11m | Medium |
| Road roller (walk-behind)Compaction | 7 m/s²(4–10) | 1h 1m | 4h 5m | Lower |
| Rotary hammer drillDrilling | 12 m/s²(8–16) | 21m | 1h 23m | Medium |
| ScabblerSurface Prep | 28 m/s²(20–40) | 4m | 15m | High |
| Strimmer / brush cutterLandscaping | 5 m/s²(4–7) | 2h | 8h | Lower |
| Tamper / rammerCompaction | 15 m/s²(12–20) | 13m | 53m | High |
| Vibrating pokerCompaction | 8 m/s²(6–12) | 47m | 3h 8m | Medium |
Understanding the thresholds
Go Beyond Lookup Tables — Track Your Crew Live
Trigger time charts tell you the limits. HAVS·Log tracks where each worker actually stands against those limits — in real time, with alerts before thresholds are breached.
Vibration magnitudes shown are typical ranges from manufacturer data and the HSE database. Your specific tool may differ — always check the manufacturer's declared value. Times assume single-tool use. For multi-tool daily exposure, use the HAVS Exposure Calculator. This tool is not a substitute for a professional risk assessment.
How this tool works
Trigger times depend on the tool's vibration magnitude — measured in m/s². Higher magnitude means shorter safe-use time. The EAV (100 exposure points / 2.5 m/s² A(8)) triggers a duty to introduce controls. The ELV (400 points / 5 m/s² A(8)) is the legal maximum. These are per-tool times assuming single-tool use. If a worker uses multiple tools, exposure points add together — use the HAVS Exposure Calculator for combined daily exposure.
Related Guides
HAVS Time Limits: Trigger Times for Common Construction Tools
Trigger time reference table for common construction tools. How long workers can use angle grinders, breakers, compactors and more before reaching HAVS exposure limits.
How to Calculate Hand Arm Vibration Exposure: EAV and ELV Explained
Step-by-step guide to calculating daily A(8) hand arm vibration exposure using the HSE method. Includes EAV and ELV thresholds, worked examples, and trigger times for common tools.