When this template fits
Contractors using breakers, grinders, cut-off saws, needle guns and other vibrating or noisy tools need this RAMS to show they are managing exposure to the legal action and limit values, not just handing out ear defenders. A PC reviewing a havs risk assessment will look for trigger-time budgeting and health surveillance, because hand-arm vibration syndrome is irreversible and a reportable disease under RIDDOR. The Noise and Vibration at Work Regulations make exposure management a measurable duty, not a discretionary one.
What this RAMS includes
- ✓ 8 task-specific hazards scored on a 5×5 matrix (initial → residual)
- ✓ Specific control measures for each hazard, in hierarchy-of-control order
- ✓ A 10-step method statement (sequence of works)
- ✓ PPE, plant/equipment, permits and competence requirements
- ✓ Emergency arrangements and operative briefing / sign-off section
Scope of works
Control exposure to noise and hand-arm vibration from tools and plant.
Sequence of works
- 1Before work begins, carry out a documented noise and hand-arm vibration risk assessment. Identify all tools and plant to be used, obtain manufacturer vibration and noise emission data, and calculate estimated daily exposure levels (A(8)) using the HSE ready reckoners or equivalent.
- 2Apply the hierarchy of control: first consider whether the noisy or vibrating task can be eliminated (e.g. pre-cut materials, mechanical methods). Where elimination is not possible, select the quietest and lowest-vibration tools available for the task.
- 3Brief all workers and supervisors before work starts via toolbox talk: cover exposure action and limit values, symptoms of HAVS and noise-induced hearing loss, maximum trigger/exposure times for each tool, and the site symptom reporting procedure.
- 4Erect acoustic screens or barriers and establish clearly signed hearing protection zones (HPZ) around noisy operations. Restrict access to HPZs to essential personnel only.
- 5Inspect all vibrating tools and equipment before use. Check anti-vibration mounts, blade condition, chisel sharpness, and handle integrity. Remove any defective tools from service and tag out of use.
- 6During work, monitor and enforce exposure time limits and job rotation schedules. Supervisors must track trigger times actively — do not rely solely on workers to self-manage. In cold or wet conditions, reduce permitted exposure periods and enforce warm-up breaks.
- 7Ensure all persons in HPZs wear correctly fitted hearing protection of adequate attenuation for the measured or estimated noise levels. Confirm fit and condition of PPE at the start of each shift.
- 8At the end of each shift, update exposure records for all workers using vibrating tools or working in noisy environments. Records should include tool used, duration, and any symptoms reported.
- 9Maintain tools in accordance with the planned preventive maintenance schedule. Replace worn consumables and anti-vibration components at manufacturer-specified intervals. Keep maintenance records on site.
- 10Ensure workers subject to regular vibration or high noise exposures are enrolled in the site health surveillance programme. Any worker reporting symptoms of HAVS or hearing change must be referred to occupational health promptly and removed from further exposure pending assessment.
Hazards, risk rating & controls
Risk = likelihood × severity (1–25). Initial is before controls; residual is with controls applied.
Noise-induced hearing loss
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Review whether the task generating noise can be eliminated entirely, e.g. using pre-cast or pre-cut components instead of on-site cutting or breaking.
- › Replace high-noise tools with quieter alternatives where practicable, e.g. use a battery-powered saw instead of petrol, or diamond-tipped blades that require less force.
- › Fit acoustic enclosures, damping mounts, or silencers to plant. Use sound-absorbent barriers or acoustic screens to shield bystanders and adjacent workers.
- › Designate hearing protection zones (mandatory HPZ signage) where levels reach or exceed 85 dB(A). Rotate workers to limit daily noise dose. Maintain exposure records.
Hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Redesign work processes to remove the need for vibrating tools, e.g. use mechanical excavation instead of hand-held breakers for trench excavation.
- › Select tools with the lowest declared vibration emission for the task. Compare manufacturer vibration data (m/s²) before purchase or hire. Use battery-operated tools in place of pneumatic equivalents where vibration is lower.
- › Calculate daily vibration exposure (A(8)) using HSE HAVs calculator. Restrict trigger time per worker to stay below the Exposure Action Value (2.5 m/s² A(8)). Rotate between vibrating and non-vibrating tasks. Maintain exposure records.
- › Enrol workers in a health surveillance programme before or at the start of regular vibrating tool use. Use tiered questionnaires and clinical examination. Act on early symptoms immediately.
Whole-body vibration (WBV)
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Select plant with low seat vibration ratings. Check manufacturer WBV data and prefer machines with well-designed suspension seating.
- › Keep plant well-maintained (tyres, suspension, seating). Improve haul road surfaces and compaction to reduce shock and vibration transmitted to operator.
- › Plan work schedules to rotate operators, avoiding continuous operation. Ensure operators take regular breaks away from the cab.
Noise exposure to bystanders and adjacent workers
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Erect temporary acoustic screens or hoarding around noisy work areas to attenuate noise to surrounding workers and the public.
