Hand-arm and whole-body vibration: limits and controls

Short answer: for hand-arm vibration, the action level is 2,5 m/s² and the occupational exposure limit 5 m/s²; for whole-body vibration, they are 0,5 m/s² and 1,15 m/s², each over an 8-hour duration. Reaching the action level means you must find out why and review your controls. Reaching the limit triggers a set of minimum measures in regulation 13.

Vibration falls under regulation 13 and Table 1 of the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 (Government Notice 5952, Government Gazette 52226, 6 March 2025), which took effect on publication. Hand-arm vibration reaches the hands and arms from tools such as grinders, drills and breakers. Whole-body vibration reaches the body through a seat or floor, typically for drivers and operators of mobile plant. The amendment published on 20 February 2026 (Government Notice 7149, Government Gazette 54177) did not change regulation 13 or Table 1.

The limits and what they trigger

Table 1 sets:

• Hand-arm vibration: action level 2,5 m/s²; occupational exposure limit (OEL) 5 m/s²; duration 8 hours.

• Whole-body vibration: action level 0,5 m/s²; OEL 1,15 m/s²; duration 8 hours.

The OEL is a time-weighted average, so exposure depends on both how strongly a tool or vehicle vibrates and how long it is used. Regulation 13 starts with eliminating vibration at the source, where reasonably practicable. Where that is not reasonably practicable:

• At or above the action level (regulation 13(2)): as a minimum, identify why the action level was reached and review control measures to prevent the OEL from being reached.

• At or above the OEL (regulation 13(3)): as a minimum, implement alternative working methods; install plant and machinery designed to produce the least possible vibration; run maintenance programmes for plant, machinery, the workplace and workplace systems; review the design and layout of workplaces, workstations and rest facilities; limit the duration and magnitude of exposure; provide protective clothing against cold and damp; and review the risk assessment, monitoring programme, medical screening, medical surveillance and control measures.

How vibration must be assessed and measured

• Risk assessment (regulation 6): before exposure, as far as reasonably practicable, then at intervals not exceeding 24 months, by a competent person.

• Monitoring (regulation 7): required where the risk assessment shows employees may be exposed at or above the OEL. It must be done at a frequency determined by the risk assessment, or at least every 24 months, by a competent person using calibrated instruments. An inspector may direct you in writing to repeat it. The regulations do not require an approved inspection authority for this work.

• Whole-body vibration: measured in accordance with SANS 2631, as regulation 13(4)(a) requires.

• Hand-arm vibration: measured along three axes over at least one exposure cycle, normalised to an 8-hour time-weighted average, with partial exposures from several sources combined. Where a tool is held with both hands, each hand is measured and the higher value counts.

• Timing: hand-arm measurements must be taken during the coldest period of the employee's shift, and during the coldest quarter of the year as determined by the risk assessment. A survey done in a warmer quarter may not comply.

• Medical screening (regulation 8): where the risk assessment indicates a need, before employment and then at intervals recommended by the occupational medicine practitioner, not exceeding 24 months.

Controls that work

• Buy low-vibration tools and plant: compare vibration information before you buy. Regulation 5 requires designers, manufacturers, importers and suppliers to design plant to minimise exposure and to give information on its use and maintenance.

• Maintain them: blunt bits and discs, worn bearings and worn anti-vibration mounts all increase vibration.

• Seats and surfaces: suspension seats suited to the vehicle and the driver, and well-maintained roads, yards and floors.

• Time and rotation: limit trigger time and driving time, and share high-vibration tasks across a team.

• Warmth: keep hands and body warm and dry, especially in cold or wet work.

The link with noise

Under regulation 11 of the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024, an area at or above the noise action level of 82 dBA (or a peak of 135 dBC) must be demarcated as a noise zone where employees are also exposed to whole-body vibration that exceeds the action level in the Physical Agents Regulations, 0,5 m/s². Drivers of mobile plant in noisy areas may fall into this group; see when a work area must be a noise zone.

A quick self-check

• List your hand-held power tools and mobile plant, and check that your risk assessment covers vibration and is less than 24 months old.

• Check when vibration was last measured, and whether hand-arm readings were taken in the coldest quarter of the year.

• Ask suppliers for vibration information before you buy tools or vehicles.

• Check maintenance records for tools, vehicle seats, and site roads and floors.

• Identify drivers who also work in areas at 82 dBA or more.

How Qualitas can help

Our vibration surveys measure hand-arm and whole-body vibration per tool, vehicle and task, work out 8-hour exposures, compare them with Table 1 and recommend practical controls, in a report written for management, SHEQ teams and auditors.

Where operators also work in noisy areas, a noise survey can be done at the same time, so the noise zone question is answered with both results. Our overview of the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 explains the wider framework.

Not sure what your site needs? Start with our free Compliance Gap Analysis, request a quote, or call or WhatsApp 082 649 6599.

This article summarises the Physical Agents Regulations, 2024 (Government Notice 5952, Government Gazette 52226, 6 March 2025), as amended by Government Notice 7149 (Government Gazette 54177, 20 February 2026), and refers to the Noise Exposure Regulations, 2024 (Government Notice 5953), for general guidance. It is not legal advice; refer to the regulations for the full requirements.

Christo de Wet is a SAIOH-registered occupational hygienist with 15 years' experience and the founder of Qualitas Occupational Consulting.