What is it?

Cutting, grinding, breaking, chasing, sanding — noisy, vibrating tools are part of the job, but unmanaged exposure leads to hearing loss, tinnitus, and Hand–Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS). The Noise & Vibration Awareness (HAVS) Template gives you a clear, ready-to-brief toolbox talk + control plan so your team can reduce exposure, pick the right PPE/RPE, and record the essentials.

Built for small builders, sole traders and principal contractors who want practical controls and proof they were communicated.

⚠️ Note: Supports duties under the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005. It complements (not replaces) competent assessments and health surveillance.

Why You Need It:

1️⃣ Protect Hearing — For Life Prompts for elimination/substitution, quieter methods, time limits, and selecting hearing protection that actually achieves sufficient Single Number Rating (SNR) when combined with controls.
2️⃣ Manage HAVS the Right Way Explain trigger time, tool selection/maintenance, anti-vibration features, and exposure points so the team understands EAV/ELV and how to stay below them.
3️⃣ Make Controls Simple & Memorable Plain-English Do/Don’t rules: plan the task, rotate users, keep blades/bits sharp, use damping/grips, avoid tight grip and cold hands, and take micro-breaks.
4️⃣ Build a Solid Paper Trail Includes briefing sign-offs, exposure recording prompts (noise & HAV), and health surveillance triggers so you can show clients and auditors you’re on top of it.
5️⃣ Built for Real Sites Useful across demo, fit-out and refurb — quick to brief at the beginning of the day, easy to reuse on the next task or project.

What You Get:

✅ Fully editable Word document (DOCX)
✅ Toolbox Talk script (noise & HAVS fundamentals in plain English)
✅ Noise control checklist (method choice, duration, distance, barriers, hearing protection selection)
✅ Hearing protection selector (Single Number Rating (SNR) prompts, over/under-protection warning, fit & care)
✅ HAV control checklist (tool choice, maintenance, trigger-time limits, rotation, warming)
✅ Exposure recording sheets (daily trigger time / exposure points prompts)
✅ Health surveillance prompts (who, when, what to check; red-flag symptoms)
✅ Do/Don’t one-pager to print and post in the work area
✅ Supervisor quick guide (how to set limits and monitor in practice)
✅ Attendance register & signature sheet
✅ Action log (defects, excessive readings, follow-ups)
✅ Spaces for your logo, project details & date

Built for:

– Sole traders and small builders using noisy/vibrating tools
– Principal contractors coordinating multi-trade refurb/fit-out works
– Site supervisors who need a fast, credible briefing with proof of delivery
– Trades: demo crews, carpenters, dryliners, concrete cutters, groundworkers, M&E

Ready to cut exposure — not corners?

Grab the Noise & Vibration Awareness (HAVS) Template and deliver a no-nonsense, compliant briefing in minutes.