- › Establish and enforce a segregated exclusion zone around high-noise activities. Only essential personnel permitted in the zone. Zone must be marked and communicated at briefings.
- › Provide and enforce use of appropriate hearing protection for all persons entering designated HPZs, not only operators.
Inadequate noise and vibration risk assessment
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Carry out a documented risk assessment before work starts, identifying tools, estimated trigger times, and likely daily exposure levels. Use HSE noise and HAVS ready reckoners or direct measurement where required.
- › Ensure the noise and vibration assessment is reviewed by a competent person (e.g. occupational hygienist) where exposures are likely to exceed upper action values or where complex plant combinations are involved.
Use of damaged or poorly maintained vibrating tools
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Operators must inspect tools before use; check for worn chisels, blunt blades, loose handles, damaged anti-vibration mounts, and report defects. Remove defective tools from service immediately.
- › Establish a scheduled maintenance regime for all vibrating tools and plant. Keep maintenance records. Replace anti-vibration mounts and worn consumables at manufacturer-specified intervals.
Cold and wet conditions exacerbating vibration effects
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Provide heated welfare facilities on site. Schedule regular breaks from vibrating tools in cold conditions, ensuring workers warm hands before resuming work.
- › Reduce maximum continuous tool use periods during cold or wet weather. Reassess daily exposure limits downward to account for the amplified physiological risk.
- › Provide thermal, wind-resistant gloves to maintain hand warmth. Note: anti-vibration gloves have very limited effectiveness and must not be used to justify longer exposure times.
Lack of worker training and awareness
Who’s at risk: Operatives, Other trades on site
- › Provide all workers using vibrating tools or working in noisy environments with site induction training and periodic toolbox talks covering: risks, exposure limits, symptoms to report, correct technique, and use of controls.
- › Establish a clear, confidential procedure for workers to report early symptoms of hearing damage or HAVS (tingling, numbness, whitening of fingers) without fear of penalty. Ensure supervisors are trained to act promptly.
PPE
- ✓ Safety footwear (EN ISO 20345)
- ✓ Hi-vis clothing
- ✓ Safety gloves (task-appropriate)
- ✓ Hard hat (EN 397) where overhead risk or site rules require
- ✓ Hearing protection (to the assessed SNR)
Competence
- ✓ Site induction completed; CSCS or equivalent where the site requires it
Schemes (CSCS, PASMA, IPAF…) evidence competence; they are not statutory requirements in themselves.
Plant & equipment
- › Low-vibration breakers and pneumatic tools with quoted magnitudes
- › Cut-off saws and angle grinders with vibration-damped handles
- › Sharp, correctly specified blades and consumables
- › HAVS exposure calculator or points ready-reckoner
- › Sound level meter for zone verification
- › Trigger-time logging cards or device
Permits & legislation
What principal contractors usually check
- ✓ That a trigger-time budget per tool is calculated against the A(8) action value, not a blanket 'wear gloves and take breaks'
- ✓ That health surveillance is named for the exposed operatives, with a route to act on early HAVS findings
- ✓ That tool selection lists actual vibration magnitudes so the exposure sums can be checked
- ✓ The document is site-specific — real address, access arrangements and dates, not a generic template
- ✓ Hazards match the actual task and the controls are specific (not “take care” and “use PPE”)
- ✓ Named supervisor and competent person, with operative sign-off space
- ✓ Emergency and rescue arrangements that work for this site
The report builder runs these as pre-submission checks before you download — or run an existing document through the free RAMS pre-submission checker.
Frequently asked questions
What trigger time hits the HAVS action value?
It depends entirely on the tool's vibration magnitude. The exposure action value of 2.5 m/s² A(8) is reached after about two hours of trigger time on a tool measuring 5 m/s², but after only 15 minutes on one measuring 10 m/s². That is why you must use the manufacturer's or HSE's magnitude figure and the HSE exposure calculator for each tool rather than a single rule of thumb. The action value triggers the need for controls and health surveillance; the limit value of 5.0 m/s² must not be exceeded at all.
At what noise level must I provide hearing protection?
Under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 the lower exposure action value is 80 dB(A) daily, at which you must make hearing protection available and provide information and training. At the upper action value of 85 dB(A) you must establish hearing-protection zones and ensure protection is worn. The exposure limit value of 87 dB(A), measured inside the ear protection, must never be exceeded. Hearing protection is the last line of defence — you should reduce noise at source first.
What regulations apply to noise & vibration (havs)?
Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 are the main ones. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 and CDM 2015 apply to all construction work.
Does a RAMS need to be site-specific?
Yes — this is the most common reason documents get sent back. Principal contractors reject generic copy-paste RAMS. Your document should name the site, access arrangements, dates, supervisor and any site-specific hazards. The RamsDocs builder fills these in for you and flags what's missing before you download.
Is this template free?
Yes — everything on RamsDocs is free during early access, including building a site-specific version of this RAMS and downloading the PDF. No card required.