RR1182 - Hand-arm vibration and noise emissions of battery powered tools compared with equivalent traditionally powered tools
Hand-held power tools such as saws and drills can produce noise and vibration. Occupational levels of exposure can damage workers’ health if they are not effectively controlled. Noise exposure can cause hearing damage and vibration can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS).
The use of battery-powered hand tools at work is increasing, for example in construction, motor vehicle repair and grounds maintenance. Many manufacturers of power tools suggest that battery-powered tools have considerably less noise and vibration emissions. However, the accuracy of these suggestions is not known.
This report describes research to compare noise and vibration emissions by battery-powered hand-held tools with those by traditionally-powered equivalents. The researchers made ‘in-use’ tests on a representative selection of tools: chain-saws; cut-off saws; combi-drills; reciprocating saws; impact drivers/wrenches; and angle grinders. The researchers found that the noise and vibration emissions of battery-powered tools can be higher or lower than those of traditionally powered equivalents.
These findings support the use of HSE guidance on ‘Hand-arm Vibration’ L140 (2019) and ‘Controlling Noise at Work’ L108 (2008) to protect workers. Duty holders should:
- identify tools capable of doing the job efficiently; and then
- consider emission data to avoid tools that have unusually high noise or vibration emissions
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